The OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, visited Serbia from 3 to 4 June 2008 where he opened the Seventh Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Eastern Europe in Belgrade on 3 June. On 4 June he visited the NBCD Training Center in Kruševac and addressed participants in the Fourth International Basic Course on Assistance and Protection. Both events were organised by the Government of Serbia in cooperation with the OPCW.
While in Belgrade Director-General Pfirter met with H. E. Mr Radojko Bogojević, the State Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and gave an overview on the status of implementation of the CWC. On behalf of his government, State Secretary Bogojević conveyed the unwavering support of Serbia to the CWC and the work of the OPCW. Director-General Pfirter noted the close interaction between the OPCW and Serbia and highlighted the firm commitment of Serbia to the provisions of the CWC.
In his meeting with the Director-General, H. E. Mr Saša Dragin, Minister of Environment Protection, discussed issues pertaining to chemical industry and other relevant provisions of the Convention. The Director-General also met with H.E Mr Dušan Spasojevič, State Secretary, Ministry of Defence, and expressed his gratitude to the Government of Serbia for their continuing support in the training of OPCW inspectors.
In addition, Director-General Pfirter held discussions with H. E. Mr Feodor Starčević, Assistant Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and with Ambassador Bratislav Djordjević, Head of the National Authority of Serbia. The Director-General stressed the importance of the CWC as the only disarmament treaty that bans an entire category of weapons of mass destruction and one that has contributed to global peace and security.