[Title] Statement by Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, at the 12th Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

Thank you for joining the twelfth Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the CTBT. I would also like to reiterate my respect for the strong leadership demonstrated by CTBTO Executive Secretary Floyd.

Thirty years ago, in this very forum of the UN General Assembly, the CTBT was adopted and opened for signature. The path toward nuclear disarmament since then has not always been smooth.

In particular, looking at the Indo-Pacific region, North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile programs continue to pose a grave concern and a serious challenge to the global non-proliferation regime.

We also cannot overlook the rapid and non- transparent build-up of nuclear capabilities by some country.

Yet we must not halt our journey toward a world without nuclear weapons. We believe that the CTBT, a vital pillar of the NPT regime, can play an even more important role.

As we mark the 30th anniversary, I would like to reflect on the proven value of this framework and reaffirm our determination for the next thirty years.

First, universality. Over the past few decades, the CTBT has achieved nearly universal support among UN member states. This year, with Tonga’s ratification, the number of ratifying States has reached 179. We sincerely welcome the completion of ratification of all member states in the Pacific region.

Japan will continue its efforts to advance the universality of the Treaty, step by step, through active engagement with Non-State Parties.

Second, despite the fact that the treaty has not yet entered into force, it has demonstrated its clear effects in practice on the ground.

The International Monitoring System (IMS) is absolutely vital. Over the past 30 years, the IMS has been expanded to more than 300 facilities, covering almost the entire world.

We would like to further strengthen the system to ensure the non-conduct of nuclear tests and adherence to nuclear test moratoria.

Last but not least, capacity-building. To sustain the CTBT’s effectiveness, developing experts who operate the IMS is indispensable.

Japan conducts annual training programs on nuclear test detection. To date, more than 300 participants from over 80 countries have participated. We will continue to advance such efforts.

These accomplishments of the past 30 years are not merely historical. They are a solid foundation for the future.

As the international security environment becomes more severe than ever, the NPT regime, and the CTBT as its essential pillar, are being tested.

Today, as we come together at the UN, the very starting point of the CTBT, let us reaffirm our determination to work together, with all our strength, toward the early entry into force of the Treaty and tangible progress in nuclear disarmament.