EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Visits the OPCW

21 April 2015
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Federica Mogherini, with the Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü.

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Federica Mogherini, with the Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü.

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Federica Mogherini, visited the OPCW on 16 April 2015 and met with the Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü.

The Director-General expressed appreciation for the EU’s strong support for the OPCW, and acknowledged the most recent EU Council Decision to contribute over 2.5 million EUR over the next three years to programmes on national implementation, universality, international cooperation, science and technology, and assistance and protection.

“The European Union is a vital partner for the OPCW,” said the Director-General. “Its support allows us to extend high-quality assistance programmes to OPCW Member States most in need.”

The Director-General provided an update on the OPCW’s mission to eliminate the Syrian chemical weapons programme. He and the High Representative also discussed opportunities for engaging States not party to advance universal adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

High Representative Mogherini expressed the EU’s readiness to continue support to the OPCW, as well as to address challenges posed by non-state actors and to enhance global chemical safety and security.