ISTRA (Moscow Region), September 28. /TASS/. Resuming dialogue between Russia and the US, with China’s participation, is essential to preserving what remains of the arms control system, Karen Hallberg, Secretary-General of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, told TASS in an interview on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club.

This is critically important because resuming dialogue among the nuclear powers – for example, if the US, Russia and China were to establish a high-level forum or negotiating platform to discuss ways of reducing nuclear risks – would facilitate the implementation of Article 6 of the NPT [Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons] and demonstrate the countries’ serious commitment to negotiations. This would bring greater stability to the entire system, she said.

Hallberg emphasized that renewed Russia-US dialogue, with China’s involvement, on nuclear issues would foster a deeper understanding that there is no way to control nuclear weapons without reaching a mutual understanding among all nuclear powers.

In Hallberg’s view, the process could begin with the three major nuclear powers: Russia, the US and China.

Such a dialogue could also build confidence among the other two nuclear powers, the UK and France, which could subsequently join the negotiations. Their participation is important, she noted, as it would help build trust amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and tensions between NATO and Russia.

European nuclear weapons – British and French – are also part of the equation, Hallberg noted.

The 23rd annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club, themed "Responsibility for the Future: Limits of the Possible or Limitless Possibilities?", is taking place in the Moscow region from September 28 to October 1. The club’s flagship conference brings together 120 participants from 40 countries.