Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on 50th anniversary of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Statement
July 1, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:
“Fifty years ago today, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty [NPT] was opened for signature, establishing a crucial cornerstone in efforts to limit the spread of the world’s most destructive weapons. The NPT is a foundational international treaty that has made the world more secure and stable. It now enjoys near universality, counting 191 countries as parties.
“In accordance with the NPT, the International Atomic Energy Agency oversees a robust global safeguards regime, enhancing confidence that states’ nuclear energy programs are exclusively peaceful in nature. As a result of the treaty, far fewer states currently possess nuclear weapons than had been predicted half a century ago.
“The NPT sets out legal obligations for the five nuclear-weapon states concerning the reduction of their nuclear arsenals, an area in which notable progress has been made since the height of the Cold War. It also is the only legally binding global treaty promoting nuclear disarmament.
“While these achievements should not be understated, it is clear that the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime requires further strengthening. From North Korea’s illicit nuclear weapons development to ongoing violations of key arms control agreements, the world now must confront troubling developments in this sphere.
“Canada continues to believe that a world without nuclear weapons is achievable and is committed to doing its part to strengthen this important element of the rules-based international order.”
Contacts
Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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