Romania Contributes RON 48,000 to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – 13 July 2020 – The Government of Romania has contributed RON 48,000 to a special Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the project to upgrade the current OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store. This project will result in the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (“ChemTech Centre”).
The contribution was formalised during a ceremony today between OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the Permanent Representative of Romania to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Brândușa Predescu, which was held at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.
Ambassador Predescu remarked: “The voluntary contribution is renewed proof of Romania’s strong support for the principles and goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. We believe that in an ever-changing security environment the new ChemTech Centre will play a significant role in consolidating the Organisation’s ability to address chemical weapons threats and in supporting capacity building, thus contributing to our goal of enhancing global peace and security. ”
The Director-General expressed: “I thank the Government of Romania for this contribution to the new OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology that will further build the capabilities of our Member States to achieve a world free of chemical weapons. The continued commitment of OPCW Member States to this important project during these unprecedented times is especially meaningful.”
Director-General Arias appealed to all OPCW Member States in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so. He further emphasised the important role the new ChemTech Centre will play in strengthening the OPCW’s ability to address chemical weapon threats and enhance capacity building activities. He highlighted that “all contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated”.
So far, forty-three Member States and the European Union have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the ChemTech Centre project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date.