Prime Minister Russell Dlamini of Eswatini has called for the total destruction of all chemical weapons globally during a meeting with Ambassador Fernando Arias, the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The meeting took place at the OPCW headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands.
Dlamini reaffirmed Eswatini’s full support for the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and praised the OPCW’s ongoing efforts to eliminate chemical weapons worldwide. He also expressed his country’s commitment to international cooperation and the importance of capacity-building initiatives to promote a safer world.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini remains fully committed to the principles of the Chemical Weapons Convention,” Dlamini said. “We commend the OPCW’s efforts to ensure chemistry is used exclusively for peaceful purposes.”
The two leaders discussed the challenges and opportunities in strengthening the global stance against chemical weapons, especially considering the shifting international security environment. Arias expressed appreciation for Eswatini’s consistent support in enhancing OPCW activities and its continued partnership in the fight against chemical weapons.
Arias also briefed Dlamini on his recent meetings in Syria, where he discussed the country’s long-term compliance with the CWC. He mentioned that the OPCW is committed to supporting Syria in completing the elimination of its chemical weapons program, a process that has faced delays due to obstruction from previous Syrian authorities.
In addition, Arias provided an update on a recent OPCW technical assistance visit to Ukraine, where the presence of Chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS), a riot control agent, was confirmed along the confrontation lines in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The use of CS in warfare is prohibited under the CWC.
Arias highlighted the growing importance of monitoring emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), and their potential misuse by non-state actors. He noted, however, that such technologies could also aid in advancing the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
