Washington, DC - Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation Dr. Christopher A. Ford will head the U.S. delegation for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Preparatory Committee meeting in Geneva, Switzerland from April 23-May 4, 2018.

Acting Assistant Secretary for Arms Control, Verification and Compliance Anita Friedt and U.S. Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament Ambassador Robert A. Wood will join Assistant Secretary Ford.

At this year’s meeting, the United States will continue to emphasize the common interests NPT States Parties share in the success of the Treaty and the central role of nonproliferation in achieving the full benefits of the Treaty. Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons is a direct and fundamental benefit of the NPT to all its Parties. An effective nonproliferation regime is a key element in building security conditions conducive to progress on nuclear disarmament. It also facilitates cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy by building confidence that peaceful nuclear programs will not be misused or diverted to weapons.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the NPT, the Preparatory Committee meeting is an opportunity for all NPT Parties to recommit themselves to preserving and expanding those benefits.