Statement by the delegation of Armenia, Mr. Arsen Kotanjyan, Counsellor of the Permanent Mission, at the Informal Meeting of the Substantive Session of the Disarmament Commission

13 April, 2026

Madam Chair,

At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, as well as the other members of the Bureau, on your election.

Disarmament and non-proliferation are among the priorities of Armenia’s foreign policy agenda. Armenia remains firmly committed to fulfilling its obligations under the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and reiterates its firm support for the full, complete, and effective implementation of the NPT.

We are in a view that the 11^th Review Conference will provide a unique opportunity for the international community to once again express its common commitment to the values and principles of the Treaty, demonstrating necessary flexibility and prioritizing the global interest over the national agendas. We are hopeful that inclusive and transparent discussions on global security matters will create more conducive environment, thus bringing us closer to achieving tangible results.

Implementation of Article VI obligations remain pivotal for advancing nuclear disarmament and for reinforcing the international security architecture, especially in the current challenging security environment. Taking meaningful and concrete steps to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict is of vital importance today.

We strongly believe that disarmament agenda should be further pushed forward in accordance with the spirit and letter of the NPT.

There are crucial steps that must be taken to further advance disarmament efforts, and among them is the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Armenia views it as one of the key elements of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and a strong tool for constraining nuclear weaponry. We extend our call upon all Annex 2 States that have not yet done so, to sign and ratify the Treaty. It is our firm belief that the credibility and effectiveness of the international non-proliferation regime cannot be fully ensured without CTBT’s entry into force.

We underscore the indivisibility of non-proliferation and the full compliance with all obligations under the NPT and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. In this respect we appreciate the crucial role of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency through its Safeguards agreements and Additional protocol. We are also proud that the Agency is able to regularly draw comprehensive safeguards conclusion for Armenia on an annual basis.

Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones are an important regional approach to strengthening global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament norms and consolidating international efforts towards peace and security. Armenia reaffirms its full support for the establishment of nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle East.

In view of the emerging nuclear security threats, Armenia is consistently improving its nuclear security regime in close cooperation with its partners and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Armenia was among the first countries to fully support the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050 at COP28.

Madam Chair,

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence are transforming many aspects of contemporary life, including the military sphere. While technological innovation offers new capabilities, it also introduces profound ethical, legal, and security challenges, especially when applied to the conduct of hostilities.

International humanitarian law applies fully and without exception to all weapon systems, including those incorporating artificial intelligence and autonomous functions. Ensuring meaningful human involvement in the development, deployment, and use of military AI systems is therefore of critical importance. Decisions related to the use of force, as well as responsibility and accountability for their consequences, must remain firmly with humans, and cannot be delegated to machines. Armenia emphasizes that human judgment remains indispensable for lawful, responsible, and ethical conduct in armed conflict.

Madam Chair,

Ensuring peace and international security is a collective endeavor that serves the common interests of all and demands sustained commitment and genuine determination. Armenia remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing negotiated multilateral solutions and strengthening international cooperation to advance peace and security.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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