Chair,
Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the Outer Space Treaty. Full
compliance with the Treaty remains as important as ever, not least its
obligation not to place in orbit any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any
other kinds of weapons of mass destruction.
We are increasingly concerned about the growing development of counter
space and anti-satellite systems and the lack of transparency around such
activity. Space-based services are increasingly indispensable to our
modern societies. Destruction, disruption or degradation of such services
could have serious consequences.
Greater transparency and confidence-building measures should be an
integral part of our efforts to prevent an arms race in outer space. Increased
transparency regarding military space capabilities, doctrines and activities
can help reduce mistrust and the risk of misunderstanding and
miscalculation. The Hague Code of Conduct provides an important
example of practical transparency and confidence-building measures, and
we encourage broader adherence to it.
We welcome the Open-Ended Working Group’s progress in terms of taking
forward its important mandate. Its work is needed more than ever before.
We should properly address space threats through norms, rules, and
principles of responsible behaviour. Threat reduction should be our
primary objective. This approach continues to offer a way towards a legally
binding instrument, political commitments or both.
The importance of outer space continues to increase, so too does the
importance of maintaining its security. On the doorstep of 2027, we should renew our
efforts to ensure that we preserve space as a peaceful, safe, stable, secure
and sustainable environment for the benefit of all.
Thank you