MOP President Hekali Zhimomi,
Honourable Justice Olmedo Arrocha Osorio,
Honourable Minister Novica Vuković,
UN Office on Drugs and Crime Deputy Regional Representative Melissa Flynn,
Dr Adriana Blanco Marquizo,
Distinguished guests, dear colleagues and friends,
The Illicit trade in tobacco products undermines both national sovereignty and the effectiveness of tax policies.
It also exacerbates inequalities, because illicit cigarettes are often cheaper and more accessible to vulnerable populations, such as young people.
Stopping the illicit trade in tobacco products requires a comprehensive, multisectoral approach and international cooperation.
About two-thirds of smuggled cigarettes are thought to come from major tobacco manufacturers themselves.
Evidence from government investigations, whistle-blowers and leaked tobacco industry documents all suggest the industry is complicit in this systematized illegal trade.
Countries are joining together and fighting back against Big Tobacco.
Membership in the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products now comprises 68 countries.
I call on all Parties to the Protocol, and development partners, to utilize its full potential, and work together to address this problem that knows no borders.
Thank you all for your commitment to eliminating the illicit trade in tobacco.
WHO remains committed to supporting all countries as we work together for our vision of a tobacco-free future.
I thank you.