| The Hague, Netherlands–14 October 2020–The Government of Malaysia has contributed €10,000 to a special Organization 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 formalized during a ceremony between the Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Representation of Malaysia to the OPCW, Dr Mohd Norhisyam Mohd Yusof, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, which was held at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague. Charge d’Affaires a.i. Dr Mohd Yusof remarked: “Malaysia views the upgrading of the current OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store to the ChemTech Centre as a crucial step in strengthening the Organisation’s capabilities to comprehensively address new and re-emerging chemical weapons threats. The new ChemTech Centre will also catapult capacity-building efforts for OPCW Member States, particularly in developing countries. Malaysia, for instance, is interested in advancing our expertise as a nation and a regional player. As a highly principled and committed member of the OPCW, Malaysia stands ready to contribute to our joint efforts to end the use of chemical weapons. ”While thanking Malaysia for its contribution, Director-General Arias emphasized the importance of having Malaysia in the list of contributors and recognized the support of Malaysia to the OPCW.The Director-General also renewed his appeal 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, 45 countries, the European Union, and three other donors have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the ChemTech Centre project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date. |
