The 106th session of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ (OPCW) Executive Council was recently held in Lahay, with the State of Qatar participating. The delegation from Qatar was led by Ambassador H E Dr. Mutlaq bin Majid Al Qahtani, Qatar’s representative for OPCW. In his speech, Dr. Al Qahtani highlighted the importance of OPCW in achieving international peace and security and emphasized the responsibility shared by the organization, its Director-General, and member states.
He spoke about the Council’s role in implementing the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and working towards a world free of chemical weapons. Qatar is dedicated to working towards common goals for a more peaceful and secure world, based on cooperation and shared responsibility between member states and the OPCW. The State of Qatar is actively involved in the Arab Forum for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation to promote disarmament and arms control and enhance international peace and security.
Dr. Al Qahtani called on non-state parties, specifically Israel, to join the CWC to help establish the Middle East as a zone free of weapons of mass destruction. He condemned Israel’s use of prohibited weapons in the conflict with Palestine, highlighting the need for accountability and adherence to international law and humanitarian principles. Qatar supports Palestine’s request for an investigation into Israel’s use of prohibited weapons under international agreements.
The State of Qatar firmly denounces the use of chemical substances and weapons by any party, whether states, non-state actors, or terrorist groups. Qatar supports OPCW’s efforts and investigation mechanisms to hold accountable those who use prohibited weapons as tools of war. Strengthening the principles of accountability and international criminal accountability enhances the effectiveness of the organization and upholds the rule of law.
Ambassador Dr. Al Qahtani also mentioned Qatar’s financial contribution to enhance the role of artificial intelligence in OPCW’s operations and the implementation of CWC. He emphasized the importance of continued consultation with the Director-General to further cooperation and coordination in this regard. Qatar remains committed to supporting OPCW’s work and efforts to prevent the use of chemical weapons in conflicts around the world.
