New York (VNA) – Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representativeof Vietnam to the UN, has called for stepping up the implementation of the Nuc♌learNon-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) across all three piꦏllars, namely nucleardisarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Speakingat the meeting of the UN General Assembly’s Disarmament and International Security Committee (Committee 1) in New York on October 6, Giang said as the field of disarmament has not made significantprogress as expected, the international community needs to ramp up efforts topromote comprehensive and thorough disarmament, with nuclear disarmament andnon-proliferation as the top priority. ReaffirmingVietnam's consistent policy of supporting international efforts towardscomprehensive and thorough disarmament, especially nuclear weapons and weaponsof mass destruction, he called on the remaining countries to sign and ratifythe Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) to make it effective as soonas possible. Theambassador reiterated Vietnam's commitment to maintaining a Southeast Asian region free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction along with other ASEAN nations. He alsowelcomed the fact that nuclear-weapon states had signed and ratified the Treatyon the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) without reservation. TheVietnamese official underlined the need for high-level attention and a balancedapproach to conventional weapons issues. He expressed supported the use of outer space for peacefulpurpose and ensuring the right to access, exploration, and use of outer spaceby nations based on the UN Charter and international law. Regardingsolutions for the current situation, Giang highlighted the importance of buildingtrust and effectively reducing tensions through countries, both large andsmall, adhering to the basic principles of international law and the UNCharter. During multilateral negotiations on issues related to peace, security,and disarmament, he said strong political commitments, trust-building measuresand transparency are essential. On theoccasion, he reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to actively contributing to thework of the Committee 1 to promote peace, security and development.

Delegates at the eventalso underscored the importanceof multilateralism and called for the strengthening of disarmament andnon-proliferation mechanisms for the sake of global peace and security.

The meeting is expected to lasttill early November, with discussions 🙈on seven agenda items, including crucialissues such as nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, reform of disarmamentmachinery, enhancing international seﷺcurity, and ensuring the security andsafety of outer space./.