CTBTO準備委員会第64会期作業部会Bステートメント（菊地信之公使参事官）（英語ページへのリンク）
令和7年2月18日
Thank you, Mr. Chair,
I would like to thank not only first Mr. Erlan Batyrbekov, but not only him, but also the Vice-Chairs, the Task Leaders, the Chairs of the Expert Group Meetings and the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) for their dedicated work. I would also like to thank the Executive Secretary (ES), Dr. Floyd, for his opening statement and we warmly welcome the renewal of his appointment for a second term.
[Effective implementation of the verification regime]
Mr. Chair,
Japan attaches great importance to the CTBT as a realistic and practical nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation instrument for advancing towards a world without nuclear weapons. Japan highly values the functionality and effectiveness of its verification regime against nuclear testing.
In this context, the International Monitoring System (IMS) and the International Data Center (IDC) are indispensable for the detection of nuclear testing. Japan appreciates the continued efforts of the PTS in ensuring the availability of reliable IMS data and the distribution of quality IDC products throughout the second half of 2024.
When it comes to On-site inspection (OSI), this should be relied upon as the final and definitive tool to verify Member States’ compliance with the Treaty. Japan supports the timely execution of the Third Integrated Field Exercise (IFE).
[IMS sustainment]
Mr. Chair,
This year marks an important moment for discussions on IMS sustainment. Japan appreciates the PTS for providing three financial scenarios including its variations and corresponding risk assessments following the previous session, WGB63. This serves as a solid foundation for our serious and realistic discussions and considerations.
Japan's fundamental policy on the budgets of international organizations remains that of Zero Nominal Growth (ZNG). At the same time, Japan places great importance on maintaining IMS functionality and effectiveness. In light of this, Japan emphasizes the importance of ensuring the efficient use of financial resources wherever possible.
Japan is optimistic that State Signatories, in close cooperation with the PTS, will find suitable solutions that meet our common goal of sustaining the IMS and State Signatories' individual needs.
[Global Seismological Observation Training Course]
Mr. Chair,
Capacity building plays a crucial role in reinforcing the CTBT verification regime.
Since 1995, Japan has hosted government officials and technical experts on an annual basis—particularly from non-Signatory and non-ratifying States—through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Global Seismological Observation Training Course.
This year, Japan is hosting trainees from the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) region, as well as from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC). This initiative underscores Japan’s unwavering commitment to enhancing National Data Center’s (NDC) capabilities in seismic observation and data analysis. Japan is confident that this training course contributes significantly to global verification efforts and will continue to be an integral element of Japan’s support for the Treaty.
[Challenges against the Nuclear Disarmament & Non-Proliferation Regime]
Mr. Chair,
Japan expresses serious concerns over North Korea’s advancement of nuclear and missile activities. 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 an early date.
[Closing Remarks]
We are confident that this session will be another opportunity to reaffirm our solidarity towards achieving our common goals.
Thank you, Chair.
I would like to thank not only first Mr. Erlan Batyrbekov, but not only him, but also the Vice-Chairs, the Task Leaders, the Chairs of the Expert Group Meetings and the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) for their dedicated work. I would also like to thank the Executive Secretary (ES), Dr. Floyd, for his opening statement and we warmly welcome the renewal of his appointment for a second term.
[Effective implementation of the verification regime]
Mr. Chair,
Japan attaches great importance to the CTBT as a realistic and practical nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation instrument for advancing towards a world without nuclear weapons. Japan highly values the functionality and effectiveness of its verification regime against nuclear testing.
In this context, the International Monitoring System (IMS) and the International Data Center (IDC) are indispensable for the detection of nuclear testing. Japan appreciates the continued efforts of the PTS in ensuring the availability of reliable IMS data and the distribution of quality IDC products throughout the second half of 2024.
When it comes to On-site inspection (OSI), this should be relied upon as the final and definitive tool to verify Member States’ compliance with the Treaty. Japan supports the timely execution of the Third Integrated Field Exercise (IFE).
[IMS sustainment]
Mr. Chair,
This year marks an important moment for discussions on IMS sustainment. Japan appreciates the PTS for providing three financial scenarios including its variations and corresponding risk assessments following the previous session, WGB63. This serves as a solid foundation for our serious and realistic discussions and considerations.
Japan's fundamental policy on the budgets of international organizations remains that of Zero Nominal Growth (ZNG). At the same time, Japan places great importance on maintaining IMS functionality and effectiveness. In light of this, Japan emphasizes the importance of ensuring the efficient use of financial resources wherever possible.
Japan is optimistic that State Signatories, in close cooperation with the PTS, will find suitable solutions that meet our common goal of sustaining the IMS and State Signatories' individual needs.
[Global Seismological Observation Training Course]
Mr. Chair,
Capacity building plays a crucial role in reinforcing the CTBT verification regime.
Since 1995, Japan has hosted government officials and technical experts on an annual basis—particularly from non-Signatory and non-ratifying States—through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Global Seismological Observation Training Course.
This year, Japan is hosting trainees from the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) region, as well as from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC). This initiative underscores Japan’s unwavering commitment to enhancing National Data Center’s (NDC) capabilities in seismic observation and data analysis. Japan is confident that this training course contributes significantly to global verification efforts and will continue to be an integral element of Japan’s support for the Treaty.
[Challenges against the Nuclear Disarmament & Non-Proliferation Regime]
Mr. Chair,
Japan expresses serious concerns over North Korea’s advancement of nuclear and missile activities. 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 an early date.
[Closing Remarks]
We are confident that this session will be another opportunity to reaffirm our solidarity towards achieving our common goals.
Thank you, Chair.