The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Sabrina Dallafior, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama, H.E. Mr Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez, at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague on 30 September 2026.
During the meeting, Director-General Dallafior and Foreign Minister Martínez-Acha exchanged views on issues related to the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in the context of the evolving international situation.
Director-General Dallafior expressed her appreciation for Panama's engagement with the OPCW, including its role as a member of the Executive Council and its efforts to promote the universality of the Convention.
They also discussed initiatives to strengthen regional capacity for chemical safety and security in GRULAC region, including the CHEMEX GRULAC initiative launched by the OPCW, as well as the recently concluded 2026 Plenary Meeting of the Global Congress on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats, hosted by Panama with contributions from the OPCW Technical Secretariat.
The Director-General underscored that these events provided opportunities for OPCW stakeholders to enhance their knowledge, expertise, and operational capabilities in addressing chemical threats. The OPCW stands ready to continue working with States Parties in the region to strengthen national and regional capacities in support of the effective implementation of the Convention.
The Minister expressed his full confidence in the professionalism of the Technical Secretariat under the able leadership of the Director-General and assured the full support and cooperation of the Government of Panama.
During the meeting, Director-General Dallafior and Foreign Minister Martínez-Acha exchanged views on issues related to the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention in the context of the evolving international situation.
Background
Panama signed the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1993 and ratified it in 1998. It has been an active member of the OPCW and currently serves as a member of the Executive Council. Panama currently serves as facilitator for the implementation of the Action Plan for Universality. In this capacity, it supports efforts by States Parties and the Technical Secretariat to promote universal adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Panama hosted the 2026 Plenary Meeting of the Global Congress on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats in Panama City from 21 to 24 September 2026.
