Cambodia urges renewed commitment to nuclear disarmament at UN review conference

PHNOM PENH, April 29, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has called for stronger global action on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Speaking at the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Senior Minister Sok Siphana described the current period as one of “profound uncertainty” for international peace and security.

He congratulated Do Hung Viet on his appointment as chair and reaffirmed Cambodia’s support for the process.

Siphana said Cambodia aligned itself with statements delivered by the Philippines, Uganda and South Africa on behalf of ASEAN and the Non-Aligned Movement.

In his national statement, he outlined five priorities: reaffirming the NPT as the cornerstone of global efforts; supporting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons; urging Annex 2 states to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty;

committing to a nuclear-weapon-free Southeast Asia; and defending the right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

He commended the International Atomic Energy Agency’s role in promoting sustainable development through nuclear science and technology.

Concluding, Siphana said the success of the NPT depended on collective political will, urging delegates to deliver “tangible and forward-looking outcomes” to strengthen trust and progress towards a world free of nuclear weapons.