Chair,

In addition to the statement delivered by the European Union, I would like to offer the following remarks in my national capacity. 

Chair, Excellencies, and distinguished delegates,

Agreements and instruments for maintaining peace and stability are under immense stress. The global nuclear weapons stockpile is growing again. And to cap it all off, a nuclear-weapon State is waging war against a non-nuclear weapon State in Europe and routinely threatening with the use of nuclear weapons.

In the face of these developments, the Netherlands remains firmly committed to reducing the global nuclear stockpile, resolving nuclear tensions, and standing against any backsliding on our shared commitment to non-proliferation. 

Therefore, we call on States that have not yet done so, particularly those listed in Annex 2, to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and maintain the moratorium on nuclear testing. We strongly deplore the withdrawal by Russia of its ratification of the CTBT and the so-called suspension of its participation in New START. We are also concerned about China’s rapidly increasing nuclear arsenal, which is inconsistent with its disarmament commitments. Therefore, we call on China to reverse this expansion and to engage in bilateral and trilateral arms control talks instead. 

We also urge Iran to return on the path of diplomacy and commence negotiations in good faith and to fully implement all of its safeguards obligations. Iran should provide insight into its stockpile of highly-enriched uranium and reinstate full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Nuclear-weapon possessing states should re-commit to reducing nuclear stockpiles and to engage in talks on nuclear doctrines, risk reduction measures, and ultimately, arms control and disarmament. The three states with the largest arsenals have a special responsibility in this regard. That said, a follow-up to New START is of particular importance. 

Chair,

The NPT is the foundation of the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime. With the 11th Review Conference of the NPT ahead, we will prioritize discussing and identifying effective measures to minimize nuclear risks and to improve transparency and accountability which is of particular importance under the present circumstances. While we regret that the 2025 NPT Preparatory Committee was unable to agree on consensus recommendations, we approach the upcoming Review Conference with cautious optimism and the unwavering conviction that the NPT also must and will continue to deliver on its non-proliferation and peaceful uses record.

Thank you Chair.