Oman leads UN efforts for nuclear-free Mideast

NEW YORK: The Permanent Mission of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations in New York, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), organised a side event titled 'Progress and Prospects for the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction.'
The event took place on the sidelines of the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), held at UN Headquarters in New York from April 27 to May 22.
Omar bin Said al Kathiri, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations, delivered a statement on this occasion in his capacity as Chair of the seventh session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction.
He affirmed that Oman's chairmanship of this track reflects international confidence in its balanced approach and its constructive role in promoting dialogue and understanding. He noted that the conference represents an important framework for consolidating a collective approach based on gradualism and consensus in addressing issues related to the elimination of weapons of mass destruction in the region.
He further said that the efforts undertaken within this track aim to create a more stable and secure regional environment by building confidence and enhancing dialogue among the states of the region. This, he affirmed, would pave the way towards reaching lasting arrangements leading to the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, thereby contributing to the development and stability of the region's peoples.
The event witnessed high-level participation from a number of senior international officials and representatives of concerned states and organisations.
Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, expressed her appreciation for the leadership role undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman, commending its responsible leadership during its chairmanship of the seventh session, as well as its initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and expanding international participation in support of this track.
In her statement, she also affirmed that the conference constitutes an important platform for multilateral dialogue, enabling states of the region to engage in constructive and sustainable discussions despite regional challenges. She noted that the progress achieved reflects a growing commitment from the states concerned, and that the establishment of such a zone remains a strategic goal that contributes to regional security and peace while strengthening the credibility of the non-proliferation regime at the international level.
This event exemplifies Oman's continued role in supporting international initiatives aimed at disarmament and non-proliferation, and in promoting peaceful solutions based on dialogue and diplomacy, consistent with the Sultanate of Oman's foreign policy grounded in moderation and balance, and in the service of security and stability at both the regional and international levels. - ONA