challenge to security and development in many parts of the world. In this regard, we fully support the UN Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its Aspects and we endorse Target 16.4 of the Sustainable Development Goals to significantly reduce illicit arms flows by 2030. We stand ready to keep supporting efforts deployed by affected states, in particular on the African continent, to this aim. We continue to promote effective systems of national controls for exports and imports of conventional arms, such as those called for in the Arms Trade Treaty, to contribute to international and regional peace, security, and stability. We express serious concern that a chemical weapon was used in a fatal incident on 13 February at Kuala Lumpur Airport 2 and express full support for Malaysia’s ongoing investigation. We encourage its continued cooperation with the OPCW for the organization to be in a position to address the case. OUTER SPACE Outer space activities have immense potential. We recognize the rapid development of the modern space environment and the importance of outer space activities both in the day to day lives of our citizens and for the social, economic, scientific and technological development of all states. We are committed to enhancing the long-term safety, security, sustainability, and stability of the space environment, to increasing transparency in space activities, and to strengthening norms of responsible behaviour for all outer space activities. MARITIME SECURITY We reaffirm our commitment to further international cooperation on maritime security and safety as well as the protection of the marine environment. We are convinced that only a combined effort will allow for a comprehensive response to threats to maritime security and ocean and seas conditions. We are committed to coordinating our actions internationally, regionally and nationally in order to achieve global benefits. We reiterate our commitment to maintaining a rules-based maritime order based firmly on international law, including as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and to peaceful dispute settlement, including through legal means and supported by confidence building measures. Joint Communiqué | G7 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING 22