Statement by Ambassador Mr. Atsushi KAIFU at the 65th Session of the Preparatory Commission
2025/11/10
Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
This session stands as a moment of great importance. Above all, it is through reaching agreement on the Programme and Budget that we safeguard the very functioning of the CTBT and the integrity of its verification regime. Without consensus on this foundation, the work of the CTBT cannot endure.
At the outset, Japan expresses its sincere appreciation to the chair for preparing for and navigating of this important session, and my appreciation also goes to the Provisional Technical Secretariat for its diligent preparation of the Zero Nominal Growth budget. In times of constraint, the PTS has acted with prudence and balance, crafting a plan that honors efficiency while preserving the essential mission entrusted to it. Japan commends this spirit of responsibility and fiscal discipline.
Yet even the soundest budget rests upon a greater task—the enduring maintenance of the International Monitoring System. The IMS is not merely a technical network; it is the vigilant sentinel of our collective security. Japan urges all States Signatories to continue serious, practical, and forward-looking discussions, together with the PTS, so that, in the nearest future, we may together build a shared understanding rooted in operational realities and common stewardship.
Japan recalls with deep concern that since the CTBT’s opening for signature, it is only North Korea that has broken the de facto moratorium on nuclear testing. This is not a regional concern among many. It strikes at the very core of the CTBT’s purpose and verification mandate. The North Korea’s nuclear tests stand as a direct affront to the principles that unite us.
In this context, Japan expresses serious concerns over the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear and missile development including its ballistic missile launch last week. We urge North Korea not to conduct any destabilizing or provocative actions, including a nuclear test. Japan also urges North Korea to comply with its obligations under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, to return to full compliance with the NPT and to sign and ratify the CTBT at the earliest possible date. Japan reiterates its firm dedication to achieving the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with UNSC resolutions and remains resolute in upholding its crucial responsibilities toward this goal.
In consideration of the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, Japan condemns any act that could undermine the effectiveness of the CTBT’s verification system and asserts that such act should never be tolerated.
Mr. Chair,
Japan pays renewed tribute to the Executive Secretary for his tireless journeys across continents in steadfast advocacy of the Treaty. In every place he visits, he plants the seeds of dialogue and rekindles the light of commitment. We recall his visit to Japan this August, upon the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and his solemn presence at the Peace Memorial Ceremonies both in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Japan further commends the Executive Secretary for his tireless efforts to advance the Treaty’s entry into force. In difficult times, true leadership is measured by persistence and conviction, and his dedication continues to inspire all States Signatories.
The entry into force of the CTBT remains our shared and historic mission. Every ratification strengthens the wall that shields humanity from the return of nuclear testing. Japan calls upon all remaining Annex 2 States to take the decisive step toward signature and ratification without delay.
Capacity building, likewise, is not a mere supporting activity—it is the vital heartbeat of the verification system. Japan places great importance on these activities, which empower all States to sustain the IMS and to share equally in its benefits.
As we approach the thirtieth anniversary of the Treaty’s opening for signature, Japan calls upon all States Signatories to stand united, resolute in purpose and spirit. Let us move forward together, guarding what we have built, and keeping faith with the promise that Nagasaki shall forever remain the last.
In concluding, just for the sake of clarity, Japan firmly maintains its Three Non-Nuclear Principles of not possessing, not producing and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons.
Thank you.
This session stands as a moment of great importance. Above all, it is through reaching agreement on the Programme and Budget that we safeguard the very functioning of the CTBT and the integrity of its verification regime. Without consensus on this foundation, the work of the CTBT cannot endure.
At the outset, Japan expresses its sincere appreciation to the chair for preparing for and navigating of this important session, and my appreciation also goes to the Provisional Technical Secretariat for its diligent preparation of the Zero Nominal Growth budget. In times of constraint, the PTS has acted with prudence and balance, crafting a plan that honors efficiency while preserving the essential mission entrusted to it. Japan commends this spirit of responsibility and fiscal discipline.
Yet even the soundest budget rests upon a greater task—the enduring maintenance of the International Monitoring System. The IMS is not merely a technical network; it is the vigilant sentinel of our collective security. Japan urges all States Signatories to continue serious, practical, and forward-looking discussions, together with the PTS, so that, in the nearest future, we may together build a shared understanding rooted in operational realities and common stewardship.
Japan recalls with deep concern that since the CTBT’s opening for signature, it is only North Korea that has broken the de facto moratorium on nuclear testing. This is not a regional concern among many. It strikes at the very core of the CTBT’s purpose and verification mandate. The North Korea’s nuclear tests stand as a direct affront to the principles that unite us.
In this context, Japan expresses serious concerns over the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear and missile development including its ballistic missile launch last week. We urge North Korea not to conduct any destabilizing or provocative actions, including a nuclear test. Japan also urges North Korea to comply with its obligations under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, to return to full compliance with the NPT and to sign and ratify the CTBT at the earliest possible date. Japan reiterates its firm dedication to achieving the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with UNSC resolutions and remains resolute in upholding its crucial responsibilities toward this goal.
In consideration of the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, Japan condemns any act that could undermine the effectiveness of the CTBT’s verification system and asserts that such act should never be tolerated.
Mr. Chair,
Japan pays renewed tribute to the Executive Secretary for his tireless journeys across continents in steadfast advocacy of the Treaty. In every place he visits, he plants the seeds of dialogue and rekindles the light of commitment. We recall his visit to Japan this August, upon the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and his solemn presence at the Peace Memorial Ceremonies both in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Japan further commends the Executive Secretary for his tireless efforts to advance the Treaty’s entry into force. In difficult times, true leadership is measured by persistence and conviction, and his dedication continues to inspire all States Signatories.
The entry into force of the CTBT remains our shared and historic mission. Every ratification strengthens the wall that shields humanity from the return of nuclear testing. Japan calls upon all remaining Annex 2 States to take the decisive step toward signature and ratification without delay.
Capacity building, likewise, is not a mere supporting activity—it is the vital heartbeat of the verification system. Japan places great importance on these activities, which empower all States to sustain the IMS and to share equally in its benefits.
As we approach the thirtieth anniversary of the Treaty’s opening for signature, Japan calls upon all States Signatories to stand united, resolute in purpose and spirit. Let us move forward together, guarding what we have built, and keeping faith with the promise that Nagasaki shall forever remain the last.
In concluding, just for the sake of clarity, Japan firmly maintains its Three Non-Nuclear Principles of not possessing, not producing and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons.
Thank you.