Wednesday: 24 November 2010:
UAE joins International Organization for the Control of Civilian Weapons (CIP)
CIP General Assembly, which is responsible for examining and controlling civilian weapons centers, has welcomed the UAE membership of the organization, as the first member from Asia and second member outside the European Continent after the Republic of Chile.
The event took place during CIP General Assembly two-day meeting hosted by the UAE. The meeting was organized by MoI in collaboration with "Tawazun" Holding Company for the first time in the Middle East.
Peter Gharbial Chairman of CIP lauded MoI efforts and the keenness of HH Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior's support to the meeting, indicting the UAE was the second member country outside the European Continent after the Republic of Chile, and first country in Asia and the Arab region. CIP was set up more than 100 years ago. He lauded the country's capabilities and large infrastructure which would qualify it for a leading role in the region.
Major General (S) Khalifa Harib Al Kheeli, MoI Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Support Services opened yesterday, at Hilton Hotel- Abu Dhabi. The activities of the CIP General Assembly meeting hosted by the UAE and organized by MoI in collaboration with Tawazun Holding Company.
The opening ceremony was attended by Major General Khamis Saif bin Suwaif, Director General of Criminal Security, a number of MoI officers, ambassadors of France, Italy, Finland, Belgium, Chile, Hungarian Charge d' affaires to the UAE, Representatives of participating Countries Embassies and delegations of 14 countries representing CIP Members.
Major General Al Kheeli said in his opening speech "It is our pleasure to have MoI honored with hosting CIP General Assembly meeting in the Capital Abu Dhabi. We would like to thank your organization for accepting the UAE as the first country from Asian Continent and second country outside the European Continent after the Republic of Chile".
"We affirm our keenness to double our efforts as an active member and supporter of the noble mission of your organization. This membership would enhance the UAE role in effective international participation in organizations and committees concerned with community safety and development, which your organization is a clear example of these goals", added Al Kheeli.
"Weapons and ammunitions are always part of the UAE heritage. But we are keen to regularize and organize their use by our community. Our participation in CIP instills our efforts to deepen these concepts", added Al Kheeli.
CIP General Assembly discussed in its meeting the ways of boosting cooperation and exchange of expertise between its 14 member states, in addition to its future plans and other relevant issues.
Some of the Organization delegations expressed their admiration for the progress made by the country and the development in different areas; especially on being their first visit to the UAE.