2006 was a year in which the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime continued to face various challenges, including North Korea's missile launches in July and the subsequent proclaimed nuclear test in October as well as Iran's nuclear issues. Under these circumstances, Japan engages in various diplomatic efforts for the maintenance and reinforcement of the disarmament and non-proliferation regime, with the aims of creating a safe and peaceful world free of conflicts and nuclear weapons and improving the international security environment.

   With regard to science and technology, Japan is working towards the prosperity of international society through bilateral and multilateral cooperation in fields such as nuclear energy, space, and nuclear fusion.