The treaty prohibits the conducting of nuclear experiments and the development, production and acquisition of nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices in the zone.

Signatory states also shall not allow the storage of radioactive nuclear wastes in the zone.

The approval of the treaty will facilitate international cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear power, as well as reinforce peace and security, according to a statement issued by the International Affairs, Defense and Security Committee of Kazakhstan’s lower house.

The establishment of a nuclear-free zone in Central Asia will also enhance the international nuclear non-proliferation system, the statement said.

Five Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan signed the nuclear-free zone treaty on 8 September 2006, in Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan.

Semipalatinsk was the primary testing site for the former Soviet Union’s nuclear weapons before it was closed.