Madam President,

          As this is my first time taking the floor under your presidency, let me begin by congratulating you on assuming this position and assuring you of the full support of my delegation. We deeply appreciate the work done by your two predecessors this year – the Ambassador of Sri Lanka for facilitating the adoption of decision CD/2119, and the Ambassador of Sweden for identifying five Coordinators on the basis of equitable regional representation to lead the work of the subsidiary bodies. These efforts were critical for bringing us closer to the resumption of substantive work in the CD.

By the end of the Swedish presidency, we came quite close to formally putting in place an operative framework to implement the adopted decision. We faltered at the end, not due to the lack of political will that often afflicts the CD, but because of differing interpretations suiting our respective priorities, that were at odds with decision CD/2119. We are glad that all those issues have been amicably resolved under your leadership. 

Madam President,

You undertook extensive consultations right from the moment that you took the baton from the Swedish Ambassador. My delegation engaged with you most constructively in this endeavour, in order to find a compromise that would address the concerns of all Member States to commence implementation of Decision CD/2119. We commend and congratulate you on your success in presenting a package that met the consensus approval of the CD. It would not have been possible without the commitment and flexibility shown by all the concerned delegations.

We are pleased to note that with the adoption of this decision today, we have put in place a structure for holding substantive discussions on all agenda items. My delegation will actively participate in this activity, utilizing it to its optimum potential. It is an opportunity to develop a better understanding for building convergences. We hope that all Member States will participate in the meetings of the five subsidiary bodies with equal zeal and enthusiasm.  

Madam President,

I note here the statement made by the Coordinator of Subsidiary Body-2, the Ambassador of the Netherlands, highlighting his intention to devote one of the sessions to issues other than fissile materials. This would allow member states to raise and discuss pertinent issues that logically fall under agenda item no. 2.   

Let me also take this opportunity to pledge our full support and cooperation to each one of the five Coordinators and thank them for volunteering for these positions. We look forward to working them closely in the weeks ahead.   

I conclude by once again thanking you, Madam President, for your sterling efforts.

I thank you, Madam President.