Mr. Chairman,

The Delegation of the United Arab Emirates wishes to associate itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Arab Group and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Mr. Chairman,

The UAE reaffirms its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and emphasizes the right of states to develop nuclear energy for peaceful uses, as the UAE is considered a model in the region for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The UAE also attaches importance to the establishment of a world free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

Despite the existence of zones free of nuclear weapons in our world and the importance of the foundations and principles developed by the Non-proliferation Treaty to counter proliferation, there are existing obstacles which need to be overcome to achieve the ultimate goal of total elimination of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

In this context, my country affirms its continued commitment to support dialogue, consultation and all efforts aimed at achieving progress in the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. We also hope that positive and serious steps will be taken to implement the mechanisms and the outcome of the 2010 NPT Review Conference, and ensure that the postponed conference on the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East is held with the participation of all countries in the region. In this regard, my country renews its call for Israel, the only state in the region which has not yet acceded to the NPT Treaty, to do so. 

In this context, The UAE reaffirms the importance of Iran’s adherence and its full commitment to the provisions of the Nuclear Agreement and the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan (JCPOA), as its nuclear and missile activities continue to be a source of concern that undermines security and stability in the region. My country also hopes that Iran’s implementation of the provisions of the nuclear agreement and the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan will be reflected in its behavior in the region. In this regard, the UAE supports international efforts, including the strategy announced by the United States to put an end to Iranian activities that undermine security and stability in the region. The UAE reiterates that Iran’s compliance and its full and transparent implementation of the  JCPOA are essential to build confidence.

Mr. Chairman,

In conclusion, we call on the international community to make further efforts to reach a consensus on the development of the work of this Committee and to adopt effective measures that contribute to the promotion of regional and international peace and security.

Thank you.