The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Fernando Arias, met with the Minister of State of the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), H.E. Baroness Goldie, on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (ChemTech Centre) on 12 May.
"Over 25 years ago, the Chemical Weapons Convention came into force, with the vow to eliminate an entire category of weapons of mass destruction, and much has been achieved in that time," the Minister said.
"There is still a way to go, and that is why the UK are committed to giving the OPCW our full support, including funding for this wonderful new centre which has opened today, which will help to deliver on the goal of a world free of chemical weapons," she emphasised.
"I am honoured to receive you, Minister Goldie, at the inauguration ceremony of the ChemTech Centre," the Director-General said. "I express my sincere appreciation to the UK and all other donors, who made this Centre a reality. The ChemTech Centre will significantly enhance OPCW's capabilities to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention and ensure that chemistry is used exclusively for peaceful and authorised purposes."
The ChemTech Centre is an important upgrade to the OPCW's capabilities to adapt to the evolving global security landscape and assist Member States in upholding the global norm against chemical weapons. It will ensure that the Organisation remains able to address threats and opportunities arising from rapid progress in science and technology.
The Centre also provides a platform to better coordinate efforts between scientists, academia, civil society, industry, and relevant international organisations. Activities at the Centre underpin the role of the Organisation as the world's leading repository of chemical weapons related expertise and knowledge, addressing chemical threats worldwide.
