His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.

Madam President,

I thank our briefers for their remarks and for their valuable efforts under their respective mandates.

The United Arab Emirates recognizes nuclear non-proliferation as a cornerstone of our collective security. We have long supported international efforts, including by this Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency, to guarantee the peaceful nature of national nuclear programs. We have also advocated for enabling developing countries to have access to and benefit from the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

In 2020, the UAE became the first Arab country to launch and operate a nuclear power plant, in accordance with the highest international standards of nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation.

Madam President,

We underline the importance of resuming the full and timely implementation of all nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA, including by reversing steps taken which are contrary to the agreement. We also hope that dialogue can continue between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the IAEA in order to restore the Agency’s ability to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities, and thus provide the required assurances to the international community on the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.

Madam President,

The UAE is concerned about the findings in the Secretary-General’s report, which highlights that cruise missile parts, seized by the United Kingdom in January and February 2022, had many similarities with those of cruise missiles used by the Houthis in their terrorist attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The acquisition of missile and drone technology by non-State actors, particularly terrorist groups, is a grave threat to regional and international peace and security. It also destabilizes the region and prolongs conflicts as well as the suffering of millions of people.

Therefore, this Council must do more to counter this threat and prevent such weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists.

In conclusion, the UAE reaffirms its unwavering support for all genuine diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing nuclear non-proliferation regionally and globally. We also call on countries in our region and beyond to focus on enhancing areas of convergence and cooperation in order to achieve a safe, prosperous, and positive outlook for present and future generations.

Thank you, Madam President.