The mayor of Nagasaki, Tomihisa Taue, called on world’s leaders to make additional efforts to conclude a proposed treaty that would ban nuclear weapons.

The statement was made with the occasion of the 67th anniversary of the U.S. bombing of Nagasaki and included in a Peace Declaration, which the mayor read out at a ceremony at Peace Park in the south-western part of the city.

At the ceremony were present, among others, the ambassadors of United States, Britain and France, Kyodo said.

Taue also called on the Japanese government, asking it to deal with the “serious challenge” posed by North Korea and its nuclear program.

Japan has noted in an official report, released in 2012, the military efforts made by North Korea since the recent change of leadership.

“After the death of National Defence Commission Chairman Kim Jong-il, First Chairman Kim Jong-un frequently visited the military and referred to the importance of the military. Its stance of regarding the military as important and relying on it will likely be maintained,” it said.