ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat – On 3 May 2024, a Workshop on Sharing Experiences between OPANAL and ASEAN on the Signing and Ratification of Nuclear Weapon States to the Protocols of the Treaty of Tlatelolco and the Treaty of Bangkok took place via videoconference. The event brought together representatives from ASEAN and OPANAL Member States and the Secretariats of both organisations.
The Workshop aimed at fostering cooperation and facilitating information exchange between two Nuclear Weapon Free Zones (NWFZs) and promoting global peace and security in the face of escalating threats posed by nuclear weapons.
During the opening session, Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN and H.E. Ambassador Flávio Roberto Bonzanini, Secretary-General of OPANAL welcomed the convening of the Workshop as an initial step to forge closer cooperation between the two Nuclear Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs), which would contribute to global efforts in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
During the first session “Introduction to the Treaty of Tlatelolco and the Treaty of Bangkok”, insights were shared on the historical significance and operational frameworks of the Treaty of Tlatelolco and the Treaty of Bangkok, focusing on their pivotal roles in establishing NWFZs and prohibiting nuclear weapons in their respective regions.
In the second session “Exchange of Views on the Current Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Challenges and Regional Security Dynamics,” discussions delved into contemporary challenges and positive developments in nuclear disarmament efforts, underscoring the importance of NWFZs in reducing risks of conflicts and enhancing international security.
The third session “Sharing Best Practices on the Implementation of the Treaty of Tlatelolco and the Treaty of Bangkok” allowed the participants to exchange best practices on treaty implementation, highlighted challenges such as securing Negative Security Assurances, and proposed recommendations for enhanced cooperation and engagement. The Workshop concluded with a consensus on the importance of continued dialogue, cooperation, and joint initiatives between OPANAL and ASEAN to bolster global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.
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