Morocco has been unanimously elected to the presidency of the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), taking place in The Hague for a term of one year starting from May 12. This significant election saw Moroccan Ambassador to the Netherlands, Mohamed Basri, appointed to this prestigious role, reflecting the unwavering support from the African States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, along with the backing of all member states of the Executive Council.
The Moroccan presidency of this central decision-making body underscores Morocco's ongoing commitment to the noble objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention and its dynamic cooperation with the OPCW. This is evidenced by the hosting of several pioneering conferences within the Kingdom, as well as numerous regional training initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills of experts, first responders, military personnel, and representatives of law enforcement agencies from African nations. These initiatives cover critical themes such as chemical safety and security, peaceful uses of chemistry, and the fight against chemical terrorism.
This election also reflects the recognition by OPCW member states of Morocco's significant role, continuous engagement, and active contribution to the work of various bodies within the Organisation. It is worth noting that Morocco has been designated for a second term as President of the Executive Council, having previously held this position from 2021 to 2022. The Kingdom has taken on various responsibilities within OPCW structures, including the Presidency of the Conference of the States Parties, the Organisation's supreme body, in 2017-2018, and the Vice-Presidency of the Executive Council on behalf of the African Group for 2025-2026, along with the Vice-Presidency of the Conference of the States Parties for 2023-2024 and 2025-2026.
The OPCW, as the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention, oversees the international community's efforts to eliminate chemical weapons definitively, comprising 193 member countries. Since the Convention came into force in 1997, recognized as the most effective disarmament treaty, it has achieved the destruction of over 100% of declared chemical weapon stockpiles under OPCW verification. For its substantial efforts in the elimination of chemical weapons, the OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.
Morocco signed the Chemical Weapons Convention in January 1993 and ratified it in December 1995. Since then, Morocco, which has never possessed chemical weapons, has fulfilled all its obligations under the Convention while remaining a staunch advocate for the peaceful use of chemistry.
As reported by ecoactu.ma.
