The Kingdom affirms the importance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its firm and unwavering commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons(NPT), considering it the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. The Kingdom stressed the necessity of its full and comprehensive implementation, emphasizing the importance of achieving a delicate balance among its three pillars. This clear affirmation was delivered by the Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Wasil, during the general debate of the eleventh session of the NPT Review Conference. The Kingdom clarified that adherence to this treaty is not merely a political choice, but an imperative for ensuring global stability and sparing the world the devastating consequences of war.

Historical roots and objectives of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

is The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weaponsthe cornerstone of international efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. Historically, the treaty arose in response to growing global concerns during the Cold War about a nuclear arms race that threatened the survival of humanity. The treaty rests on three fundamental pillars: non-proliferation, disarmament, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. In this context, the Kingdom emphasized the commitment of nuclear-weapon states to their disarmament obligations, stressing that the only guarantee against the use of these deadly weapons is their complete and final elimination, thus ensuring a secure future for generations to come.

The inherent right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy

Alongside its disarmament efforts, the Kingdom affirmed the inherent and legitimate right of States Parties to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in accordance with the Treaty's provisions, without imposing additional restrictions that would impede development. This approach reinforces the principles of transparency and close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and allows developing countries to benefit from the peaceful applications of nuclear energy in vital sectors such as medicine, agriculture, and electricity generation, thus contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Regional and international influence towards a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction

Regionally, the implementation of the treaty is of paramount importance in the Middle East, a region experiencing ongoing geopolitical tensions. The Kingdom's statement addressed the Iranian attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, which have been condemned by the international community through relevant Security Council resolutions. The Kingdom emphasized the importance of strengthening regional security, respecting the principles of good neighborliness, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. It also called for Iran's full and transparent cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.

In a related context, the Kingdom emphasized that establishing a Middle East free of nuclear weapons is a collective international responsibility, particularly incumbent upon the states that sponsored the 1995 Middle East resolution. It clearly indicated that Israel's continued refusal to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and subject its nuclear facilities to IAEA safeguards constitutes a major and fundamental obstacle to the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. Achieving this regional objective will positively impact international security, reduce the likelihood of an arms race in one of the world's most sensitive regions, and thus enhance global peace and security.