第64会期準備委員会ステートメント（海部篤大使）
令和7年6月24日
Thank you, Chair,
I would first like to express my gratitude to you, Ambassador Yacouba Cissé, for your able leadership, and to the PTS for their dedicated work in holding the 64th Session. My appreciation also goes to the Chairs of Working Group A, and of Working Group B, as well as the Chair of the Advisory Group, for their valuable contribution.
I would also like to thank the Executive Secretary, Dr. Robert Floyd, for his insightful and encouraging opening statement.
[Entry-Into-Force and Universalization]
In the face of escalating global tensions, the role of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) has become even more critical. Japan’s unwavering commitment to a world without nuclear weapons underpins our steadfast support for the CTBT. We firmly believe that the CTBT with a strengthened verification regime serves as a cornerstone of effective nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. Therefore, we call on all remaining states, particularly the nine States listed in Annex 2, to sign and ratify the treaty without further delay.
The upcoming Article XIV Conference in New York this September presents a pivotal opportunity to accelerate the treaty's entry into force. Japan appreciates Panama and Norway for their dedicated coordination efforts and contributions to date and also extends a warm welcome to Sweden and the Philippines as the conference's co-presidents. Japan is fully committed to contributing to its success and will actively engage with the international community to generate the necessary momentum for the CTBT's long-awaited entry into force. We express our profound appreciation to the Executive Secretary for his tireless efforts and achievements. Japan pledges its ongoing cooperation and support.
[Financial Position and IMS Sustainment Strategy]
Chair,
We are facing a critical juncture to the sustainability of the International Monitoring System (IMS) as the backbone of its verification regime. This demands to unite the wisdom of States Signatories and the PTS, demonstrating solidarity to find a realistic solution. A robust and sustainable IMS is undeniably crucial for the CTBT's effectiveness. Japan fundamentally supports the principle of Zero Nominal Growth (ZNG) for all international organizations given the current challenging fiscal climate. At the same time, we recognize the imperative of ensuring the IMS's continued effectiveness. Therefore, while adhering to our budgetary principles, Japan intends to constructively engage in the ongoing discussions to reach a consensus among States Signatories on a sustainable IMS strategy. Following the final budget proposal expected in July, Japan will thoroughly examine its content, ensuring cost-effectiveness and avoiding undue burdens. Japan continues to request the PTS to pursue further cost-saving measures.
[Challenges Against the Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Regime]
Japan expresses serious concerns over the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear and missile development. 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.
[External Auditor and Other Appointments]
Chair,
Japan firmly supports the appointments for the Directors, Chairperson of the Advisory Group, and Advisory Group members, recognizing that these appointments are crucial for the organization’s functioning. We welcome the numerous candidacies for the post of external auditor and commend the PC and WGA Chairs for their diligent efforts in advancing the process. We trust that these appointments will be made by consensus.
[Integrated Field Exercise 2026 and Science and Technology Conference 2025]
The Integrated Field Exercise (IFE) plays a vital role in strengthening on-site inspection capabilities, a pilar of the CTBT verification regime, and is crucial in preparing for the Treaty's entry into force. Japan welcomes the upcoming IFE in Namibia and expresses its gratitude to the PTS for their preparations. We also welcome the PTS's efforts towards the 2025 Science and Technology Conference (SnT) which offers a valuable opportunity not only to enhance the verification regime but also to promote and strengthen the application of verification technologies in civilian and scientific fields.
[Closing Remarks]
The success of our response to this challenge rests on the demonstrated unity and effective collaboration between States Signatories and the PTS. In conclusion, Japan looks forward to a productive and constructive discussion among States Signatories on these important issues, working together towards our shared goals.
Thank you, Chair.
I would first like to express my gratitude to you, Ambassador Yacouba Cissé, for your able leadership, and to the PTS for their dedicated work in holding the 64th Session. My appreciation also goes to the Chairs of Working Group A, and of Working Group B, as well as the Chair of the Advisory Group, for their valuable contribution.
I would also like to thank the Executive Secretary, Dr. Robert Floyd, for his insightful and encouraging opening statement.
[Entry-Into-Force and Universalization]
In the face of escalating global tensions, the role of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) has become even more critical. Japan’s unwavering commitment to a world without nuclear weapons underpins our steadfast support for the CTBT. We firmly believe that the CTBT with a strengthened verification regime serves as a cornerstone of effective nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. Therefore, we call on all remaining states, particularly the nine States listed in Annex 2, to sign and ratify the treaty without further delay.
The upcoming Article XIV Conference in New York this September presents a pivotal opportunity to accelerate the treaty's entry into force. Japan appreciates Panama and Norway for their dedicated coordination efforts and contributions to date and also extends a warm welcome to Sweden and the Philippines as the conference's co-presidents. Japan is fully committed to contributing to its success and will actively engage with the international community to generate the necessary momentum for the CTBT's long-awaited entry into force. We express our profound appreciation to the Executive Secretary for his tireless efforts and achievements. Japan pledges its ongoing cooperation and support.
[Financial Position and IMS Sustainment Strategy]
Chair,
We are facing a critical juncture to the sustainability of the International Monitoring System (IMS) as the backbone of its verification regime. This demands to unite the wisdom of States Signatories and the PTS, demonstrating solidarity to find a realistic solution. A robust and sustainable IMS is undeniably crucial for the CTBT's effectiveness. Japan fundamentally supports the principle of Zero Nominal Growth (ZNG) for all international organizations given the current challenging fiscal climate. At the same time, we recognize the imperative of ensuring the IMS's continued effectiveness. Therefore, while adhering to our budgetary principles, Japan intends to constructively engage in the ongoing discussions to reach a consensus among States Signatories on a sustainable IMS strategy. Following the final budget proposal expected in July, Japan will thoroughly examine its content, ensuring cost-effectiveness and avoiding undue burdens. Japan continues to request the PTS to pursue further cost-saving measures.
[Challenges Against the Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Regime]
Japan expresses serious concerns over the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear and missile development. 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.
[External Auditor and Other Appointments]
Chair,
Japan firmly supports the appointments for the Directors, Chairperson of the Advisory Group, and Advisory Group members, recognizing that these appointments are crucial for the organization’s functioning. We welcome the numerous candidacies for the post of external auditor and commend the PC and WGA Chairs for their diligent efforts in advancing the process. We trust that these appointments will be made by consensus.
[Integrated Field Exercise 2026 and Science and Technology Conference 2025]
The Integrated Field Exercise (IFE) plays a vital role in strengthening on-site inspection capabilities, a pilar of the CTBT verification regime, and is crucial in preparing for the Treaty's entry into force. Japan welcomes the upcoming IFE in Namibia and expresses its gratitude to the PTS for their preparations. We also welcome the PTS's efforts towards the 2025 Science and Technology Conference (SnT) which offers a valuable opportunity not only to enhance the verification regime but also to promote and strengthen the application of verification technologies in civilian and scientific fields.
[Closing Remarks]
The success of our response to this challenge rests on the demonstrated unity and effective collaboration between States Signatories and the PTS. In conclusion, Japan looks forward to a productive and constructive discussion among States Signatories on these important issues, working together towards our shared goals.
Thank you, Chair.