Statement by the delegation of Armenia, Mr. Arsen Kotanjyan, Counsellor of the Permanent Mission at the General Debate of the 2026 NPT Review Conference

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, as well as the other members of Bureau, on your election.

For more than 5 decades this Treaty served as a cornerstone of the international security architecture. It is designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament. We sincerely hope that inclusive and transparent discussions on global security matters will create more conducive environment thus bringing us closer to achieving tangible results on all three pillars of the treaty.

Armenia remains firmly committed to fulfilling its obligations under the NPT and reiterates its firm support for the full, complete, and effective implementation of the Treaty.

The Implementation of Article VI obligations remain pivotal for advancing nuclear disarmament and for reinforcing the international security architecture, particularly in the current challenging security environment.

In parallel, taking meaningful steps to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict is of vital importance today. We applaud continued observance of the voluntary moratorium on nuclear test explosions.

We strongly believe that disarmament agenda should be further pushed forward in accordance with the spirit and letter of the NPT. There are crucial steps that must be taken to further advance disarmament efforts, and among them is the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Armenia views the CTBT as one of the key elements of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and a strong instrument for constraining nuclear weaponry. We reaffirm our unwavering support for the objectives of the CTBT and encourage Annex 2 states to sign and ratify the Treaty.

We underscore the indivisibility of non-proliferation and the full compliance with all obligations under the NPT and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. In this respect we appreciate the crucial role of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency through its Safeguards agreements and Additional protocol. We are also proud that the Agency is able to regularly draw comprehensive safeguards conclusion for Armenia on an annual basis.

Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones are an important regional approach to strengthening global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament norms and consolidating international efforts towards peace and security. Armenia reaffirms its full support for the establishment of nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle East.

Mr. President,

The Treaty recognizes the inalienable right of all States Parties to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and guarantees that all Parties have the right to participate in the fullest possible exchange of equipment, materials and scientific and technological information for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

In this vein, the safe and secure use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes remains and will continue to remain a priority for Armenia.

In view of the emerging nuclear security threats, Armenia is consistently improving its nuclear security regime in close cooperation with its partners and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Driven by the successful uphold of high standards of safety and security in the operation of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant and with an ultimate goal of smooth transition to a new capacity by 2036, Armenia opted for a transparent and open policy for safe and peaceful uses of nuclear energy and will continue to pursue this policy further. In this respect we appreciate the crucial role of the cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency through its safeguards agreements and additional protocol, as well as its technical assistance program.

International cooperation has been playing an essential role in Armenia's efforts to improve the physical protection regime. Thanks to such cooperation, the Armenian nuclear power plant has been implementing a number of projects for the enhancement of nuclear security at the facility level in line with relevant recommendations of the IAEA. Armenia values the IAEA's key role in facilitating international cooperation on matters relating to nuclear security.

Mr. President,

The purpose of NPT review cycle is to reinforce the Treaty and reconfirm its enduring relevance. Today such reaffirmation is more important than ever. We remain firmly committed to working with all States Parties to safeguard the global non-proliferation regime, and will work constructively to ensure that this Review Conference marks the beginning of meaningful progress.

In conclusion, Armenia disassociates from the statement delivered yesterday by the Delegation of the Russian Federation on behalf of the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

Thank you.