Ms. Issa (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): As this is the first time my country’s delegation has taken the floor under your presidency of the Conference on Disarmament, I would like firstly to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency. We wish you success in your efforts and would like to express our deep appreciation for the transparent and open manner in which you have conducted the business of the Conference. We are confident that your experience will contribute positively to efforts to advance the work of the Conference, which is the sole multilateral negotiating forum for disarmament.