ISLAMABAD: Pakistan remains fully committed to the objectives of Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), says Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.

During a meeting with the director general of the Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Ahmet Uzumcu, here on Friday, Mr Aziz assured him that Pakistan would remain actively engaged with the OPCW.

Mr Uzumcu visited Pakistan from Nov 18 to 20. It was his second official visit to Pakistan since assumption of office in 2010.

Also read: Pakistan reaffirms opposition to chemical weapons use

The OPCW chief expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s continued support and its effective implementation of the CWC. He briefed Mr Aziz on the activities of his organisation, particularly emerging challenges in the post-destruction phase.

The adviser appreciated Mr Uzumcu’s leadership in guiding the OPCW towards achieving its objective of elimination of chemical weapons across the globe. He complimented the OPCW on receiving Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.

During the visit, Ambassador Uzumcu also held talks with the foreign secretary. He inaugurated the Regional CWC Assistance and Protection Centre and witnessed the proceedings of the advanced international assistance and protection course.

He visited the Chemical Protection Research Laboratory, which has been recently set up by DESTO, the country’s premier chem-bio defence institution.

The OPCW chief delivered a key note address at a seminar on `Achievements of OPCW and its future role in the post-destruction phase’ at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2015