midst of a particularly interesting and positive trend in the field of disarmament, which gives us reasonable grounds for hoping that by the conclusion of this year's session of the Conference we will see substantial progress. Consequently we must note that all the subsidiary bodies set up during 1990 have now started work. The first informal plenary meetings on agenda items 2 and 3 have been held. Agreement has also been reached on the procedure to be followed with respect to items 7 and 8 of our agenda. Thus, during the first part of this year's session the Conference was able to agree on how to proceed in respect of all substantive agenda items with the exception of item 1, the importance and priority of which is widely recognized. I hope that the necessary will to compromise and spirit of co-operation which I have observed in all of you, and which now marks the international situation with respect to bilateral negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union, can be expressed in concrete progress in this forum. This year's session of the Conference on Disarmament is also particularly important as we are on the eve of the fourth review conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Undoubtedly there is a close link between the work of this Conference and the positive atmosphere surrounding the preparations for the NPT review conference, and in fact this has played a role in ensuring that countries with major nuclear capabilities that are not members of the NPT wish to attend the august conference as observers. This atmosphere should be encouraged and promoted by our forum. In this context I must say that we should give the highest priority to the 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a conference focused on disarmament, with a focus on international relations and diplomacy. It mentions specific countries and agreements, such as the United States, Soviet Union, and Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The tone is optimistic and focused on promoting cooperation and progress in the field of disarmament.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology