Czech foreign minister visits Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Lubomír Zaorálek paid a visit to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on Monday, in order to meet with Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü.

Zaorálek gave his praise toward the organization for progress that it has made toward the elimination of chemical weapon stockpiles in Syria. He also reaffirmed the country's commitment to implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and its support of the OPCW mission.

Both parties discussed issues relating to enhancements in implementation of the CWC and how both the Czech Republic and the OPCW can improve cooperation that would be mutually beneficial. Üzümcü also expressed gratitude for the role that the Czech Republic has played in aiding the elimination effort in Syria and OPCW related training activities that have been hosted in the country.

The OPCW is the enforcing body of the CWC. The organization is involved with implementation, education and enforcement activities relating to chemical weapons. Several regional training sessions are held around the world on topics relating to implementation, medical assistance and emergency response, analytical chemistry and best practices for laboratories. The organization also holds fact-finding missions to cases of alleged stockpiling, development and use of chemical weapons.