On 13th September of 2017, H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov had been named the new Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Belgium along with obtaining postings as Head the Missions of Uzbekistan to the EU and NATO. On 13 March 2019 he also became ambassador to the Kingdom of The Netherlands adding this country and the representation to the international organizations sitting in The Hague including OPCW to his ambassadorship portfolio.
H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov is a highly skilled and experienced diplomat with outstanding service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as UNDP. He began his career during the late 1990s in the project management department of UNDP. During his work in the management field, Mr. Khakimov closely cooperated with the government representatives on implementing projects. Consequently thereafter, he was assigned to various positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.
From 2009 to 2013, H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov worked on facilitating diplomatic ties between Uzbekistan and United States by first serving as Counsellor in the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the USA and then being on duty as Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the UN in New York.
Before being promoted to the rank of Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Belgium, H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov had been appointed to be First Deputy and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2013-2017).
Furthermore, H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov has a diverse academic background completed in Malaysia and Uzbekistan. Indeed, he holds a Business Management degree from Mara Technological Institute, as well as graduate degrees in International Economic Relations from Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies and from Tashkent Economic University.
H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov fluently speaks English and Russian; he is a husband and a father to three kids.
On Saturday 13 April, The Hague Municipal Archives will organize The History of The Hague Day for the fourteenth time, celebrating the history of The Hague with all its residents.
This year’s theme is ‘gold’, inspired by the annual topic Rembrandt and the Golden Age. Between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM Het Plein in the centre of The Hague will be transformed into a vibrant festival site.
Young, elderly, newcomer, expat, traditional ‘Hagenaar’ or ‘Hagenese’; everyone can participate and enjoy free workshops, guided tours, special performances and old Dutch children’s games, offered by over thirty heritage institutions and organizations in The Hague. An extensive English language programme will be available for expats and tourists.
The complete programme can be found on dagvandehaagsegeschiedenis.nl/ (choose the English flag in the menu to switch to English).
At a joint press conference held in The Hague, Russian and Syrian
representatives at the OPCW criticized the organization’s recently published
report on the alleged chemical attacks of April 7th, 2018 in Douma,
Syria. Nevertheless – Russian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin said –
Russia will not give up its quest to clarify what happened in Douma one year
ago.
On March 1st, 2019, the Organization for the
Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) issued the report of its Fact Finding
Mission (FFM) on the allegation of chemical weapons use in Douma, Syria, on
April 7th, 2018. On March 11th, 2019, the Russian mission
to the OPCW, together with its Syrian counterpart, organized a press conference
to issue a preliminary assessment of the OPCW report.
In the wake of the allegation of chemical weapons use in Douma last year, the OPCW had sent an independent mission to assess the situation on the ground. The mission managed to access Douma only on April 15th, a day after the retaliation strikes launched by the United States, France, and the United Kingdom in response to the alleged use of chemical weapons by the government of Mr. Bashar al-Asad. After almost a year of analysis, the report issued on March 1st stated that the evidence gathered by the FFM “provide[s] reasonable grounds that the use of a toxic chemical as a weapon has taken place” in Douma, although it refrained from blaming any actors for the incident.
During the March 11th press conference,
Ambassador Shulgin criticized the report issued by the FFM, pointing the finger
at “internal inconsistencies, discrepancies and gaps”. In particular, he
disputed the report’s ballistic analyses, its high estimates of casualties, as
well as its inconsistency in dealing with information coming from the White
Helmets (WH). This group, officially known as Syria Civil Defence, defines
itself as a volunteer organization supporting civilian victims of attacks, but
it has been accused by Damascus and Moscow of being affiliated with terrorist
groups such as Jabhat al-Nusra.
Moreover, Ambassador Shulgin criticized the FFM’s report for not taking into consideration large part of the evidence submitted by Russia in the wake of the alleged attacks. In April 2018, the Russian delegation in The Hague had organized an event on the Douma attacks, flying in from Damascus a number of witnesses who denounced the alleged attack as a farce. Such evidence, however, was only vaguely mentioned in the report – Mr. Shulgin regretted, accusing the OPCW’s experts of not having the courage to counter the pressure exercised by the U.S.-led coalition.
