Delivered by: His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, Deputy Permanent Representative

Mr. President,

At the outset, I’d like to offer the sincere condolences of the United Arab Emirates to the People’s Republic of China regarding the passing of former President Jiang Zemin. His tenure will be remembered for China’s economic prosperity and stability. China, under his leadership, galvanized international efforts to promote global development and uphold the rights of women by hosting the Beijing Conference in 1995. His legacy lives on.

Mr. President,

Turning to today’s adoption, I’d like to thank Ambassador de la Fuente Ramírez and the Mexican delegation for their able leadership and tireless efforts as chair of the Security Council’s 1540 Committee, for leading the Comprehensive Review of the implementation of Resolution 1540 and achieving this landmark resolution.

The UAE welcomes the unanimous adoption of this resolution, which enhances the work of the 1540 Committee and its essential role in further assisting Member States in their implementation of Security Council Resolution 1540, and builds upon the outcomes of the latest Comprehensive Review, including the deliberations of Member States and other stakeholders during its open consultations.

The UAE also takes this opportunity to highlight its view of the importance of the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in all disarmament and non-proliferation activities and discussions, consistent with the Council’s Women, Peace, and Security commitments.

Mr. President,

While recognizing that the full and effective implementation of Resolution 1540 is a long-term endeavor, the UAE believes that this successful mandate renewal of the 1540 Committee for another 10 years will, with the support of its Group of Experts, provide the Committee with the necessary framework to address the continually evolving nature of the risks of proliferation within its mandate.

Thank you, Mr. President.