WASHINGTON: The United States (US) recently organized a working meeting with representatives from China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom (UK) to engage in discussions on nuclear weapons and the mitigation of related strategic risks.
According to the US State Department, the meeting of the five Nuclear Weapons States involved foreign affairs and defence officials who deliberated on matters such as strategic risk reduction, nuclear doctrines, and policy. The US delegation expressed satisfaction with the professional approach demonstrated by all participating delegations and the inclusion of defence officials in the thematic discussions.
US Committed to Facilitating Dialogue Among Nuclear Experts
As the host of the meeting, the United States emphasized its commitment to facilitating open and productive dialogue among nuclear experts from the five countries on these crucial topics. The discussions took place within the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which was adopted in 1970 and includes the five states as confirmed possessors of nuclear weapons. These states also hold permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council.
The primary objective of the NPT is to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and ensure that state parties have the right to develop atomic energy for peaceful purposes. By convening this meeting, the participating nations reaffirmed their commitment to the treaty and the need for ongoing dialogue to address nuclear-related challenges.
Earlier this month, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reported a global increase in operational nuclear weapons as countries implement long-term plans to modernize and expand their armed forces.