Stressing the importance of providing the
international public with appropriate information, H.E. Mr. Bassam Sabbah, Syrian
Permanent Representative to the OPCW, added new elements of criticism to the
FFM’s report. He denounced the FFM for not living up to the OPCW standards in
terms of sampling, interviewing and cooperation with the host government, in
spite of what he defined as the Syrian government’s “utmost cooperation” with
the mission. In particular, Mr. Sabbagh regretted the OPCW’s use of extra
samples outside those officially extracted by the FFM staff in Douma, as well
as the reliance on interviews to individuals whose background and relation to
the incident remain unclear.
The accusations of the Russian and Syrian diplomats were backed up by the more technical details provided by Mr. Sergey Kikot, chemical weapons expert at the Russian Ministry of Defence. Mr. Kikot underlined that although “Russia does not question the OPCW’s professionalism”, the FFM’s report contains analyses of dubious quality. Specifically, he questioned the report’s ballistic analyses, and dubbed its estimates of casualties, amounting to 43 victims and more than 500 injured, as unrealistic.
A further round of criticism was raised by Mr. Maxim
Grigoriev, Director of the Russia-based Foundation for the Study of Democracy.
Mr. Grigoriev specifically blamed the report for the poor standards of its
interviews policy, as well as for the inconsistent use of information coming
from the White Helmets. He welcomed the report’s denial of some claims arising
from the WH, but at the same time regretted that in other parts of the report
information provided by the WH was used as a reliable source. Repeatedly
referring to tweets by the BBC Syria Producer Riam Dalati, Mr. Gregoriev dubbed
such information as propaganda, and accused the WH of close affiliation with
terrorist organizations operating in Syria.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Shulgin underlined that
the Russian Mission to the OPCW will not give up its quest to clarify what
happened in Douma on April 7th, 2018, and to overcome the excessive
politicization that surrounded this issue in the discussions held at the OPCW
over the last year.
The Water Board elections will be held in the Netherlands on 20 March 2019. If you are over 18 and have a valid residence permit for the Netherlands you will most likely be eligible to cast your vote. To find out what’s at stake and who to vote for, join the Water Board election debate on Friday 15 March from 17.30 to 19.30 at IHE Delft.
The debate and introduction will be in English
and is open to the public, the doors are open at 17.15.
Venue: IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, Delft.
Preliminary
programme
17.30-18.15 Introduction to the role and
challenges of Water Boards in the Netherlands and the Delfland Water Board by Deltacommissioner
Mr Peter Glas and Delfland Dijkgraaf Mr Piet-Hein Daverveldt
18.30-19.30 Debate between the
representatives of the five largest parties of the current governing board of
the Delfland Water Board (VVD, AWP, PvdA, CDA and Water Natuurlijk)
Dutch
Water Boards and elections The Dutch Water Boards are amongst the oldest
democratic institutes in the world. Nowadays, there are twenty-two Water Boards
in the Netherlands which are responsible for, among other things, flood
protection and the treatment of sewage water.
Every four years, the residents within a
Water Board’s territory elect the members of the ‘residents’ category of
members of the governing board. Apart from the ‘residents’ category, the board
also includes representatives from the business, agricultural and environmental
sectors. These representatives hold so-called guaranteed seats and are not
elected by way of elections. A typical governing board is composed of 18 to 30
members. The majority of this number is elected by way of direct elections.
Eligibility
to vote A voter must meet the following requirements:
The voter must be 18 years of
age or over
The voter may not be debarred
from voting
The voter must have been a
resident of a Dutch Water Board territory on nomination day, as evidenced by
the Base Registry Persons.
These requirements apply equally to
non-Dutch nationals holding a valid residence permit, irrespective of the term
of their residence in the Netherlands. The same requirements for casting their
vote in the Water Board elections apply to Dutch nationals and EU citizens.
On show at the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden from 3 May 2019
Medieval gardens will blossom this summer in the charming exhibition ‘Medieval gardens. Earthly
paradises in East and West’ in the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden (the Netherlands).
Visitors can enjoy stories about the medieval garden and its plants, herbs and flowers, from
Europe to the Middle East. In addition to vegetable and ornamental gardens, visitors can also
explore gardening in the Middle Ages, love gardens, paradise as a garden and ‘the garden inside’.
