The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Fernando Arias, met with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms Catherine Colonna, at the OPCW's Headquarters in The Hague.
Minister Colonna said "I salute the independence and the professionalism of the OPCW and its staff. As 2023 marks the end of destruction of declared chemical weapons stockpiles, France reiterates its dedication to fight against the re-emergence of chemical weapons, as well as to fight against impunity. We condemn any threat of chemical weapons use as utterly irresponsible."
The Director-General briefed the Minister on the Organisation's activities and priorities, highlighting the importance of preventing re-emergence of chemical weapons: "With thousands of new chemicals discovered every day and accelerated progress in science and technology, the risk of chemical weapons re-emergence becomes increasingly acute. In addition, the ever-changing international security environment is altering the global non-proliferation and disarmament regime."
Ambassador Arias gave an extensive overview of the new Centre for Chemistry and Technology (ChemTech Centre), emphasising the key role the Centre will play in addressing these issues and boosting OPCW's capabilities in all areas of relevance to the Organisation.
"The ChemTech Centre will allow the Organisation to enhance the Convention's verification regime through maintaining and developing our knowledge, skills and expertise related to chemical weapons. The Centre will foster innovation in verification techniques, ensuring that chemistry is used responsibly," he said.
The Director-General and the Minister further discussed preparations for the Fifth Review Conference (RC-5) taking place from 15 to 19 May 2023 at the World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands. The Conference will evaluate the Convention's implementation status and - based on this assessment - will recommend organisational priorities for the OPCW for the upcoming years.
Background
France has been an active member of the OPCW since the Chemical Weapons Convention, which was opened for signature in Paris in 1993, entered into force in 1997. France is a member of the Executive Council, the OPCW's executive organ, which is charged with promoting the effective implementation of and compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention as well as supervising the activities of the Organisation's Technical Secretariat.
The ChemTech Centre is an essential upgrade to the OPCW's research, analytical and capacity building capabilities. It houses the OPCW Laboratory, the Technology and Training Hub, and a fit for purpose instruction space, creating synergies for knowledge sharing, scientific collaboration and capacity building activities. It is a major investment funded entirely through voluntary contributions from OPCW Member States and will assist countries in upholding the norm against chemical weapons.
The ChemTech Centre will be inaugurated on 12 May 2023. The Centre is an essential upgrade to the OPCW's research, analytical and capacity building capabilities.
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention's entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.
Over 99% of all declared chemical weapon stockpiles have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.
