Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo reiterated Thursday that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should remain nuclear-free to ensure the peace and stability of the region.
Romulo said this at a press conference held here Thursday ahead of the 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM), which is to open next Monday.
ASEAN would limit the use of nuclear power to peaceful purposes such as an alternative source of energy, he said.
Romulo said ASEAN foreign ministers are holding special sessions on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) treaty.
Under the treaty, ASEAN countries agreed not to develop, acquire, manufacture or control nuclear weapons or stations, or to test or use these weapons of mass destruction. It also bans the dumping of radioactive materials in the waters of Southeast Asia.
Romulo said that the treaty, which was signed during the ASEAN Summit in 1995 and put into force in 1997, was due for review this year, or every 10 years.
Romulo said a nuclear-free ASEAN is one of the major topics to be discussed during the AMM.
ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The Philippines is in the current chair of the ASEAN.
