President Trump urged his foreign counterparts on Tuesday to put the security of their own countries first, much as he intends to do as the leader of the U.S., during a speech before the United Nations General Assembly.

"Our government's first duty is to its people, to our citizens, to serve their needs, to ensure their safety, to preserve their rights and to defend their values," Trump said.

"As president of the United States, I will always put America first. Just like you as the leaders of your countries will always, and should always put your countries first," he added.

At the 72nd annual gathering of diplomats and foreign leaders from 193 countries, Trump emphasized state sovereignty as a foundation for global peace and prosperity.

"Strong, sovereign nations let diverse countries with different values, different cultures, and different dreams not just co-exist but work side-by-side on the basis of mutual respect," the president said. He added that sovereign states "let their people take ownership of the future and control their own destiny."

The president touted the U.S. as an example of a strong, sovereign nation that has declined "to impose our way of life on anyone."

"Rather, [we] let it shine as an example for everyone to watch," Trump said. "In America, the people govern, the people rule, and the people are sovereign."