Bilateral Visits programme strengthens implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention

THE HAGUE, Netherlands—22 April 2022—The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) requires countries to develop robust national capacities to enable the universal and effective implementation and enforcement of the CWC.  To strengthen these capacities, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) facilitates knowledge sharing visits between National Authorities in different countries. These bilateral cooperation exchanges aim to advance the implementation of the Convention at the domestic level.

During the first quarter of 2022, the OPCW facilitated three exchange visits between six Member States:

• From 21 to 25 February representatives from the National Authority of Mauritania visited Morocco to learn how Morocco implements the CWC through its national laws and regulations. The return visit of a delegation from the Moroccan National Authority to Mauritania is being planned in the second half of 2022.
• From 28 March to 1 April the National Authority of Côte d’Ivoire hosted a delegation from France as the second part of the exchange programme, which had been delayed due to Covid-19. In 2019 a delegation from Côte d’Ivoire visited the French National Authority.
• From 28 March to 1 April, the Australian National Authority hosted a visit from a delegation from Malaysia. The return visit of Australia to visit the Malaysian National Authority is expected later in 2022.

Bilateral visits provide an opportunity for National Authorities personnel to share best practices on CWC national implementation. Delegations discussed national implementing legislation, complying with obligations related to the CWC’s verification regime, the transfer regimes of scheduled chemicals, organising emergency preparedness and response to chemical incidents developing regulations and measures on chemical safety and security, and the functioning of the National Authority.

Background

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 99% 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.

More Information

• Note by the Technical Secretariat: Bilateral Cooperation Between National Authorities: Report on the Implementation of the Mentorship/Partnership Programme for National Authorities for the Period 2021 – 2019
• Note by the Technical Secretariat: Call for Expression of Interest in the Mentorship/Partnership Programme for National Authorities of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention 2022
• Supporting National Implementation
• Photos from the event