THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 10 December 2018 — The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs, H.E. Ms Adriana Mejía, met at the OPCW Headquarters in The Hague, on Friday, 7 December.
The Director-General and the Vice Minister discussed progress in implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the results of the recent Review Conference.
The Director-General provided detailed information about the enhancement of OPCW’s capabilities to address the threat from chemical weapons use and the project to upgrade the OPCW Laboratory into a Centre for Chemistry and Technology. They both acknowledged the need to intensify international cooperation and assistance to promote the peaceful application of science and technology and to advance sustainable growth of OPCW Member States.
The Director-General stated: “The OPCW relies on the steadfast commitment of all States Parties to the Convention to promote and uphold the tenets and spirit of the CWC. I commend Colombia’s enduring support for the OPCW and I am confident in its continued close cooperation with the Organisation”.
The Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs expressed: “Appreciating the warm welcome of the OPCW, Colombia reiterates its commitment to the important work of the Organisation in the pursuit of a world free of chemical weapons.”
Background
Colombia joined the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2000 and currently is a member of the OPCW Executive Council.
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.
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