The United States has announced that Kiribati has deposited its instrument of accession to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) on May 20, 2025. This development was highlighted by Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the Department of State.
In a statement marking the BWC's 50th anniversary, the United States acknowledged Kiribati's decision as significant. "The United States, as one of the treaty’s depositary governments, recognizes and welcomes Kiribati’s important decision to join the more than 180 other BWC States Parties in advancing the goal of complete elimination of biological weapons," said Bruce.
Kiribati's accession marks a milestone for regional security as it signifies that all countries in the Asia Pacific region are now part of the BWC. This is seen as an enhancement to collective security efforts against biological threats.
Bruce emphasized the importance of universal participation in strengthening international measures against biological weapons: "Maximizing the BWC’s effectiveness requires all States to become Parties and fully implement its obligations." The United States continues to encourage those not yet party to join promptly.
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