Foreign Minister received the new Executive Secretary of the CTBTO

Nur-Sultan, August 27, 2021 – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi met with Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Robert Floyd, who is in Kazakhstan on an official visit. This is the first foreign trip of Mr. Floyd since taking office.

Mr. Tileuberdi reaffirmed Kazakhstan's steadfast commitment to the policy of strengthening the nuclear test ban regime, the creation of a nuclear-weapon-free world and the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). It is very symbolic that the Executive Secretary made his first official trip to Kazakhstan and visited the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site on the eve of the 30th anniversary of its closure. It also coincides with the upcoming International Day against Nuclear Tests on August 29 and the 15th anniversary of the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia.

Mr. Floyd, having thanked Kazakhstan for supporting the activities of the CTBTO, highlighted the special role of Kazakhstan in the field of nuclear disarmament and expressed hope that together the Treaty countries will secure a nuclear-free world.

The parties also discussed pressing issues of cooperation, in particular, strengthening the verification regime, which provides for the operation of a network of stations of the international system for monitoring nuclear tests and on-site inspections.

Following the meeting, the parties adopted a Joint Statement, which reaffirms their commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. It also calls on all States to continue to abide by the moratorium on nuclear tests, as well as to sign and/or ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty aimed at maintaining international peace and security.