On display are medieval illuminated manuscripts, herbariums, flower carpets, paintings and
prints, excavated garden tools, tile panels and crockery with flower motifs. The exhibition can be
viewed from 3 May to 1 September 2019.
In the exhibition, archaeological finds and works of art paint a picture of the wealth, importance and
diversity of gardens in the Western Christian and Eastern Islamic world between 1200 and 1600 AD.
Visitors can enjoy millefiori and paradise carpets, herbariums with dried plants, illuminated books with
ideal gardens and oriental tiles with floral motifs. Also on display are medieval tools and excavated
watering cans, seeds and feathers, falcon hoods, chess pieces, medicine pots and musical instruments.
In a sunny and colourful design with arbours and birdsong, visitors can smell herbs and flowers, design
their own garden and digitally browse medieval books with garden scenes. Rare paintings, prints and
miniatures offer an introduction to a lovely Madonna in a rose garden, a Persian prince at a fountain and
a fierce Italian gardener.
Gardens played an important role in the lives of medieval people. Not only practically, for food and
medicine, but also for leisure, hunting and the game of love. The word ‘paradise’ is derived from the Old-
Persian word for garden, pairidaeza. Both in the Qur’an and in the Bible, paradise is described as a garden
with ever flowing rivers, evergreen plants and animals and man in harmony. The exhibition bridges the
gap between gardens in Western and Eastern cultures, thereby highlighting their similarities. In both
spheres it is about the luxury of being outside, between blossoming flowers and reflected in clear water,
with pavilions for relaxation, meals, concerts and poetry readings. The vast, symmetrical garden by a
castle or palace is also a status symbol, where guests are received and ‘seduced’ into games,
conversation, or a stolen kiss.
The exhibition is a collaboration with the Leiden Botanical Gardens. On display are loans from among
others the collections of the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Leiden University Library, Rijksmuseum
Boerhaave, Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, and the heritage services of Amsterdam, Haarlem, Delft,
Alkmaar, ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Antwerp. The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden is supported by the BankGiro
Lottery.
A booklet (in Dutch, 64 pgs., €9.95) and a RMO Magazine (in Dutch, €3.50) will accompany the exhibition. There is a free audio tour highlighting medieval music and a supplementary programme including lectures, guided tours and botanical drawing workshops. The museum shop has a special garden assortment. During the annual children’s summer event Kunstdetective, children can also get to work in the medieval gardens.
The definition of art is fluid, not fixed, nor tangible and holds a different meaning to many people. Besides that, many influential artists, well-known intellectuals and scientists have written about the concept of art and explored the role and influence of art on society and daily life. Although the discussion on the concept of art is very complex and diverse, I think that we can all agree that art can spark something; a friendship, a critical discussion, courage, passion, an interesting conversation, motivation, new ideas or just simply bring us a moment of happiness.
These were the emotions and sounds that defined
the atmosphere during the inauguration of the art exhibition “Movimiento” at the
Mexican Embassy in The Hague, on February 12.
The art collective of eight Mexican artists, founded and led by the Mexican painter Emilio Sanchez Diaz was created to support and promote on the one hand, new and emerging artists and their growing careers and one the other hand, established artists that have already received recognition in the art world in México. The eight artists, Anna Kutyczand Rudek,EMSAR, Emilio Sánchez, Pilar González, Nancy van Overveldt, Paola Luis Hernández, Jose Luis Couoh and Pablo Esteban have all different life trajectories, ways of creating art in motion, perspectives and methods of visualization.
In de picture from left to right: Jorge Delgado, Embassy of Mexico, Emilio Sánchez, artist, Alejandra Saldaña, artist manager, Itzel Barragán, curator, Mauricio Torres, Embassy of Mexico, Pilar González, artist and RUDEK, artist.
Albeit the work is genuinely diverse and sometimes even contrasting, the thematic link that connects the work can be found through the figurative representations, for instance the colors and cohesive elements of critical thought, emotions and experiences in both México and the Netherlands that are reflected in their work.
Movimiento, Mexican exhibition, The Hague.
The exhibition was carefully curated by Emilio Sanchez Diaz and Itzel Barragán, who together with the Embassy, artists and friends transformed the gallery of the Mexican Embassy into a colorful and dynamic space beyond belief. Additionally, Itzel Barragan wrote the beautiful exhibition texts and an extensive thorough article about the exhibition in the magazine of the Mexican Embassy “Origenes”, which will be published at the end of February.
