The European Union welcomes that Sri Lanka deposited its instrument of ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on 25 July.

With this ratification, the total number of States that have signed and ratified the CTBT comes to 178. 186 States have signed the Treaty, including all permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

The European Union is a staunch supporter of the CTBT. 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 become an effective instrument with its solid and effective verification mechanism.

We continue to 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 explosions, and to refrain from any action that would defeat the object and purpose of the Treaty.

We are looking forward to working with Sri Lanka to promote the CTBT and the universal adherence to the Treaty, to support the International Monitoring System and to participate in the scientific exchanges promoted by the CTBT Organisation.