Tonga has endorsed the Proliferation Security Initiative or PSI, a U.S-led global movement that seeks to stop the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction.
The U.S Department of State welcomed Tonga’s participation in the initiative.
The U.S government “looks forward to working with Tonga to advance the counterproliferation goals of the PSI and its Statement of Interdiction Principles,” the State Department said in a statement.
Tonga is the 115th state to endorse the PSI and the ninth government to endorse this year.
Tonga’s endorsement follows its participation in PSI Exercise Pacific Protector, hosted by Australia in Sydney from 24 – 27 September.
Launched in Krakow, Poland, in 2003, the PSI celebrated its 20th anniversary in May 2023. States become part of the PSI by publicly endorsing the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles, which includes voluntary political commitments to impede and stop shipments of WMD, delivery systems, and related materials flowing to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern.
PSI-endorsing states also adopt streamlined procedures for rapid information exchange and strengthen relevant national and international laws and frameworks.
