Statement by Ambassador KAIFU Atsushi at the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting starting on Monday, 7 September 2026 Item 6(b): Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
2026/9/9
Chair,
Japan fully aligns itself with the Joint Statement of the DPRK Core Group delivered by Canada.
Japan remains deeply concerned by the continued expansion of North Korea’s nuclear activities, as described in the DG’s latest report as well as the alleged proliferation activities by North Korea, and strongly condemns North Korea’s repeated ballistic missile launches, including launches on three occasions last month. These activities pose a grave threat to regional and international peace and security, and undermine the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.
In light of this, Japan once again emphasizes the following three points.
(1) Japan calls on the international community to uphold the commitment to the goal of achieving CVID of all North Korea’s nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction, and ballistic missiles of all ranges.
(2) Japan urges North Korea to return to full compliance with IAEA safeguards and the NPT, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
(3) Japan calls upon all Member States to fully implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Chair,
Japan has repeatedly stressed in this Board that the credibility and integrity of the IAEA are now being tested. Any attempts by one designated member of the Board to remove this agenda item from the Board’s agenda are unacceptable. It is also regrettable that another designated member no longer explicitly calls for North Korea’s denuclearization. Against this backdrop, the forthcoming General Conference provides an important opportunity to send a strong and united message to North Korea. Japan strongly believes that it is critically important that the GC resolution on North Korea be adopted by consensus once again. If consensus cannot be achieved, the broadest possible support from IAEA Member States will be essential. At this critical juncture, responsible action by all Member States is required.
Finally, Japan will continue to firmly support the Agency’s essential role and work closely with like-minded Member States toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea.
And, as repeatedly stated in my statements at previous sessions of the Board of Governors meetings, Japan has consistently maintained its path as a peace-loving nation since the end of World War II, contributing to global peace and prosperity. This stance remains unchanged.
Thank you, Chair.
Japan fully aligns itself with the Joint Statement of the DPRK Core Group delivered by Canada.
Japan remains deeply concerned by the continued expansion of North Korea’s nuclear activities, as described in the DG’s latest report as well as the alleged proliferation activities by North Korea, and strongly condemns North Korea’s repeated ballistic missile launches, including launches on three occasions last month. These activities pose a grave threat to regional and international peace and security, and undermine the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.
In light of this, Japan once again emphasizes the following three points.
(1) Japan calls on the international community to uphold the commitment to the goal of achieving CVID of all North Korea’s nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction, and ballistic missiles of all ranges.
(2) Japan urges North Korea to return to full compliance with IAEA safeguards and the NPT, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
(3) Japan calls upon all Member States to fully implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Chair,
Japan has repeatedly stressed in this Board that the credibility and integrity of the IAEA are now being tested. Any attempts by one designated member of the Board to remove this agenda item from the Board’s agenda are unacceptable. It is also regrettable that another designated member no longer explicitly calls for North Korea’s denuclearization. Against this backdrop, the forthcoming General Conference provides an important opportunity to send a strong and united message to North Korea. Japan strongly believes that it is critically important that the GC resolution on North Korea be adopted by consensus once again. If consensus cannot be achieved, the broadest possible support from IAEA Member States will be essential. At this critical juncture, responsible action by all Member States is required.
Finally, Japan will continue to firmly support the Agency’s essential role and work closely with like-minded Member States toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea.
And, as repeatedly stated in my statements at previous sessions of the Board of Governors meetings, Japan has consistently maintained its path as a peace-loving nation since the end of World War II, contributing to global peace and prosperity. This stance remains unchanged.
Thank you, Chair.