The world’s five leading nuclear-armed nations are expected to hold a meeting in New York later this month, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told reporters on Thursday.
The informal ‘Nuclear Five’ format brings together the permanent members of the UN Security Council – Russia, China, the US, the UK, and France, known as the P5. Ryabkov noted that the rotating chairmanship of the P5 will soon pass from Moscow to Beijing.
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“We wish China success in these difficult times. They can count on our support, and we hope that the Western trio of participants in this format will behave at least a little more constructively,” the diplomat added.
The group’s discussions will be held during a session of the UN General Assembly First Committee – a body tasked with international disarmament and security issues, Ryabkov said.
“Currently, on the sidelines of the First Committee session, which is taking place in New York, the relevant contacts will take place. There we will learn more about China’s plans for its chairmanship,” Ryabkov stated, adding that the group’s meeting is expected within the next two weeks.
The informal group last convened in July in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of preparatory work for the upcoming Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
The major international event is scheduled to take place in 2026. The Geneva talks were the last under Russia’s current chairmanship, and the next round will be coordinated by China.