Press Releases
The 13th Asia Senior-Level Talks on Non-Proliferation (ASTOP-XIII)
1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan will host the 13th Asia Senior-Level Talks on Non-Proliferation (ASTOP-XIII) on January 31 in Tokyo. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kentaro Sonoura will deliver opening remarks on behalf of the Government of Japan.
2. Since 2003, Japan has hosted ASTOP to discuss the strengthening of non-proliferation efforts in Asia with the participation of senior government officials in charge of non-proliferation policies from ASEAN member states, China, Republic of Korea, as well as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, which share a common interest in the security of the Asian region.
3. Ambassador Kazutoshi Aikawa, Director-General, Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan will serve as chair of ASTOP- XIII. Discussions will focus on North Korean nuclear and missile issues including sanctions against North Korea and export control, as well as ways to strengthen counter-proliferation efforts, IAEA safeguards, and nuclear security.