Germany, 5 March 2008
The OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, visited Germany on 5 March 2008 at the invitation of Verband der Chemischen Industrie e.V. (VCI), the German chemical industry association.
Speaking to VCI board members at its Trade Policy Meeting, Director-General Pfirter stressed that the chemical industry is a key stakeholder in the CWC and an important partner in the work of the OPCW. He also emphasised that the relationship between the OPCW and chemical industry is unique, mutually beneficial and crucial to promoting full implementation of the CWC, in particular with regard to the non-proliferation regime.
The Director-General also thanked the German chemical industry for its steadfast support in ensuring full implementation of the Convention and its extensive cooperation in the framework of industry inspections under the CWC.
Turkey, 17-19 March 2008
The Director-General 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.
The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Turkey’s strong support for the CWC and expressed the need for its full implementation by all countries as well as the imperative of universality. The Director-General 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.
Director-General Pfirter also met with the Under Secretaries and other officials in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Industry and Trade, as well as with the authority responsible for export controls. In addition he had discussions with Members of Parliament, who expressed their strong support for the CWC and the work of OPCW. The program included a visit to the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, where the support of the Turkish Chemical Industry for the CWC and work of the OPCW was also reconfirmed.
United States of America, 2-3 April 2008
The Director-General visited Washington D.C. on 2 and 3 April 2008 where he delivered an address to the Legacy Forum 2008, organised by Global Green USA in the U.S. Capitol building. The Forum was opened by the co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force on Nonproliferation, U.S. Representatives Edward Markey (D-Maryland) and Christopher Shays (R-Connecticut).
During his visit Director-General Pfirter met with U.S. Representatives John Spratt (D-South Carolina) and Ellen Tauscher (D-California); with senior staff members of Senators Barbara Boxer (D-California), Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Richard G. Lugar (R-Indiana) and Joe Biden (D-Delaware); and with senior staff of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
In addition, Director-General Pfirter had meetings with senior officials of the U.S. State Department including Paula DeSutter, the Assistant Secretary of State for Verification, Compliance and Implementation; Patricia A. McNerney, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of International Security and Non-Proliferation; and Donald A. Mahley, the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Threat Reductions, Export Controls and Negotiations. The Director-General also had discussions with John C. Rood, the Under Secretary for International Security and Non-Proliferation.
During these meetings, the Director-General discussed issues relating to the full and effective implementation of the CWC, including the destruction of declared chemical weapons, OPCW’s global verification activities and the importance of universality for the Convention.
Ecuador, 6 May 2008
OPCW Director-General Rogelio Pfirter visited Quito on 6 May 2008 where he opened the IX Regional Meeting of National Authorities of Latin America and the Caribbean.
While in Quito the Director-General Pfirter met with the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Integration, Mr José Valencia. He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Minister for Ecuador’s valuable support to the CWC and OPCW, and provided an overview of the Convention’s implementation. He asked for Ecuador’s continued support for achieving universal adherence to the Convention and its full implementation, particularly in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Director-General also met with the dean of the Escuela Politécnica Nacional (EPN), Ing. Alfonso Espinosa, and visited EPN’s laboratories
China, 13-16 May 2008
The Director-General paid an official visit to the People’s Republic of China from 13 to 16 May 2008 and met H. E. Mr Wang Yi, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Director-General Pfirter provided Minister Wang with an overview of the implementation of the CWC globally and within the region, and expressed appreciation for China’s commitments to the goals of the CWC. Minister Wang reiterated his country’s strong commitment to the OPCW and praised the important contribution made by the CWC to world peace and security.
The Director-General also met H.E. Mr He Yafei, the Assistant Foreign Minister; Ambassador Cheng Jingye, the Director-General of Arms Control and Disarmament Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Major General Liu Yonggui, the Head of the Chemical Defense Institute.
Director-General Pfirter visited the Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry of RICD-China, a OPCW Designated Laboratory in Beijing, and was given a tour by Major General Chen Xinnian of the General Logistic Department of the People’s Liberation Army.
In Hong Kong SAR, Director-General Pfirter met H.E. Mr Lu Xinhua, Commissioner of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of China, and Ms Yvonne Choi Ying-pik, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the SAR.