Foreign Minister of New Zealand Visits the OPCW

29 October 2007

On 15 October 2007, Rt Hon. Winston Peters, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, visited the Headquarters of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and met its Director-General, Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter.

Director-General Pfirter welcomed Rt Hon. Winston Peters and provided him an overview of the present status of global implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention’s (CWC).

In their meeting, Rt Hon. Winston Peters emphasised New Zealand’s firm commitment to the goals of the CWC and underscored that the spread of weapons of mass destruction can only be prevented through the collective efforts of all nations. Rt. Hon Winston Peters also commended the OPCW for its mission to eliminate chemical weapons, counter their proliferation and develop a response to the threat of chemical terrorism.

On behalf of the Organisation, Director-General Pfirter expressed his appreciation for New Zealand’s continuous support to the OPCW and noted the strong and enduring ties between the OPCW and that country.

PR108/2007