Mexican exhibition Movimiento.
The exhibition “Movimiento” represents artwork that has been
influenced by different art movements, manifestations and radical changes
around the world that occurred during the twentieth century. Considering the
great creativity and professionalism of the curators, the public was challenged
to approach the art without prejudice and to understand the different rhythms
of movement. Simultaneously the public was touched by the intense colors and the
alternation of expressionistic, abstract cubic and even surrealistic structures
and narration.
Like many rivers that are constantly turning and flowing from different origins, while following their own path, many ideas, experiences and rhythms emerged along the way. And as all the rivers eventually run into the sea, the experiences of the eight artist in both Mexico and the Netherlands are harmonized and driven together into unity in this magnificent exhibition.
Pilar González, artist, Emilio Sánchez, artist, Itzel Barragán, curator and Alejandra Saldaña, artist manager.
The art exhibition “Movimiento” is open for the public until the
21st of March, from Monday till Friday between 09:00-13:00 and
14:00-17:00 hrs. at the Mexican Embassy in The Hague.
On March 8th,
2019, the premises of the Supreme Court in The Hague hosted the event “Conflict
Resolution in the Middle East”, co-organized by UPEACE Centre The Hague and
SIB-Leiden. The event’s keynote speech was delivered by Ms. Sigrid Kaag, Dutch
Minister of Foreign Trade and Development, who analyzed the emerging global
challenges and stressed the need for suitable solutions.
The
challenges in nowadays world are abundant and daunting, and addressing them
will not be easy. Yet, we can address them, and we should not spare any effort
in trying do to so. This could be the takeaway from the keynote speech of Ms.
Sigrid Kaag, Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development, in the occasion
of the event “Conflict resolution in the Middle East”. The event, co-organized
by the UN University for Peace’s Centre The Hague and by the student
association SIB-Leiden, attracted a large audience composed by politicians, ambassadors
and diplomats, researchers and students from several different backgrounds.
The event started in the early afternoon, with the introduction by Mr. Robert Serry, Chairman of UPEACE Centre The Hague, and Mr. Paco Vervaet, President of SIB-Leiden. The introduction of the hosts was followed by a presentation of UPEACE by Mr. Juan Carlos Sainz-Borgo, Dean of UPEACE Costa Rica, who described the mission of UPEACE and its activities around the world.
The panel discussion: Mr. Robert Serry, Chairman of Upeace Centre The Hague, Minister Kaag and Dr. Juan Carlos Sainz-Borgo, Dean of the University for Peace in Costa Rica.
This
presentation was followed by the intervention of Prof. Aaron Wolf. From the IHE
Delft Institute of Water Education, who stressed the importance of
water-related issues in conflict situation and outline the Institute’s
activities. Finally, Mr. Tomás Alberto Chang Pico, a Venezuelan alumnus of
UPEACE, described his experience as a student at UPEACE Costa Rica, paving then
the way for a lively questions and answers session.
After
a networking break, Mr. Serry reconvened the audience in the main room for the
keynote speech of Ms. Kaag. The Minister exposed her analysis of the current
challenges facing the international system, with a particular focus on the
increase in the number and size of conflicts around the world. She touched upon
the current geopolitical and geoeconomics shifts, which are leading to
multipolarity and fragmentation on the international scene. While such
developments can be seen as opportunities, they can also lead to some negative
consequences, such as for example the undermining of fundamental values such as
those enshrined in the concept of universal human rights – the Minister said,
deploring for instance the rise of illiberal democracies.
Audience from right to left: Former ambassador (NL) H. Schaper, Former Ambassador (NL) N. van Dam, R.A. Mollinger, former Chairman of UPEACE Centre The Hague Mr. M. Enthoven, Dr. B.R. Bot, former Minister of Foreign Affairs NL.
Ms.
Kaag identified several of the potential causes of instability, such as
conflict, poverty and the increased role of non-state actors, and stressed the
importance to address such issues in order to prevent, rather than resolve,
conflicts. The approach towards conflict prevention – the Minister stressed –
should be multi-dimensional, involving different issues such as diplomacy,
defence and development. The Minister stressed the importance of mediation,
calling for more efforts on track 2 diplomacy and for more involvement of women
in peace processes. At the same time – she stressed – developmental issues, and
especially those related to the youth, remain crucial in order to prevent the
emergence of conflicts.
