Insightful discussions today with FM and DPM @sikorskiradek on security, resilience, and the importance of upholding the global ban on chemical weapons. Poland’s support is enabling important @OPCW technical assistance to Ukraine and strengthening multilateral cooperation. Read more: visitopcw.org/4ytY1Yb

Constructive discussions with @syrianmofaex, @sy_defense, @SyrMOf and Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management on efforts to close the Assad-era chemical weapons file. The OPCW-verified destruction of 42 aerial bombs demonstrates tangible progress and successful multilateralism in action. While challenges remain, I am confident we can achieve this goal together.

Pleasure to meet #EU Special Envoy @Amb_Klement_EU today. The European Union is a strong and longstanding partner of the @OPCW, providing vital support across our work, including in Syria and Ukraine. I look forward to further deepening our partnership in support of the #ChemicalWeaponsConvention and a world #FreeOfChemicalWeapons.

Pleased to welcome H.E. Mustafa Abdelhak Gasmi as new Permanent Representative of #Algeria to the @OPCW. I thank Algeria for its strong commitment to capacity building across Africa, including through the OPCW Africa Programme and the co-hosting of CHEMEX Africa in 2024, which strengthened regional chemical emergency preparedness and response capabilities. I look forward to further enhance our partnership in support of the #ChemicalWeaponsConvention. @AmbalgNL @GMA_Algeria @Algeria_MFA

Pleased to welcome H.E. @ABuenrostroMass as new Permanent Representative of #Mexico to the @OPCW. Mexico is a valued partner in advancing the #ChemicalWeaponsConvention, including through its engagement on governance, science and technology, chemical forensics and emerging technologies such as #AI. We also discussed the important role of strong scientific capabilities in supporting the OPCW’s verification work. I welcomed Mexico’s past participation in OPCW laboratory proficiency testing and look forward to further strengthening our cooperation in this area. @EmbaMexNL @SRE_mx

I thank #France for its generous voluntary contribution to the @OPCW. This support will help us advance critical work in #Syria and strengthen Member States’ capacity to prevent illicit transfers of toxic chemicals in Africa – both concrete efforts towards achieving a world #FreeOfChemicalWeapons.

Ravie d'avoir pu échanger avec le Ministre de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères, Jean-Noël Barrot, ainsi qu'avec de hauts responsables français. J'ai pu souligner l'importance du soutien indéfectible de la #France aux efforts visant à traiter le dossier chimique syrien, son appui résolu au Secrétariat technique de l'OIAC et ses précieuses contributions aux programmes d’assistance en faveur des États parties d’Afrique francophone. Je me réjouis de renforcer davantage notre partenariat pour atteindre notre objectif commun : un monde #SansArmesChimiques. ---- Pleased to visit France and hold productive discussions with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs @jnbarrot and senior French officials. I underscored the importance of France’s steadfast support for efforts to address Syria’s chemical weapons dossier, its strong backing of the OPCW Technical Secretariat, and its valuable contributions to high-impact assistance for Francophone African States Parties. I look forward to further strengthening our partnership towards our shared goal of a world #FreeOfChemicalWeapons.

Pleased to welcome H.E. Najat Husni Mohammad as the new Permanent Representative of the State of Libya to the @OPCW. Libya remains a valued partner in the implementation of the #ChemicalWeaponsConvention. I commend the country's steadfast commitment to a world free of chemical weapons and look forward to our continued cooperation in support of our shared objectives.

On the anniversary of the 2013 chemical weapons attack in #Ghouta, my thoughts are with the victims and survivors, their families, and all those who have suffered from chemical weapons use in #Syria and beyond. Their suffering is a stark reminder of why we must never take the global norm against chemical weapons for granted. In my meeting with @MhdKatoub this week, we discussed the work ahead. Recent progress, including the discovery of previously undeclared chemical munitions, shows how much remains to be done but also what determined cooperation can achieve. As Director-General, I am committed to working with Syria and all @OPCW Member States to ensure that chemical weapons can never again cause such suffering. Full statement: visitopcw.org/4hRxyiB

Good to connect virtually with UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs @INakamitsu.   The @OPCW and @UN_Disarmament share a strong commitment to advancing international peace and security. I look forward to building on our close cooperation and identifying further opportunities to strengthen our work together in support of global disarmament and non-proliferation.  @ODA_Geneva @unodavienna

Behind every #OPCW mission is a dedicated team working around the clock to support our inspectors around the world. The OPCW Situation Centre is the operational hub that prepares inspectors before they deploy, monitors developments worldwide throughout every mission, and maintains secure connectivity between field teams and Headquarters, helping ensure our personnel are never operating in isolation. It was a pleasure to meet the colleagues whose expertise, vigilance and professionalism make this possible.

I valued the opportunity to see firsthand the work of the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (CCT), where science, innovation, and international cooperation come together to strengthen the global norm against chemical weapons. As the hub for the OPCW's laboratory, training, research, and operational capabilities, it plays a vital role in ensuring that the Organisation remains prepared to address evolving chemical threats and advances in science and technology. The CCT is also a powerful example of what multilateral cooperation can achieve when countries invest together in science and technology to uphold a shared treaty. I want to thank the staff I met for taking the time to walk me through their work.

One of my priorities in my first days as Director-General has been to engage directly with colleagues across the @OPCW. Today's town hall was an excellent opportunity to listen, learn and establish an open dialogue from the very beginning. I believe that a strong organisation is built on trust, respect, and shared purpose. Thank you to everyone who contributed to such a constructive discussion.

Pleased to have met with Ambassador Shahir K. AlKhaniny. I look forward to working with all @OPCW Member States to achieve our shared goal of a world #FreeOfChemicalWeapons.

I wish all participants in the @OPCW Associate Programme a successful and productive 9 weeks ahead! I echo @M_Kaapanda words: this programme is an investment in people and in the future of the Convention.

I was pleased to meet with Ambassador Mohamed Basri of #Morroco, Chairperson of the @OPCW Executive Council. The Executive Council Chairperson plays a key role in guiding the work of the Council, the executive body of the OPCW. We discussed the year ahead, including the annual briefing in Brussels for Permanent Representations to the OPCW based outside The Hague.

Very pleased to have had an early meeting with @MhdKatoub today. We discussed next steps in addressing the appalling legacy of chemical weapons use by the Assad authorities. Working together with #Syria to this end is one of my highest priorities as @OPCW Director-General. @syrianmofaex @AsaadHShaibani, @AH_AlSharaa @SyPresidency

It was a pleasure to meet H.E. Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, who today presented his credentials as Permanent Representative of #Bangladesh to the @OPCW. Bangladesh is a valued partner in upholding the #ChemicalWeaponsConvention and advancing the peaceful uses of chemistry. I welcome Bangladesh's commitment to invest in the next generation of scientists by hosting the OPCW Education and Training Programme on Peaceful Uses of Chemistry in Dhaka from 6 to 8 October. The programme will bring together young chemists from across Asia to deepen their understanding of the Convention, and the vital role chemistry plays in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development.

I am delighted to be starting my tenure alongside Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus as the @OPCW's new Deputy Director-General. I look forward to working closely with her as we lead the Technical Secretariat and build on the OPCW’s achievements. Her experience, sound judgement and leadership will be a great asset to the Organisation. Learn more about @M_Kaapanda 👉 visitopcw.org/4h1oC9S @namibia_mfa @MIRT_NAMIBIA @GRN_Namibia