Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

1. On April 24th, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the meeting with the heads of states of the Non-proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI) and exchanged views at the margin of the Second Session of the Preparatory Committee of the 2020 NPT Review Conference.

2. At the outset, Minister Kono stressed that the Treaty on Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is the most universal framework including nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon States as well as a cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. In this regard, Minister Kono stated that all state should be united and contribute to maintaining and strengthening the NPT. Minister Kono also mentioned that the various working papers submitted at this session were concrete and practical proposals and would contribute to advancing nuclear disarmament, leading to realizing “a world free of nuclear weapons.”Minister Kono noted that the role of the NPDI had become important ever in the middle of difficult situations surrounding nuclear disarmament. Minister Kono expressed his hope to further cooperate with the heads of states of the NPDI.

3. At the following session, the NPDI members shared their views on the importance of maintaining and strengthening the NPT as a cornerstone of the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. The members also stated that it is vital for the NPDI with various ways of thinking and approaches on nuclear disarmament to promote concrete and practical measures towards a successful 2020 NPT review conference.

4. Before closing, Minister Kono expressed his hope to keep holding a NPDI Ministerial Meeting at an appropriate timing in order to enhance momentum towards the 2020 NPT Review Conference.