To secure nuclear security

His Majesty King Abdullah’s speech on behalf of the over 50 states participating in the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague is testimony to the exceptional political standing the Monarch enjoys in the international arena.

It is also recognition of the Kingdom’s efforts in the field, as Jordan has made nuclear security and cooperation a priority, with the country set to ratify, soon, the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.

Jordan, recognised as a country that stands for moderation, and regional and international security, believes in cooperation to secure nuclear security, which, the King said, demands a two-layer shield: tough security precautions and transparency that contributes to an alert and confident public.

In remarks at a working dinner held by Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, the King called for promoting an anti-nuclear armament culture as a prerequisite for nuclear security, warning that “we simply cannot wait for such a catastrophe [nuclear disaster] to happen before we act”.

“We must be ahead and stay ahead of the threat,” said King Abdullah.

Jordan’s stand on the issue is clear. But it takes the entire community of nations to ensure that no nuclear disaster or acts of nuclear terrorism happen.

That can be done through concerted efforts, including sharing information and technologies, and training.

The nuclear summit was initiated by US President Barack Obama who, in a speech delivered in Prague in 2009, described nuclear terrorism as one of the greatest threats to international security and called for joint international efforts to prevent it.

To be sure, nuclear terrorism could be practised not only by terrorist, radical groups, which have increased in number and strength during the past few years, but also by declared or secret nuclear powers.

Israel is the only nuclear power in the Middle East, but it denies being in possession of it; other countries, notably Iran, can be expected to follow suit.

Once the genie is out of the bottle, there is no effective way to end the proliferation of these weapons.

Some extremists around the world are trying hard to get hold of nuclear bombs manufactured by known nuclear nations that either have loose control over them or accept to sell them to the highest bidder.

This makes ensuring nuclear security a multi-faceted mission that needs to address all the dimensions of the problem, but that needs, above all, the willing cooperation of world states.

Jordan, as always, stands ready to contribute to the sincere and determined efforts to end nuclear terrorism from whatever source.