THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 15 October 2018 — The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica, H.E. Ms Lorena Aguilar, met today at the OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.
The Director-General briefed the Vice Minister on the progress in implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and highlighted the Organisation’s priorities such as enhancing OPCW’s capabilities to address the threat from chemical weapons use, and upgrading the OPCW Laboratory, into a Centre for Chemistry and Technology.
The discussion also covered international cooperation and assistance programmes that support the ability of States Parties to fully and effectively implement the Convention.
The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica, H.E. Ms Lorena Aguilar, met today at the OPCW Headquarters in The Hague
The Director-General stated: “The threat of chemical weapons continues, and requires a concerted response by States and international organisations. I commend Costa Rica’s enduring support for the OPCW, as well as the country’s firmness in upholding the fundamental norms and values embodied in the Convention”.
The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs congratulated the Director-General for his recent appointment. She further expressed: “I reiterate the offer of support from the Government of Costa Rica for the professional and dedicated work that the Organisation has carried out to fulfil the objectives established in the Convention.”
Background
Costa Rica joined the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1997.
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.