Statement delivered by H.E. Mr Magnus Hellgren, Ambassador, Permanent representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva.
Chair,
As this is the first time I address the CD in my new capacity, I would like to congratulate you on assuming the chairmanship of the CD. Please rest assured that I and my team will always contribute constructively to the work of the CD.
On a personal note, let me also express what a pleasure it is to speak again in this Conference, some 20 years since my first intervention here. I recall that in my last intervention 14 years ago, I expressed the hope that this august body would still be alive and kicking the day the political will for real negotiations for the benefit of international security would again be at hand. Let me reiterate that hope, and pay tribute to all who have kept the flame of this negotiation machinery burning.
Please let me very briefly share with you the main priorities of Sweden as I am now taking on my new responsibilities:
- Sweden will continue to promote the NPT as the bedrock of the global disarmament and non-prolifieration regime.
- Preventing any further nuclear proliferation is fundamental.
- Pending tangible progress on nuclear disarmament, reducing the risk of nuclear weapons use is urgent and Sweden will support all efforts to increase transparency, accountability and confidence building measures.
- Through the Stockholm initiative for nuclear disarmament, together with a cross regional group of partners, we will continue to push for more progress and commitments, not least when it comes to nuclear weapons states.
- Given the geopolitical situation, we will work even harder to continue to safeguard International Law and the UN Charter as well as condemning all threats of use of nuclear weapons. In this vein we condemn Russia´s brutal invasion and reaffirm our unwavering support to Ukraine´s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
- In addition, Sweden will continue to support the start of negotiations of a FMCT, working with partners to reduce space threats and the prevention of an arms race in outer space as well as encouraging young people´s engagement and gender equality in international security.
Sweden is a proud member of NATO, and as such will continue to co-operate with all global partners who have the political will and are ready to overcome political divides and work towards realistic yet ambitious goals. We have the political will and are ready to do our part.
I thank you Chair
