JEDDAH, 1 July 2007 — Saudi Arabia, along with 140 countries, are meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, this week to discuss tobacco regulations in member countries.
The conference aims to follow up on the commitment of the member countries to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
Saudi Arabia has signed the treaty and became a member on June 24.
Agenda of the meeting will include discussing future protocols to the WHO FCTC on illegal trade of tobacco products, and tobacco advertising, including promotion and sponsorship. It will also tackle the guidelines for the implementation of smoke-free places and for product regulation.
“The meeting is concerned with the mechanism of applying the regulations and protocols focusing on illicit trade and tobacco advertising,” said Dr. Abdullah Al-Baddah, general supervisor of the anti-smoking program at the Ministry of Health.
Outcomes of the meeting will help countries to strengthen their tobacco control programs and practices through indoor smoking bans, comprehensive tobacco advertising bans and strict regulations of tobacco products.
