Cambodia Urges Stronger Nuclear Disarmament at UN NPT Review

Cambodia Urges Stronger Nuclear Disarmament at UN NPT Review

UNITED NATIONS, April 28, 2026 — Cambodia called for stronger international action on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation at a key United Nations conference, warning that rising geopolitical tensions and an expanding arms race are increasing global risks.

Speaking at the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York, Senior Minister Sok Siphana reaffirmed Cambodia’s support for efforts toward a world free of nuclear weapons.

He stressed the central role of the NPT as the cornerstone of global disarmament and urged nuclear-weapon states to reduce risks and avoid actions that could heighten instability.

Cambodia also backed full implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and called on remaining states to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), describing its entry into force as critical to preventing renewed nuclear testing.

The Cambodian envoy reaffirmed support for maintaining Southeast Asia as a nuclear-weapon-free zone and encouraged continued engagement between ASEAN and nuclear powers.

At the same time, he underlined the right of countries to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, calling for stronger international cooperation and technical support, particularly for developing nations.

The conference comes amid growing concern over weakening multilateral cooperation and intensifying strategic competition, with delegates urging practical steps to strengthen trust and advance global nuclear disarmament.