PH Turns Over Contribution to Center for Chemistry and Technology, Reaffirms Strong Commitment Against Chemical Weapons Threats

Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya (left) reaffirms to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) the Philippines’ strong commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, notably chemical weapons, on 09 April 2021. (Photo courtesy of OPCW)

THE HAGUE 15 April 2021 – Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya reaffirmed to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) the Philippines’ strong commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, notably chemical weapons through a ceremonial signing and exchange of letters, the Philippine government’s contribution of US$15,000.00 to the Trust Fund for a Center for Chemistry and Technology on 09 April 2021. OPCW was represented by His Excellency Director General Fernando Arias.

“I commend the work of the OPCW and its vision to establish the ChemTech Centre, which aims to strengthen the Organisation’s capability against new and emerging chemical weapons threats and support capacity building among OPCW Member States,” Ambassador Malaya said.

Director-General Arias, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Philippines and noted that “the Philippine contribution advances the establishment of the ChemTech Centre which will be a centrepiece for research, analysis, and training for all Member States”. The Centre is currently planned to become operational at the end of 2022. 

As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.

Over 98% of all declared chemical weapon stockpiles have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize. END

Ambassador Malaya (left) presents his credentials as Philippine Permanent Representative to the OPCW to Director General Fernando Arias (right) on 09 April 2021 at the OPCW Headquarters in The Hague. (Photo courtesy of OPCW)

For more information, visit https://www.thehaguepe.dfa.gov.ph or  https://www.facebook.com/PHinTheNetherlands/.