His Excellency Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Organization of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Mr. Ziad Al Atiyadh, attended the meetings of the 26th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the OPCW, held in The Hague from 29 November to 3 December 2021.
His Excellency, in a statement, reiterated the great importance that Saudi Arabia attaches to the implementation of its’ obligations under the convention, and the Kingdom’s consistent policy aimed at strengthening international efforts to ban weapons of mass destruction and prevent their spread, including efforts to make the Middle-East a region free of all weapons of mass destruction.
His Excellency also reiterated the Kingdom's position that the use of chemical substances and toxic chemicals as weapons under any circumstances is a reprehensible act, that contradicts the Convention and the rules of the international community, calling upon the Syrian authorities to cooperate with the organization's technical secretariat to implement all resolutions related to the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
His Excellency also highlighted the Kingdom's donation of 50.000 euros towards the new Center for Chemistry and Technology, reflecting the Kingdom’s interest in promoting international cooperation in the field of chemical activities for non-prohibited purposes. Moreover, His Excellency underscored the importance of supporting the organization's activities of verification, monitoring and scientific research, as well as increasing the scientific competences of member states in the field of chemical research.
In conclusion, His Excellency extended his sincere appreciations to the Director-General of the OPCW, Mr. Fernando Arias, for his professionalism and transparency, reaffirming the Kingdom’s support for his reappointment for a second term.
