[Title] Statement by Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, at the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

Distinguished Ministers and delegates,

I am delighted that the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the CTBT is being held today.

Next year will mark the 80th year since the first nuclear test and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The catastrophes of Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated.

As you are well aware, the international security environment is becoming more severe, and the international community has become more divided over how to advance nuclear disarmament. The world is on the cusp of a reversal of the decreasing trend of the global number of nuclear arsenals. Concerns have been voiced that some countries may resume nuclear testing. North Korea has advanced its nuclear and missile activities, and there is a possibility of another nuclear test.

However, no matter how difficult the path may be, we must not stop taking steps.

As part of realistic and practical efforts towards a world without nuclear weapons, Japan has been underscoring the significance of the CTBT that places a qualitative cap on nuclear weapons development and has been attaching great importance to its universalization, its early entry into force, and strengthening its verification system.

The CTBT, to which 178 countries are parties, is one of the few concrete disarmament frameworks that now has near universal support. Japan once again welcomes the ratification of the Treaty by the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, and highly appreciates the progress in the universalization of the Treaty under the strong leadership of Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Provisional Technical Secretariat of Preparatory Commission for CTBTO. On the other hand, Russia, one of the Annex 2 States and the largest nuclear-weapon State among the States Signatories and States Parties of the CTBT, decided to revoke its ratification of the CTBT last November. Japan deplores this as it goes against the longstanding efforts of the international community.

We should further strengthen our efforts to promote entry into force and the universalization of the Treaty. In this regard, Japan continues to urge all states that have not done so, in particular the remaining States listed in Annex 2, to sign and ratify the Treaty. In addition, Japan urges all relevant states to declare new or maintain existing moratoriums on nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosions.

Japan is also committed to strengthening the verification regime of the CTBT. Maintaining and strengthening observation facilities within its own territory, Japan will further enhance the International Monitoring System.

Only the stronger solidarity of the Friends of the CTBT can bring the complete universalization of the CTBT and its early entry into force. I promise Japan's unwavering utmost contribution.

Thank you.

(END)