With yesterday’s ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) by Zimbabwe, one hundred and sixty-eight States have already ratified the CTBT and all permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have signed it. The Treaty has already become an effective instrument with a solid and effective verification mechanism.

The European Union is a staunch supporter of the CTBT and its Organization. The Treaty is a strong confidence- and security building measure at international, regional and bilateral level. We expect our partners to join in this achievement and ratify the CTBT to ensure its entry into force.

We will work with Zimbabwe – who signed the Treaty in 1999 and hosts a certified auxiliary seismic station in Matopo - to promote the CTBT, to support the International Monitoring System and to participate in the scientific exchanges promoted by the CTBT Organisation.