PNG strengthens solidarity with Pacific Island nations to embrace a nuclear-free world

The United Nations has been told that Papua New Guinea stands with other Pacific Island nations to embrace a nuclear-free community.

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko who is attending the UN General Assembly in New York highlighted that the adverse effect of nuclear testing is a threat to the Pacific region, especially its ocean.

"The Pacific region and its ocean have been and continues to be on the receiving end of the consequences of nuclear testing,"Tkatchenko said.

He reaffirmed Papua New Guinea's commitment to the Treaty of Rarotonga.

Minister Tkatchenko concluded by saying that as the region most affected by nuclear testing, it is important that Pacific neighbors who are yet to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty [CTBT] must do so as a commitment to our people and region.

He called for all nations to stand united to promote a nuclear-free world.

This was spoken on the occasion of the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in Washington.