Statement by Mr Andžejs Viļumsons, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia at the General Debate of the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)
New York, 27 April 2026
Mr. President,
Let me congratulate you on your appointment. Your leadership in preparing this Conference has been commendable. You may count on our full co-operation for a positive outcome of this conference. Latvia aligns with the statement of the EU and adds the following in its national capacity.
We remain firm defenders of the principles enshrined in the Treaty on the Non‑Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons - the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation regime and the only credible path to nuclear disarmament.
Safeguarding Treaty’s credibility and integrity is imperative. On-going conflicts are exposing a dangerous trend. Nuclear capabilities and facilities are being used as instruments of coercion, leverage and strategic pressure.
Mr. President,
Latvia condemns Russia’s unprovoked, illegal and unjustifiable full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, one of the key threats to global peace and security. This includes Russia’s occupation and militarization of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Russia’s reckless and escalatory nuclear rhetoric, along with the use of nuclear-capable weapons systems in Ukraine, lowers the threshold for nuclear use, erodes trust and heightens risks of miscalculation.
Russia has severely damaged long-standing norms restraining nuclear dangers, by disregarding its arms control and non-proliferation commitments. China’s rapid and opaque nuclear build-up adds to these concerns.
In this context, Latvia continues to regard NATO’s nuclear deterrence as a necessity and a stabilizing factor in European and global security. Since its inception, it has reduced incentives for proliferation. Recent commitments by European partners to strengthen deterrence, reflect broader efforts to maintain credible security measures, prevent escalation and reinforce non‑proliferation norms.
Geopolitical tensions and evolving military doctrines have complicated efforts to advance disarmament. Nevertheless, all nuclear-weapon states retain a clear responsibility to pursue disarmament-related obligations. We note that discussions among the P5 remain crucial for reducing strategic risks and enhancing predictability. We welcome US calls to Russia and China for strategic dialogue. Nuclear risk reduction measures are essential to address misperceptions and the risk of miscalculation.
Mr. President,
The resilience of the non‑proliferation norm rests on respect for shared rules. Hence, proliferation challenges posed by the DPRK and Iran remain concerning and heighten regional instability. The DPRK’s continued nuclear and ballistic missile development violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Iran’s persistent non‑compliance and uncertainties surrounding its nuclear activities remain troubling. The recent sanctions snapback by the Security Council underscores the seriousness of these violations.
Rebuilding confidence and halting further deterioration is vital. The universalization and entry into force of the CTBT, as well as the moratorium on nuclear test explosions remains critical. Latvia urges all states that have not yet done so, to ratify the CTBT without delay. It is essential to strengthen and fully implement IAEA safeguards. The Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and the Additional Protocol remain the universal standard for verification.
Mr. President,
Nuclear science, when applied responsibly, delivers tangible benefits. Latvia strongly supports continued investment in peaceful uses of nuclear technologies, while upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and safeguards.
Latvia commends the IAEA for enabling peaceful applications of nuclear technologies through the Technical cooperation programme. We appreciate the opportunities to build our national competence, including in radiation protection and healthcare.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, Latvia underscores the importance of strengthening the NPT review process itself. Enhancing transparency, accountability and reporting, and ensuring continuity across review cycles are practical steps toward meaningful progress. The integrity and robustness of the non‑proliferation and disarmament regime depends on our readiness to defend it, upholding its principles with clarity and resolve.
Thank you.