The Permanent Mission of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations in New York, in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, organised an event entitled “Progress and Prospects for the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction.” The event was held on the sidelines of the eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), taking place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from April 27 to May 22, 2026.

Ambassador Omar Said Omar Alkathiri, the Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations, delivered remarks on this occasion in his capacity as President of the seventh session of the Conference on the Establishment of the Zone. He said that Oman’s presidency of this process reflects international confidence in its balanced approach and its constructive role in promoting dialogue and understanding. He noted that the Conference provides an important framework for consolidating a collective approach based on gradual progress and consensus in addressing issues related to the disarmament of weapons of mass destruction in the region.

Ambassador Al Kathiri explained that the efforts undertaken within this process aim to create a more stable and secure regional environment by building confidence and promoting dialogue among the countries of the region. This, he said, would pave the way towards lasting arrangements that lead to the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, while supporting development and stability for the peoples of the region.

The event saw high level participation from senior international officials and representatives of states and relevant organisations. Izumi Nakamitsu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, expressed her appreciation for the leadership role played by the Sultanate of Oman. She commended the responsible leadership it had shown during its presidency of the seventh session, as well as its initiatives to promote transparency and broaden international participation in support of this process.

In her remarks, Nakamitsu also said that the Conference provides an important platform for multilateral dialogue, enabling the countries of the region to engage in constructive and sustained discussions despite regional challenges. She noted that the progress achieved reflects a growing commitment by the countries concerned and that establishing such a zone remains a strategic objective that contributes to strengthening regional peace and security, while enhancing the credibility of the international non proliferation regime.

The event reflects the continued role of Oman in supporting international initiatives aimed at disarmament and non proliferation, as well as peaceful solutions based on dialogue and diplomacy, in line with Oman’s foreign policy of moderation and balance and its commitment to regional and international security and stability.