THE HAGUE, Netherlands–16 February 2021–The Government of Malta has contributed €10,000 to a special Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (“ChemTech Centre”).
The contribution was formalised during a ceremony between the Permanent Representative of Malta to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Mark Anthony Pace, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, which was held yesterday at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.
Ambassador Pace stated: “As a firm proponent of multilateralism, Malta believes that Member States should endeavour to fully support the OPCW in the implementation of its mandate. Our contribution to the new ChemTech Centre is a clear sign of the commitment to ensuring the Organisation is provided with the necessary capabilities to address future challenges in an ever-changing and complex world.”
The Director-General expressed his gratitude to the Government of Malta and noted: “This contribution is more than welcome. It attests to Malta’s support for our shared mission of consigning chemical weapons to history. The new ChemTech Centre exemplifies the role of science and technology in promoting global peace and security and demonstrates how much can be achieved if Member States work in common purpose.”
Director-General Arias appealed to all OPCW States Parties 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 to the benefit of all 193 OPCW Member States. He highlighted that “all contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated”.
So far, 46 countries, the European Union, and four other donors have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the ChemTech Centre project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date.
