Australia welcomes the extension of the New START Treaty (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) between the United States and Russia.
Since its entry into force in 2011, the New START Treaty has played a critical role in reducing and limiting the nuclear arsenals of both countries. The decision to extend the Treaty a further five years will bolster strategic stability, and confidence in the nuclear arms control regime.
The extension supports the implementation of commitments by both countries under the cornerstone Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
As a leading advocate of arms control, Australia encourages nuclear weapon states to take further practical steps to enhance peace and stability, as set out in the NPT. Australia also continues to make valuable contributions to nuclear non-proliferation, to sanctions enforcement, and to arms control verification programs as meaningful steps on the path to the ultimate goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.