Minister Kaag clearly claimed that “we need to change the way we work” in order to adapt our responses to the evolving challenges of the 21st century. “We must be more creative, embrace risks, use new technologies, and we must believe that conflicts can be solved” – the Minister told the audience in her concluding remarks, stressing the importance of values in the fight against conflicts.
Minister Kaag during her keynote speech, with overview of the Courtroom.
During
the ensuing Q&A session, the Minister addressed a large number of topics.
She delved more in detail into the situation of the Middle East, congratulating
countries such as Lebanon and Jordan for their actions towards Syrian refugees
in the region, as well as praising the facilitation efforts led by Oman in the
region. Moreover, on the occasion of International Women Day, the Minister
repeatedly stressed the importance of including gender considerations in Dutch
foreign policy all over the world, as well as of improving gender equality
targets in the Netherlands and in Europe.
Student asking questions.
While
conflicts seem set to remain a daunting challenge for the world in the decades
ahead, hopefully politics and civil society will find the means to adapt to
this constantly changing world and find the adequate solutions to ensure peace
and well-being for everyone in the world.
The Hague, Netherlands – 5th March 2019.Diplomat Magazine and Diplomatic Card organized a Ceremony of Merit for the outgoing Ambassador of Iran, H.E. Dr Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Netherlands.
Diplomat Magazine being the first diplomatic magazine of its kind in the Netherlands, presented a Certificate of Merit and an award to H.E. Dr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of The Islamic Republic of Iran.
H.E. Mr. Bruce Koloane, Ambassador of South Africa during his speech.
The certificate of Merit and Public Diplomacy Award were presented in recognition for the outstanding contributions that Ambassador Alireza Jahangiri has made in solidifying Iran’s bilateral ties with the Netherlands, as well as for promoting strategic diplomatic engagements. Furthermore, Dr. Jahangiri has been significantly involved with international organizations and has served as the chairman of the OPCW SCP.
Group picture with some of the guests attending Ambassador Jahangiri Ceremony of Merit, among others the Apostolic Nuncio, the ambassadors of Cuba, Bangladesh, Venezuela, Malaysia, Belarus, Sri Lanka, Armenia, Viet Nam, Italy, Uruguay, Indonesia, Kuwait, the Philippines, India, El Salvador, South Africa, Russia, Afghanistan.
The Ceremony of Merit was also an opportunity to express profound gratitude to Ambassador Alireza Jahangiri for his support to the diplomatic community and the media.
H.E. Sheik Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh.
The auspicious occasion was attended by members of the Diplomatic community, the International judiciary, academics as well as individuals of the Iranian community.
Ambassadors at the Ceremony of Merit to honour Ambassador Jahangiri from Iran.
Glowing remarks were delivered by a total of six speakers including H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Victor Ledda, Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Mr Bruce Koloane, Ambassador of South Africa, H.E. Mr. I Gusti Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia, H.E. Sheik Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh, and the Ambassador of India who presented the award, H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony.
H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of Russia. Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, Spouse of the Ambassador of Bangladesh, was one of the remarkable speakers to honour Mrs. Maryam Jahangiri.H.E. Ms. Haifa Aissami Madah, Ambassador of Venezuela to International Organizations, with Ambassador Jahangiri and Maryam.
The speakers all lauded Ambassador Alireza Jahangiri for his fine contributions within the diplomatic community and his pivotal involvement in the OPCW, but above all, great emphasis was placed on Alireza Jahangiri himself, the man, the colossus.
H.E. Venu Rajamony, Ambassador of India with Ambassador Jahangiri and his spouse Maryam.
Several references were made to the personal and friendly relationship that existed between Jahangiri and his fellow Ambassadors. One speaker in addressing Ambassador Jahangiri cited a quote from Hubert H. Humphrey which states, “the greatest gift of life is friendship and I have received it.”
The Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, Ambassador Jahangiri and Mr. Saeid Asadi, Minister at the Iranian Embassy.
It is undeniable that anyone who came into contact with Ambassador Alireza Jahangiri will attest to his professionalism, academic qualities and his great humanity.
