Joint Statement on the Global Forum to Prevent Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism

  The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Government of Romania on the occasion of the Global Forum to Prevent Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism.   Endorsed by: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Czechia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Lithuania, Montenegro, The Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Republic of Croatia, Republic of Korea, Republic of Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom. We, the following participating countries of the Global Forum to Prevent Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism (Global FTPRNT), convened in Bucharest, Romania, from November 13-15, 2024, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to strengthening global radiological and nuclear (R/N) security by fostering international cooperation, upholding international norms, adhering to multilateral conventions, supporting the robust implementation of relevant legal frameworks, and working through international organizations to counter R/N terrorism.   For over fifteen years, the international community engaged in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) under the co-chairmanship of Russia and the United States to coordinate international capacity-building measures to prevent non-state actors, including terrorist groups, from acquiring or using R/N materials for malicious purposes. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States and Russia mutually agreed to pause all official GICNT activities, creating a significant gap in international efforts to address R/N terrorism. The Global FTPRNT bridges this gap by bringing together likeminded partners to address the urgent need for continued international cooperation and coordination to prevent, detect, and respond to R/N terrorism risks and threats globally.   We affirm our commitment to remain vigilant against the risk of R/N materials falling into the hands of terrorist and other non-state actors with intent to cause harm, and we recognize the importance of international cooperation to identify and implement measures to minimize the risk of terrorist use of R/N materials. As nations increasingly pursue nuclear power options – including in considering the selection, development, and deployment of advanced nuclear energy technology such as advanced and small modular reactors – as part of their energy mix, it is essential that adequate security measures are in place and implemented to mitigate the potential risks from R/N terrorism.   We will uphold nuclear security principles for R/N terrorism deterrence, prevention, detection, response, and prosecution. In order to achieve this, we commit to developing global capacity to combat R/N terrorism, consistent with national legal authorities and in compliance with obligations outlined in international legal frameworks such as: the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT), the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and its 2005 Amendment (A/CPPNM), the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident, and United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1373 and 1540. These frameworks provide a robust foundation for our efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to acts of R/N terrorism.   We will foster international cooperation to prevent the illicit acquisition, transport, or use of R/N materials, deter hostile actions against R/N facilities, and respond to incidents involving the use of R/N materials. We will do so by strengthening global activities and institutions through the integration of collective capabilities and resources, by maintaining a network for partners to share information and expertise in a legally non-binding capacity, and by strengthening our support of the IAEA’s nuclear security assistance to states in the areas of prevention, detection and response.   We call on all states concerned about the threat to international peace and security posed by R/N terrorism to join us in this vital endeavor. By working together, we aim to build a safer and more secure world and protect against the threat of R/N terrorism. (Source: https://ro.usembassy.gov/)