Chair,
We take note of the report from the Secretariat, including the recommendations from the Advisory Groups.
Norway takes the floor to call attention to an issue which we think is inadequately covered in the report. As mentioned by so many other delegations here tonight, the technology needed to syntethically produce the virus now exists. And a laboratory produced virus may potentially have the same capacities as the original virus. We believe we need to know more about the implications of this development for our health preparedness against potential future outbreaks.
We therefore support the proposal put forward by Mexico for the establishment of an expert group to look into this.
Thank you.