The Hague, 14 April 2004

Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore Visits the OPCW

H.E. Mr S. Jayakumar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, visited the headquarters of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague on 13 April 2004. OPCW Director-General, Mr Rogelio Pfirter, briefed Mr Jayakumar on the status of the Chemical Weapons Convention’s implementation, the destruction of the stockpile of globally declared chemical weapons and the challenges that lie ahead.

In their meeting, Mr Jayakumar and Mr Pfirter discussed the threat of chemical terrorism, recognizing the role of the Organisation in anti-terrorism. Mr Jayakumar reaffirmed his Government’s strong commitment to the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. In addition, Mr Pfirter welcomed the promotion of universal adherence to the chemical weapons ban by the Government of Singapore and hoped that Singapore would continue to promote the Convention’s universality in Asia and among ASEAN Member States.

Mr Pfirter expressed his appreciation for the invaluable support provided by the Government of the Republic of Singapore and looked forward to Singapore’s continuing, active involvement in the work of the Organisation.