Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, H.E. Mr Anders Samuelsen, visits the OPCW
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 10 September 2018 — The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of the Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Fernando Arias, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, H.E. Mr Anders Samuelsen, during a visit today to OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.
The Director-General briefed the Foreign Affairs Minister on the progress in the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). They discussed the approach to and anticipated outcomes for the upcoming Fourth Review Conference of the CWC, progress in implementing the June decision on addressing the threat of chemical weapons use, and plans for upgrading the OPCW Laboratory.
The Director-General commended Denmark’s efforts in upholding the norm against the use of chemical weapons. He acknowledged Denmark’s invaluable assistance for the verification and destruction-related activities of the Organisation, especially in Syria and Libya.
The Director-General stated: “I am impressed with Denmark’s stalwart support for the OPCW. I hope that the Kingdom of Denmark and the OPCW will continue to collaborate to eradicate chemical weapons in concert with the other Member States.”
The Minster remarked: ”The threat from chemical weapons is clear, present and takes many forms. The unacceptable breaches of the ban on the use of chemical weapons, not least in Syria and Salisbury, are tragic reminders. The decision to establish an attribution mechanism in the OPCW sends a clear message. There must be no impunity. Denmark remains committed to the fight to uphold the ban. Director-General Arias and I discussed how best to achieve progress and secure OPCW’s leading role.”
OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Fernando Arias, meeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, H.E. Mr Anders Samuelsen
Background
The Kingdom of Denmark joined the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1997 and has actively contributed to a variety of OPCW’s programmes and projects.
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.
Over 96% of all chemical weapon stockpiles declared by possessor States have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.