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QNA
Doha
The third meeting of training centres on assistance and protection under Article X of the Chemical Weapons Convention organised by National Committee for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, in collaboration with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), through Doha Regional Center for the Training of Weapons of Mass Destruction opened on Wednesday.
The two-day meeting is being held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mohammed al Attiyah.
The meeting will include a discussion on the training programmes provided by the Assistance and Protection Branch of the OPCW with the support of states parties, a review of future projects and the development of states' capacities in the area of assistance and protection against such weapons.
General-Secretary of the National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons Lieutenant Abdulaziz al Ahmad said the meeting, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the enforcement of Chemical Weapons Convention, is the core for the establishment of an international network of training centres associated with the OPCW under Article X of the Chemical Weapons Convention to develop the capacity of states parties to respond to chemical incidents, providing an opportunity for field training for participants in the advanced course.
Ahmad highlighted Qatar's role in the field of maintaining international peace and security and combating terrorism, in addition to its policies that respect international charters and conventions.
He added that Qatar initiated the signing of the Chemical Weapons Conventions and ratifying it the same year it came into force in 1997, stressing Qatar's keenness to join other treaties related to eradicating weapons and aim to achieve peace and stability in the world.
He said Qatar is an important partner is implementing the convention and is one of the dedicated members in cooperation with OPCW, referring to its embracement to Doha Regional Center for the Training of Weapons of Mass Destruction where the National Committee for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons expanded its activities to cover all the mass destruction weapons.
Ahmad added that the centre aims to train private and public sectors players as well as researchers to boost their capabilities in effectively implementing weapons of mass destruction conventions.
He said the centre has organised over 50 national and international training and awareness programmes for different categories of people.
Head of the OPCW's Assistance and Protection Branch Shawn DeCaluwe expressed appreciation for Qatar's cooperation with the organisation and its efforts in the training to implement the conventions related to weapons of mass destruction.
