At the meeting, Ambassador Benedejčič affirmed Slovenia’s commitment to the NPT process and to successful implementation of the coming review conference. He emphasised Slovenia’s belief that achieving tangible results requires a balanced approach to all three pillars of the NPT: the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, nuclear disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. In this context, he commended the fact that initiatives such as Creating an Environment for Nuclear Disarmament (CEND) and the Swedish Stepping Stones Approach have already led to a constructive dialogue and the exchange of views among various stakeholders.

He went on to convey Slovenia’s belief that the third NPT pillar requires more attention from the entire international community. He also underscored that, as one of thirty countries around the world with a comprehensive civil nuclear programme, Slovenia actively contributes to the implementation of technical assistance programmes in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) framework. Last year, Slovenia was entrusted with a co-facilitator role on the Due Account Mechanism and became an active participant in future operations of the Technical Cooperation Fund. In this regard, Ambassador Benedejčič expects the review conference to address the significant issue of peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The session will continue on 23 October, when the conference will also be addressed by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Speech by NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg at the High-level NATO Conference