KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment towards nuclear disarmament and will continue to work closely with other partners to attain a world free from the threat of such weapons.

       In a statement, Wisma Putra said Malaysia welcomed the first anniversary of the enforcement of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) yesterday.

       “Malaysia believes the TPNW strengthens the global norms against the threat of nuclear weapons and that it is imperative for the treaty to reach universality as soon as possible.

       “On this important occasion, Malaysia continues to encourage other countries to expedite their accessions to the treaty as a manifestation of their commitment towards general and complete disarmament and total elimination of nuclear weapons,” the statement read.

       The treaty is the first legally binding international instrument to comprehensively prohibit all activities related to nuclear weapons, including their development, testing, production, acquisition, possession, stockpiling, deployment and use.

       Malaysia signed the TPNW on Sept 20, 2017 and ratified the treaty on Sept 30, 2020, making Malaysia the 46th state party to the TPNW.

       To date, 86 states have signed and 59 states have ratified the treaty. — Bernama