MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines reaffirmed its stance against using nuclear weapons and instead promoted the use of nuclear energy for other peaceful means.

The statement comes just as treaty party representatives from around the world attend the 10th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which kicked off on Monday in New York and will continue until August 26.

“The humanitarian consequences of [the] use of nuclear weapons are too unimaginable to consider. No nuclear weapons should ever be used and there is nothing that justifies their salience in the military and security doctrine of any nation,” Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo said in a statement on Monday evening.

Manila emphasized that international instruments such as the NPT “are fundamental to a rules-based international order that sustains the security of nations and the conditions for our peoples to thrive in peace."

The Philippines also said that the NPT serves as an important avenue to “enhance transparency and establish security dialogue mechanisms among relevant regional actors.”

The treaty, which entered into force in 1970, aims to prevent the use of nuclear weapons and their technology. Conference participants are now tasked to look into how the treaty is being implemented.

“The Review Conference is an opportunity to affirm that the Treaty is on a solid footing 50 years after its adoption, and the spirit of constructive multilateralism prevails among nations, notwithstanding geopolitical challenges and conflicts,” Manalo said.

The Philippines also emphasized that the NPT is important in keeping nuclear states in the direction of getting rid of their stockpiles as well as discussing the modernization of nuclear arsenals.

“We support efforts towards nuclear risk reduction as an intervening measure while we work towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons,” Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Carlos Sorreta said during the review conference.