Mr. President, Excellencies,

At the outset, my delegation congratulates you, Ambassador Do Hung Viet, on your assumption of the Presidency of 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). We would also like to extend our congratulations to all members of the Bureau.

My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered by the distinguished representatives of Uganda on behalf of Non-Aligned Movement and Philippines on behalf of ASEAN.

Mr. President,

Today, we still witness that nuclear weapons continue to pose major threats to global peace and security, and survival of humankind. Our current and future generations continue to live under the constant fear and risks of nuclear catastrophe. The Lao PDR, therefore, joins the majority of UN member states in calling for urgent action towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

The Lao PDR reiterates that the total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only fundamental guarantee against the use or threat of such weapons. We view that the NPT remains the cornerstone of global nuclear non-proliferation regime and an essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament. We call on all States Parties to the NPT to renew their commitments towards the full implementation of the Treaty.

The Lao PDR believes that the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), Nuclear Weapons-Free-Zone (NWFZ) and relevant UNSC Resolutions collectively make important contributions to the strengthening of global nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, and play a complementary and significant role in realizing our common desire for a world free of nuclear weapons.

As a party to the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon Free-Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, my delegation is of the view that the creation of regional Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones has made significant contribution to the strengthening of global nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation. The SEANWFZ Treaty reflects the 5 minutes continued commitment of countries in Southeast Asia to progress towards general and complete disarmament of nuclear weapons and preserving the Southeast Asian region as a Nuclear Weapon Free-Zone and free of all other weapons of mass destruction.

The Lao PDR recognizes the critical role of the IAEA in nuclear non-proliferation and promotion of peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, ensuring compliance with the NPT through various safeguards agreements.

In closing, my delegation reiterates the Lao PDR’s continued commitments to working closely with other State Parties to advance the NPT objective. We underscore the importance of renewed strong political will and joint efforts by States Parties to ensure the successful outcomes of this Review Conference.

Thank you, Mr. President.