Norio Hattori said in a joint press statement March 8. According to the statement, the commission will also work to bring about a satisfactory conclusion to the United Nations Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, scheduled to convene next month in New York. The statement said the commission has established a Technology Cooperation Working Group, comprised of Japanese and American experts and focused on exploring possible uses of technology to verify arms control and non-proliferation treaties and agreements. The working group has already developed a concrete plan for proceeding with three projects to improve the effectiveness of the CTBT's International Monitoring System's seismic network, the statement added.
Today is an historic occasion.
To these ends, we are announcing here today the formation of a U.S.-Japan Commission on Arms Control, Disarmament, Nonproliferation and Verification. The Commission will meet every six months to review, discuss and implement our joint goals for strengthening the international arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation regime. To further mutual understanding, the Commission will also encourage non-governmental experts in both countries to undertake enhanced collaboration efforts in pursuit of the Commission's important goals. As a first step towards closer technical cooperation, the Commission has established a Technology Cooperation Working Group. The use of technology to verify arms control and nonproliferation treaties and agreements is critical.