Cambodia has reaffirmed its support for global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, calling for stronger international cooperation and concrete progress towards a world free of nuclear weapons at the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Speaking at United Nations Headquarters in New York on April 27, Senior Minister Sok Siphana, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Cambodia to the United Nations, congratulated Ambassador Do Hung Viet of Viet Nam on his election as chair of the conference and pledged Cambodia’s full support.
Siphana said Cambodia aligned itself with statements delivered by the Philippines, Uganda, and South Africa on behalf of ASEAN, the Non-Aligned Movement, and states parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
He noted that the conference was taking place amid heightened strategic rivalry, an expanding arms race, and weakening multilateral cooperation, creating growing uncertainty for international peace and security.
Siphana outlined five key priorities during the meeting.
“First, Cambodia reaffirms the central role of the NPT as the cornerstone of global efforts in nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. We call on Nuclear-Weapon States, which bear special responsibility for international peace and security, to reduce nuclear risks and refrain from actions that could exacerbate them.
Second, Cambodia underscores the importance of fully implementing commitments under the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which complement and reinforce the NPT’s disarmament and non-proliferation pillars. We look forward to the First Review Conference of the TPNW and stand ready to work with partners to advance its objectives.
Third, we urge all remaining Annex 2 States to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Its long-awaited entry into force is essential to preserving the global norm against nuclear testing and preventing a renewed arms race. Any such testing must be avoided, as it would undermine decades of progress, erode trust, and heighten global instability.
Fourth, Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to preserving Southeast Asia as a nuclear-weapon-free zone, as enshrined in the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone and the ASEAN Charter. We encourage continued engagement between ASEAN and Nuclear-Weapon States.
Fifth, the inalienable right of States Parties to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes must be respected. Cambodia commends the IAEA for promoting nuclear science and technology for sustainable development and calls for enhanced technical cooperation, particularly for developing countries.”
In closing, Siphana said effective implementation of the NPT depends on collective political will and urged the conference to deliver practical, forward-looking outcomes that strengthen trust, improve accountability, and advance the shared goal of eliminating nuclear weapons worldwide. dwide. AKP
