“Nuclear risks are higher than ever before since the end of the Cold War. We should agree on measures to (…) enhance resilience in times of crisis,” he said.
Cassis, who is also Swiss foreign minister, was speaking at a meeting in New York on Tuesday to review the 50-year-old Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
“This conference must set the course for an urgently needed change: to reduce the role of nuclear weapons, to reduce the likelihood of a nuclear accident or usage as a result of a misunderstanding,” he saidExternal link.
Cassis said the Russian invasion of Ukraine was a reminder of the crisis between the Soviet Union and the United States over ballistic missiles stationed in Cuba 60 years ago.
Switzerland and about 30 other countries have presented a working paper, including a package of measures for global disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
In his speech, Cassis also stressed the need for measures to ensure safety and security at civilian nuclear facilities.
He said Switzerland was committed to promoting peace and security by facilitating dialogue and building bridges.
Switzerland ratifiedExternal link the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in 1977. But it only has observer status with the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which came into force last year.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
This content was published on
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss president optimistic on future arms control after Geneva summit
This content was published on
Guy Parmelin says he is hopeful that the Biden-Putin summit in Geneva will serve as a “starting point” for new disarmament talks.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.