Morocco’s efforts calling for ratification of the nuclear test ban are part of a broader strategy to strengthen multilateral cooperation, advance South-South partnerships and reaffirm its support for disarmament nuclear.
During the 63rd session of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in Vienna, this Tuesday, Morocco reiterated its call for rapid and universal implementation of this international agreement, stressing its decisive role in promoting nuclear disarmament. Since the signing of the CTBT in 1996, followed by its ratification in 2000, Morocco has asserted itself as an ardent defender of this treaty.
Azzeddine Farhane, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the UN and international organizations in Vienna, took this opportunity to reaffirm his country’s unwavering commitment to the Interim Technical Secretariat (TPS) of the CTBT. He insisted that Morocco remains committed to promoting world peace and nuclear non-proliferation, while playing an active role in the negotiation and adoption of the treaty. “ Morocco is unwavering in its support for the eradication of nuclear testing as a vector of global nuclear disarmament “, he said.
The Moroccan contribution to the universalization of the CTBT was illustrated by the co-presidency, alongside France, of the 6th Article XIV Conference, an event where Morocco led an action plan aimed at boosting ratification of the treaty, with particular emphasis on African nations. This initiative, according to Mr. Farhane, is part of a multilateral cooperation strategy, aimed at strengthening South-South partnerships and promoting regional capacity building, through training sessions and workshops intended for African experts. .
While the year 2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of the CTBT, Morocco has proposed the organization of a high-level segment in Vienna, under the African presidency of the next Preparatory Commission for the CTBT, which intends to reflect the ministerial conferences of the CTBT. Article XIV usually held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This initiative aims to accelerate the ratification and universalization of the treaty, in order to guarantee its effective entry into force.
These actions confirm Morocco’s continued commitment to multilateralism and global non-proliferation, demonstrating a desire to work for a world without nuclear weapons. In February 2023, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, had already reiterated this commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to supporting development efforts in Africa. Speaking at the 36th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Mr. Bourita underlined Morocco’s commitment to peace and development in Africa through a strategy focused on South-South cooperation.
Morocco thus continues to promote effective disarmament and support international initiatives in line with the values of peace and security, reaffirming its role as a major partner in the quest for lasting regional and global stability.
MK/te/Sf/APA
