Kazakhstan statement at the General Debate of the 2026 NPT Review Conference
Mr. President,
At the outset, allow me to congratulate you (Ambassador Do Hung Viet) on assuming the Presidency of this Conference. You may count on the full support and constructive cooperation of my delegation.
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
We meet at a moment of profound consequence for international peace and security characterized by the erosion of the arms control frameworks, lack of trust among major powers as well as risks brought by rapid advances in AI and other emerging technologies.
The expiration of the New START Treaty has removed an important layer of predictability and transparency between the two largest nuclear arsenal-holders.
Kazakhstan’s firm decision to close the polygon 35 years ago and renounce the world’s fourth largest nuclear arsenal demonstrates that security does not necessarily need to rely on nuclear weapons.
Mr. President,
The credibility of the NPT depends on the balanced and full implementation of its three pillars.
The continued lack of tangible progress under Article VI is deeply concerning. We call for the restoration of strategic dialogue among all nuclear-weapon States and development of modern arms control frameworks, including practical nuclear risk-reduction measures. At the same time, risk reduction must complement and facilitate nuclear disarmament, not substitute it.
In this context, we recall the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to relaunch high-level dialogue among nuclear-weapon States. Kazakhstan stands ready to offer its good offices where appropriate.
The entry into force of the CTBT remains one of the most urgent unfinished tasks on the international agenda. In this year when the Treaty marks 30 years, we call for the Annex 2 States to sign and ratify the Treaty. The global norm and taboo against nuclear testing must be preserved under all circumstances.
Any rhetoric on nuclear weapon use or testing is destabilizing and undermines the very normative foundation of the Treaty.
Kazakhstan also recognizes the complementary role of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in reinforcing the humanitarian dimension of nuclear disarmament. As a nation that has first-hand knowledge of the human and environmental cost of nuclear weapons testing, we remain engaged in efforts to promote victim assistance and environmental remediation,.
Mr. President,
The non-proliferation framework is under growing strain. While the IAEA safeguards must be strengthened, we should remember that a sustainable and viable non-proliferation regime depends on balanced implementation across all pillars.
Kazakhstan continues to champion nuclear-weapon-free zones, including the Semipalatinsk Treaty that celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, as one of the most effective tools for advancing global nuclear disarmament and strengthening global and regional security. We continue to promote enhanced cooperation among all zones, including by having hosted in Astana two such inter-zonal meetings.
Mr. President,
In line with the Article IV of the Treaty , we support stronger international cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity-building.
Last year, Kazakhstan achieved a historic milestone in restoring its sovereign equality within the IAEA.
As the host to the IAEA LEU Bank, Kazakhstan also supports practical multilateral solutions that ensure reliable access to nuclear fuel while reducing proliferation risks.
We are in the process of building our first nuclear power plant.
Mr. President,
Kazakhstan believes that this Review Conference can become a starting point for agreeing on tangible, achievable and balanced outcomes across all three pillars.
Kazakhstan’s active engagement in the review process, including its role as Chair of the Second PrepCom and the Chair of Main Committee II, reflects our continued commitment to facilitating inclusive dialogue and advancing practical, consensus-based outcomes.
Kazakhstan stands ready to work with all partners in the spirit of responsibility, realism, and constructive engagement to ensure that our common Treaty remains fit for purpose in these turbulent times.
Thank you.