The US Embassy recently hosted a seminar in cooperation with the Prince Naif Academy to identify commercial goods that could be misused for the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

The economic section at the US Embassy organized the four-day seminar, which was supported by the United Nations Security Council.

The seminar aims to increase global security, protect the domestic interests of the Kingdom and foster legitimate trade that is vital for economic growth.

The event is part of a series of engagement initiatives between the United States and Saudi Arabia and is indicative of the long-standing commitment of both countries to maintain international peace and regional economic security.

The seminar was also sponsored by the US Department of State’s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program.

Several experts from the US Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration and International Nonproliferation Export Control Program (INECP) participated in the seminar.

Officials from Saudi ministries also participated in the seminar, while US technical experts discussed various strategic commodities used in the manufacture of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery.

Participants also plan to build on this seminar for future cooperation in strengthening the Kingdom’s capability in managing strategic goods and technologies to support international export controls.

The EXBS program seeks to assist governments as they develop and strengthen strategic trade and border control systems that meet international standards.