RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has stressed the growing interest of the Arab Group in combating the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, in light of the catastrophic security, humanitarian, and economic consequences of this phenomenon.
The statement was made during Saudi Arabia’s address to the UN, delivered by the Kingdom’s permanent representative, Abdulaziz Alwasil.
Alwasil stressed the importance of the Programme of Action as a consensus-based UN framework for combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and strengthening trust and cooperation among states.
He emphasized that the program was a standalone international framework and underscored the need to ensure its implementation does not overlap with other international mechanisms that lack broad consensus.
Alwasil also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and technical assistance in implementing the program, including the transfer of relevant technologies and the development of national capacities.
Saudi Arabia called for the continued study of the impact of modern technological developments to help address the challenges associated with this phenomenon.
