G7 Foreign Ministers’ Hiroshima Declaration on Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Hiroshima, Japan, 11 April 2016

We emphasize the importance of our meeting in Hiroshima seventy one years afterWorld War II, which unleashed unprecedented horror upon the world. The people ofHiroshima and Nagasaki experienced immense devastation and human suffering as　a consequence of the atomic bombings and have rebuilt their cities so impressively.

In this historic meeting, we reaffirm our commitment to seeking a safer world for all　and to creating the conditions for a world without nuclear weapons in a way that　promotes international stability. This task is made more complex by the deteriorating　security environment in a number of regions, such as Syria and Ukraine, and, in　particular by North Korea’s repeated provocations.

We welcome conclusion and continuing implementation of the Joint　Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between E3/EU+3 and Iran, which　demonstrates the resilience of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear　Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation architecture.　We are determined that the JCPOA be fully and rigorously implemented, for which　the verification activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are key.

We emphasize our strong commitment to the NPT in all aspects. We urge states that　have not yet done so to become parties to the NPT without delay and without　conditions. We strongly support the full implementation of the provisions of the NPT　across all three of its “pillars” (non-proliferation, disarmament, and the peaceful uses　of nuclear energy). We reaffirm the central role of the IAEA and its safeguards　system.

No state should conduct a nuclear test explosion and all states should sign and　ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty without delay and without　conditions to achieve the early entry into force of the treaty. As a priority, we call　upon the Conference on Disarmament to immediately begin negotiations on a treaty　banning the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons or other　nuclear explosive devices.

Over the years there have been significant reductions in nuclear arsenals of　nuclear-weapon States. Further progress-whether unilateral, bilateral or multilateraltoward　a world without nuclear weapons, can only be achieved if we take a　determined, realistic and incremental approach, while enhancing international　security. In accordance with Article VI of the NPT, we will be persistent and active　advocates of continued reductions in nuclear weapons globally, and call upon all　states to make such efforts.

We welcome the efforts taken by the nuclear-weapon States in the G7 that have　enhanced transparency. We urge others to do the same.

We urge all states to work with us on practical and realistic initiatives that can　promote meaningful dialogue on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation among　all, including between nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States.

It is essential to continue to strengthen national export controls on sensitive goods　and technologies in order to prevent the proliferation of WMD to states and non-state　actors. All states must implement fully all relevant UNSCRs including UNSCR 1540.　We invite all states to contribute to the goal of non-proliferation by enforcing export　controls consistent with the guidelines of the international export control regimes.

We will actively implement the Final Communique and the Action Plans of the 2016　Nuclear Security Summit and will support the central role of the IAEA in this area.

We are committed to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and will continue to work　with the IAEA to promote the highest standards of non-proliferation, nuclear safety　and security.

For decades, political leaders like us and other visitors have come to Hiroshima and　Nagasaki and been deeply moved. We hope others follow that path. We share the　deep desire of the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that nuclear weapons never be　used again.