The EU welcomes that the Solomon Islands deposited its instruments of ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on 20 January. This brings the total number of States that have signed and ratified CTBT to 177, while 186 States have signed it, including all permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

The entry into force and universal adherence to this Treaty is a top priority for the European Union. The Treaty is a strong confidence- and security building measure at international, regional and bilateral level. It has already become an effective instrument with its solid and effective verification mechanism.

We urge all States that have not yet done so, in particular those listed in Annex II of the Treaty, to sign and ratify the CTBT without any preconditions or further delay. In the meantime, we call on all States to abide by a moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosion, and to refrain from any action that would defeat the object and purpose of the Treaty.

We are looking forward to work with the Solomon Islands to promote the CTBT and the universal adherence to it, to support the International Monitoring System and to participate in the scientific exchanges promoted by the CTBT Organisation.