The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, paid an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran from 6 to 7 September 2005.
During his official visit to Iran, OPCW Director-General Pfirter held talks with H.E. Mr Manouchehr Mottaki, Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Director-General was also received by H.E. Dr. Ali Larijani, Supreme Council Secretary for National Security.
Together with H.E. Dr Pirouz Husseini, Director General for International Political Affairs in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, OPCW Director-General Pfirter opened the Third Regional Meeting of National Authorities in Asia, taking place in Tehran from 6 to 8 September 2005.
In their meeting, Foreign Minister Mottaki and Director-General Pfirter discussed the status of the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), the Organisation’s efforts to achieve the CWC’s universal and effective implementation, as well as cooperation between Iran and the OPCW. While expressing his satisfaction with the fact that 173 States have joined the CWC, the Director-General reiterated that the OPCW is continuing with its efforts to reach out to the remaining 21 States Not Party to the CWC. In this endeavour, the OPCW expects the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Foreign Minister Mottaki reiterated the commitment of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the CWC and its full support for the work of the OPCW, in particular in view of the considerable suffering these weapons have caused to the Iranian people.
He confirmed to the OPCW Director-General that the Iranian Government has submitted to the Parliament the additional new legislation related to the implementation of the CWC and expects it to be adopted in a short period of time.
On behalf of the Organisation, the Director-General thanked Foreign Minister Mottaki for the organization and support that Iran has provided by hosting the Third Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia.
At the meeting with H.E. Dr Ali Larijani, Supreme Council Secretary for National Security, Director-General Pfirter presented an update on the current status of the implementation of the CWC. Welcoming the OPCW Director-General, H. E. Dr Larijani reiterated his country’s strong commitment to the CWC and the OPCW.
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