The Australian Government is disappointed that the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) did not reach a consensus outcome.

Now more than ever, the world needs a strong, well-functioning nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime with the NPT as its cornerstone.

After four weeks of negotiations, parties were regrettably unable to reach an agreed outcome across the treaty’s three pillars – disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Despite the lack of consensus, the Review Conference still allowed for valuable direct dialogue at a critical time, highlighting areas of common interest and the importance of continued cooperation to advance the NPT’s objectives.

We thank Vietnam for presiding over the Conference and for Ambassador Do Hung Viet’s intensive efforts to reach consensus at this critical time for international security.

Australia is steadfast in its support of the NPT. It continues to deliver tangible security benefits for our country and the broader international community. We want to see progress towards a world without nuclear weapons.

Australia will continue to make constructive contributions and work with others to strengthen and implement the NPT.