Qatar Participates in 113th Session of OPCW Executive Council

The Hague, October 06, 2026 : The State of Qatar participated in the 113th session of the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), held in The Hague, the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Qatar's Delegation Led by Ambassador to the Netherlands

Qatar's delegation was headed by HE Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al Qahtani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW.

Al Qahtani Warns Against Temporary Solutions to Crises

In Qatar's statement before the Council, Al Qahtani said continuing challenges to international peace and security demonstrate that managing crises through temporary solutions, or leaving conflicts without just settlements, does not lead to stability. He stressed that dialogue based on international law, respect for state sovereignty, mediation, and good offices represent the most sustainable means of addressing regional and international conflicts.

Qatar Voices Concern Over Humanitarian Situation

He expressed Qatar's deep concern over the continuing humanitarian tragedy in the occupied Palestinian territories and the widening scope of conflicts and attacks in the region, along with the accompanying risks to civilians, freedom of navigation, and international energy supplies.

International Law Must Be Applied Without Selectivity

Al Qahtani said respect for and application of international law should not be selective, stressing the need to protect sovereign, vital, industrial, oil, and petrochemical facilities from targeting, describing such attacks as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

Qatar Reiterates Rejection of Chemical Weapons Use

He reiterated Qatar's categorical rejection of the use of chemical weapons by any party, anywhere, under any circumstances, stressing the importance of addressing such issues through the mechanisms of the Chemical Weapons Convention based on facts and technical evidence. He also highlighted the need to prevent the re-emergence of chemical weapons, counter chemical terrorism, and address risks posed by non-state actors accessing toxic materials, as well as the potential misuse of artificial intelligence in this context.

Strengthening Preparedness, International Cooperation Emphasized

Al Qahtani stressed the importance of strengthening States Parties' preparedness to respond to chemical incidents and protect civilians, alongside promoting the peaceful uses of chemistry and building capacities in accordance with Article XI of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Responsible Use of Emerging Technologies Highlighted

He also highlighted the importance of responsibly using emerging technologies in verification, information management, and capacity-building, alongside strengthening education and a culture of responsible science to support the Convention's effective implementation and universality.

Source: QNA