Thank you to SEESAC for the warm welcome to the GS-Foundation at the opening of the 19th SALW Conference. We were delighted to learn more about the impressive work being done in Southeast and East Europe at the 19th meeting of the SALW Commissions in Podgorica last week, which marked the 10th anniversary of this process. The importance of controlling small arms and light weapons (SALW) as an integral part of Security Sector Reform (SSR) cannot be overstated. This is particularly important today, as effective SALW control is critical to preventing violence and promoting peace and stability in the region.