Vietnam pursues a consistent policy of supporting the efforts made by the international community towards the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, stated Ambassador Duong Chi Dung, head of Vietnam's Permanent Mission to the UN, the WTO and other international organisations in Geneva.

Ambassador Duong Chi Dung, head of Vietnam's Permanent Mission to the UN, the WTO and other international organisations in Geneva

The ambassador made the statement at the April 25 plenary meeting of the second session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) from April 23 to May 4, at the UN Office in Geneva.

He stressed the importance of the balanced implementation of the NPT’s three pillars, which are nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

He urged the countries to participate further in international treaties on nuclear disarmament and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and strengthen the resolve to make progress in their nuclear disarmament and comprehensive and complete disarmament.

The diplomat joined the other ASEAN member states in calling for nuclear powers to join the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty and related protocols. He said their involvement will ensure security for nations without nuclear weapons.

He also called on countries to implement the Resolution of the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference on creating a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East.

Regarding the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes, the Ambassador thanked the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its support for Vietnam and other developing countries in the field.

He highlighted Vietnam’s determination and commitments to implement the NPT as a trustworthy partner who spares no efforts for a peaceful world without nuclear weapons.

Nhan Dan