Azərbaycan Respublikasının
BMT yanında
Daimi Nümayəndəliyi

Permanent Mission
of the Republic of Azerbaijan
to the United Nations

633 Third Avenue, Suite 3210, New York, N.Y. 10017
Tel.: (212) 371-2559; Fax: (212) 371-2784

Statement by Mr. Elvin Ashrafzade,

Chargé d'affaires, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan

to the United Nations

at the general debate of the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to

the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapon

GA Hall, UNHQ, 29 April 2026

Mr. President,

Allow me to begin by congratulating you on your election as President of the 11th Review Conference of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Mr. President, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) remains the cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime and an essential framework for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. It is imperative to uphold and strengthen the comprehensive, balanced and non-discriminatory implementation of the Treaty’s three mutually reinforcing pillars, and to advance concrete and balanced outcomes that strengthen the Treaty and the effectiveness of its review process.

While the international security environment continues to raise serious concerns, it has become more important than ever to ensure the full and effective implementation of the obligations under Article VI through concrete, practical, and verifiable measures. In this regard, we reaffirm the vital importance of the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

We support the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which plays an indispensable role, not only with respect to the verification of non-proliferation obligations under the NPT, but in upholding and strengthening the global nuclear safety and security framework.

The inalienable right of States Parties to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes remains a core element of the NPT. Access to peaceful nuclear science and technology should be promoted on an equitable, safeguarded, non-discriminatory and sustainable basis, and should contribute to national development priorities and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. At the same time, peaceful uses should be pursued in accordance with appropriate and effective levels of nuclear safety, security and safeguards, in close cooperation with the IAEA.

We recognise the essential role that nuclear technology can play in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental protection. Through the IAEA’s technical cooperation programmes, Azerbaijan has benefited from the peaceful applications of nuclear science, enhancing our national capacities in various sectors.

Although past review cycles have not always produced agreed substantive outcomes, they have nevertheless demonstrated that common ground can still be identified on many important issues. This Review Conference should therefore be guided by pragmatism, mutual respect, inclusiveness and a readiness to work across differences in order to achieve practical, balanced and forward-looking results, consistent with the object and purpose of the Treaty.

Mr. President, the 2026 Review Conference must not become a missed opportunity. With political will, balance and mutual respect, States Parties should reaffirm the Treaty’s continuing relevance and work toward outcomes that strengthen international peace and security across nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Azerbaijan stands ready to engage constructively with all States Parties to that end.

Thank you.