SINGAPORE - The Permanent Representative of Singapore to the United Nations (UN) Karen Tan signed the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) on Dec 5 at the UN Office of Legal Affairs in the United States.
The ATT is the first legally binding instrument negotiated at the UN that regulates the international transfer of conventional arms. The Defence Ministry said in a statement on Saturday that signing it reaffirms Singapore's commitment to international efforts to eliminate the threat posed by the illicit arms trade.
The treaty will regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, such as battle tanks, combat aircraft and warships. Countries which are parties to the treaty are required to abide by a set of common international standards.
The ATT was opened for UN member states' signature acceptance, approval and ratification in June 2013. It will enter into force on December 24, according to the UN website.
