Press Releases

On March 2, H.E. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan delivered a speech (English (PDF) / Japanese (PDF)) via pre-recorded video (recorded on Feb 25) at the High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) held in Geneva.

At the outset of the speech, Minister Hayashi stated that the international community needs to revitalize the CD, which is the only multilateral negotiating forum on disarmament.

Given the increasingly severe security environment, Minister Hayashi stated that Japan will continue to discuss with relevant states in order to advance arms control and disarmament efforts that ensure the involvement of relevant countries. Furthermore, the Minister also called on all states to enhance confidence building measures such as increasing the transparency of their military capabilities and policies.

Minister Hayashi reaffirmed Japan’s strong commitment to leading international efforts toward a world without nuclear weapons as the only country to have suffered atomic bombings during war. To this end, Minister Hayashi emphasized the importance of the immediate commencement of negotiations on a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons (FMCT) as well as the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Furthermore, the Minister also explained Japan's efforts to maintain and strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and introduced Prime Minister KISHIDA’s announcement to establish the International Group of Eminent Persons toward a World without Nuclear Weapons.

Minister Hayashi also explained Japan's position regarding the current situation in Ukraine as well as North Korea's nuclear and missile activities. Given the latest developments, H.E. Ambassador of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament, OGASAWARA Ichiro, made an additional statement (English (PDF) / Japanese (PDF)) at the floor.