Press Releases

On February 28th, H.E. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan delivered a speech (English (PDF) / Japanese (PDF)) via pre-recorded video (recorded on Feb 14) 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 is currently at a historic inflection point and there is a greater imperative than ever before for the CD to fulfill its role as the only multilateral negotiating forum on disarmament.

Minister Hayashi stated that the 77 years of history, during which time no nuclear weapons have been used, must not be ended and that Russia’s nuclear threats, let alone its use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances cannot be accepted. He explained Japan's position regarding the current severe international security environment including the situation in Ukraine as well as North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities, and also stated that, as the Presidency of the G7, Japan will show our strong determination to firmly reject any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force as well as the threat and the use of nuclear weapons and to uphold the international order based on the rule of law.

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 reemphasized 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 highlighted the importance of maintaining and strengthening the NPT as the cornerstone of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, referring to Prime Minister KISHIDA’s proposal of “Hiroshima Action Plan” and Japan’s host of “the International Group of Eminent Persons toward a World without Nuclear Weapons”.

Moreover, Minister Hayashi stated that responsible engagements with arms control frameworks are of benefit for the international community, and expressed strong hope for dialogues leading to the development of a broader framework of arms control. He also called for deepening discussions on responsible military use of emerging technologies including AI as well as on outer space.