Central Asian nations are celebrating two decades as a nuclear-weapon-free zone. The accord, signed by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, signifies their voluntary pledge to refrain from developing, acquiring, testing, or deploying nuclear weapons.
Christopher King, Chief of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Branch at the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), emphasized the importance of these zones, stating, “Nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs) are not only historical achievements but also living instruments of regional security, non-proliferation and nuclear risk reduction.”
Nations Bound Together by Commitment
King highlighted the Central Asian zone as a prime example of effective regional cooperation, uniting five countries under a legally binding agreement. He added, “Such zones contribute to transparency, confidence-building and risk reduction, and they can help maintain a practical bridge between regional security concerns and global non-proliferation and disarmament architecture.”
Yerzhan Ashikbayev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who is leading his country’s delegation at the 2026 review conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, believes the zone’s significance extends globally. “The contribution of the Semipalatinsk Treaty to ensuring security not only in Central Asia but also beyond its borders, is undeniable,” he stated.
Ashikbayev further explained that the zone’s establishment reflects a collective commitment by the region’s countries to foster peace, stability, and security, while also addressing the legacy of nuclear testing.
Durability Amidst Geopolitical Tensions
Despite growing geopolitical tensions, which lead some experts to question the long-term viability of such agreements, Ashikbayev remains optimistic. “On the contrary, in such critical periods the zone demonstrates that its existence is a positive factor,” he argued. He affirmed Kazakhstan’s dedication to multilateral diplomacy, with the zone’s continued development integral to this policy.
Ashikbayev noted that while the Central Asian model is attracting international interest, the creation of such zones must stem from the sovereign decision of the involved states. He also acknowledged that the impact of the nuclear past is still felt, particularly near the former Semipalatinsk test site, but emphasized that rehabilitation programs are actively underway.
Significant efforts include the establishment of a modern oncology center, and parts of previously restricted territories are being gradually returned to economic use following comprehensive assessments.
