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 by Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, who stressed the importance of the Program of Action as a consensus-based United Nations framework for combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and boosting trust and cooperation among states. He emphasized that the Program of Action constitutes a standalone international framework and underscored the need to ensure that its implementation does not overlap with any other international mechanisms that do not enjoy 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 continued study of the impacts of modern technological developments in a manner that contributes to addressing the challenges associated with this phenomenon.
