Namibia reaffirms commitment to chemical weapons ban

Namibia has reaffirmed its commitment to the elimination of chemical weapons and the promotion of peaceful uses of chemistry following the appointment of Ambassador Alfredo Hengari as the country’s Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Hengari formally assumed his responsibilities after presenting his Letters of Credence to OPCW Director-General Ambassador Sabrina Dallafior.

During the presentation of credentials, Hengari reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention and the organisation’s efforts to ensure the permanent and verifiable elimination of chemical weapons worldwide.

He said Namibia believes in a world free of chemical weapons and remains committed to supporting international efforts aimed at preventing their development, production, stockpiling and use.

“Namibia believes in a world free of chemical weapons and the use of chemistry for peaceful purposes,” Hengari said.

Namibia has been a State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention since it entered into force in April 1997. The country signed the convention in January 1993 and ratified it in November 1995.

The OPCW is responsible for implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention, which seeks to eliminate chemical weapons and prevent future use.

Hengari said Namibia remains committed to the organisation’s mandate and would actively contribute to its work, including through cooperation with African countries and other member states.

“I reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to the mandate and work of the Organisation, including its objectives of promoting international peace and security through its lofty endeavours to permanently and verifiably eliminate chemical weapons,” he said.

He further emphasised the importance of working with African partners and strengthening cooperation with other State Parties to advance the objectives of the convention.

The appointment comes as Namibia continues to participate in multilateral efforts aimed at promoting international peace, security and cooperation.

Through its membership of the OPCW, Namibia supports international efforts to ensure that chemical weapons are never used again and that chemistry is applied for peaceful and developmental purposes.

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