Mr Hubert Mandery paid a visit to the Technical Secretariat today and met with the OPCW Director-General. H.E. Ahmet Üzümcü, and other senior staff members. Mr Mandery was accompanied by Cefic’s Executive Director of Industrial Policy, Mr René van Sloten,
During their meeting Director-General Üzümcü commended Cefic for the crucial role it plays in chemical industry to bring about a world where chemicals are used solely for peaceful purposes. He briefed Mr Mandery on the status of implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the efforts undertaken by OPCW Member States to eliminate all existing stockpiles of chemical weapons. Ambassador Üzümcü also reviewed the OPCW’s mandate to verify these destruction activities as well as to inspect relevant chemical industries.
The OPCW’s industrial verification work is conducted in partnership with the global chemical industry to ensure that chemicals are not used for purposes prohibited by the Convention. Ambassador Üzümcü underscored industry’s indispensable role in preventing the spread of chemical weapons by applying the Convention’s international transfer restrictions to specific chemicals. He stressed that the global chemical weapons ban will achieve its fullest deterrent effect when all nations join and fully implement the Convention. Director-General Üzümcü also informed Mr Mandery on the OPCW’s efforts to enhance chemical safety and security and invited Cefic to work closely with the Organisation in this area.
Mr Mandery reiterated the strong commitment of Cefic to the OPCW in its mission to fully and effectively implement the Chemical Weapons Convention, which contributes to global peace and security. He informed Director General Üzümcü that Cefic programme like Responsible Care, including a Security Code, contribute to achieving the goals of the Convention. Mr Mandery also noted the strong cooperation between the OPCW and Cefic in various fields relating to the implementation of the Convention.