Working visit to Japan of His Excellency Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, Director-General of the Technical Secretariat of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
Summary and Outcomes

October 7, 2003

1. Summary

H.E. Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, Director-General of the Technical Secretariat of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and his wife visited Japan as the honoured guests of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 30 September to 5 October 2003.

(1) Meeting with H.E.Ms.Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs

H.E. Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that she appreciated that the OPCW's activities were strengthened after the appointment of H.E. Ambassador Rogelio Pfirter, Director-General of the Technical Secretariat, and that Japan would proceed with the destruction of abandoned chemical weapons in China without delay, observing the time-limit of destruction stipulated in the Chemical Weapons Convention. Minister Kawaguchi also requested the Director-General to consider increasing the number of Japanese nationals employed by the Technical Secretariat.

Director-General Pfirter replied that he was grateful to Japan for its commitment and support to the objectives of the Convention. He highly appreciated the cooperation between Japan and China regarding the destruction of ACWs. Also, as for the increase in the number of Japanese nationals employed by the Technical Secretariat, the Director-General would consider their applications.

Director-General Pfirter requested that Japan, with regards to States not Parties including North Korea, work towards gaining their agreement to join. He also requested to financially support the national implementation measures in some States Parties. Minister Kawaguchi replied that she would consult with the countries concerned. She also replied that she recognized the importance of support of national implementation measures in developing countries, but that would not be easy to immediately increase Japan's contribution due to severe economic conditions.

(2) Symposium in the United Nations University (afternoon, 1st October)

During the visit, the symposium "Towards the Elimination of the Chemical Weapons - Role of the OPCW and Japan" was held, hosted jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN University. With a great deal of audience participation, Director-General Pfirter delivered a key note speech that stressed the characteristics and significance of the CWC and the importance of achieving universality in North East Asia and the Middle East. Researchers, businessmen and other participants from the field exchanged ideas and held lively discussions on the ways of strengthening the CWC, including anti-terrorism measures.

(3) The Director-General also met with H.E. Mr. Hosoda,Chief Cabinet, Mr. Abe, Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs (at dinner), Mr. Sakamoto, Senior Vice-Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry, and Mr. Nakajima, Parliamentary Secretary for Defense. Topics included how to strengthen the CWC and the activities of the OPCW, and how to increase the number of Japanese staff members employed by the Technical Secretariat.

2. Outcome

(1) The understanding in Japan with regards to the significance of the CWC and the role of the OPCW has been deepened through a series of discussions with government leaders, including Minister Kawaguchi, and the symposium in the UN University. The OPCW's continuous and expanded cooperation, related to the destruction of Abandoned Chemical Weapons, Old Chemical Weapons and the increase of the number of Japanese Staff members, has been confirmed.

(2) Director-General Pfirter stressed the importance of North Korea's accession to the CWC. As Japan also considered this issue important, it is essential that Japan closely cooperate with the OPCW.