Mrs. Tatsiana Barysevich, from Belarus, Dr. Taroh Thapa, from India, Mrs. Linda Zim, from Malaysia, Mrs. Maryam Jahangiri, from Iran, H.E. Mrs. Laura Dupuy from Uruguay and Dr. Dilruba Nasrin from Bangladesh. Iran Ceremony of Merit March 4, 2019.
There was no better way to bid farewell to a stalwart of the diplomatic community and also a dear friend. A grand reception concluded the Ceremony of Merit at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
A monumental cake was served during the reception to honour the ambassador of Iran.
18-19 February 2019, Brussels: After attending the Munich Security Conference in Bavaria, Germany, the 52nd Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, went on a multi-and bilateral visit to Brussels that took her to meet with NATO, Belgian and EU dignitaries. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the latter’s deputy Rose Gottemoeller met Speaker Pelosi to discuss the importance of increasing national budget towards NATO in order to succeed in the alliance’s collective defence and deterrence mission.
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel welcomed her for a candid conversation about the global security challenges facing Belgium and the USA as well as the importance of a partnership rooted in trust to effectively combat terrorist threats.
Meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, they discussed the need for values-based leadership and the importance of protecting human rights and democratic principles, and fighting anti-Semitism. Our far-ranging meeting covered critical regional, economic and energy security questions facing Europe, and the challenges and opportunities of EU expansion.
Nancy Pelosi & Federica Mogherini – Picture by European Union.
With Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, the two dignitaries exchange views on how the USA and EU could enhance their common objective on trade and defence initiatives, human rights around the globe as well as a democratic and peaceful resolution to the crisis in Venezuela.
Speaker Pelosi was accompanied to the EU meetings by US Ambassador to the EU,Gordon Sondland as well as Senator Bob Menendez (New Jersey), and other US delegation members.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 7 March 2019 — The Government of France has contributed €1.2 million 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 today in a ceremony involving the exchange of letters between OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and France’s Permanent Representative to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Philippe Lalliot, at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.
Ambassador Lalliot, on behalf of Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, announced the decision to contribute €1.2 million to support the project to upgrade the OPCW Chemical Laboratory to a Centre for Chemistry and Technology and remarked: “OPCW is, in our view, a central actor in the chemical non-proliferation regime. This new Centre, including a very modern and secure laboratory, will enhance the system of prevention, identification and response of the OPCW and its Member States. It will provide Member States with an instrument to enhance international cooperation, including with a training platform to strengthen capacity-building for Member States. It will contribute to strengthening our collective security.”
France Contributes €1.2M to Future ChemTech Centre
The contribution was formalised today in a ceremony involving the exchange of letters between OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and France’s Permanent Representative to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Philippe Lalliot, at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague
Director-General Arias stated: “I want to express my deep gratitude to the Government of France for its generous support. This contribution brings us one step closer to realising this important project. The new Centre will strengthen the OPCW’s scientific and technological ability to comprehensively address the threat of chemical weapons and support capacity building in our Member States.”
Thirteen States Parties have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the project and a considerable amount has already been raised to date. The Director-General has appealed to all OPCW States Parties in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so, emphasising that the new ChemTech Centre will be a resource for all States Parties and that “All contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated”.
The project to build the ChemTech Centre is on-going and seeks to strengthen the OPCW’s capabilities to fully address new and emerging chemical weapons threats, as well as to support capacity building in OPCW Member States. The current OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store are central to the effectiveness and integrity of the verification regime of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and they also contribute to the OPCW’s capacity-building and international cooperation activities. However, the current facility will soon no longer be fit-for-purpose due to its aging infrastructure, space constraints, larger workloads, and new missions with new areas of work.
A new facility is required to meet the demands of OPCW States Parties for enhanced verification tools, improved detection capabilities and response measures, as well as increased capacity-building activities. The ChemTech Centre will also help the OPCW to keep pace with developments in science and technology and new chemical weapons threats. The OPCW Technical Secretariat is developing a detailed project plan for the construction of the ChemTech Centre, and a Trust Fund for voluntary contributions has been established to secure the required resources for the project.
To date, the following States Parties have contributed or pledged to contribute to the project: Algeria, Belgium, Canada, Estonia, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Spain and UK.
