The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, paid an official visit to Turkey on 17 – 19 March 2008 and met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, H.E. Mr. Ali Babacan.
Foreign Minister Babacan reaffirmed Turkey’s strong support for the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and expressed the need for its full implementation by all countries as well as the imperative of universality. He furthermore commended the OPCW for its achievements in eliminating chemical weapons, countering their proliferation and assisting countries in capacity building to face the threat of use of chemicals weapons, including the possible resort to toxic chemicals by terrorists.
Director-General Pfirter welcomed the excellent relationship that exists between Turkey and the Organisation and expressed appreciation for Turkey’s valuable support to the CWC and the OPCW. He provided an overview of the implementation of the Convention and asked for Turkey’s continued support for its full implementation and for universal adherence to the CWC, particularly in the region.
During his visit, Director-General Pfirter also met with the Under Secretaries and other officials in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Industry and Trade, as well as with the authority responsible for export controls. He furthermore had discussions with Members of Parliament, who expressed their strong support for the CWC and the work of the OPCW. The program also included a visit to Istanbul Chambers of Commerce, where the support of the Turkish Chemical Industry for the CWC and the work of the OPCW was also reconfirmed.