Cambodia Attends Chemical Weapons Convention Conference in The Hague

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.26,2025) — A Cambodian delegation led by Nong Sakal, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the annual Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention in The Hague.

The meeting, held Nov. 23–29 by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, brought together national authorities and experts, including Cambodia’s secretary-general of the National Authority for Chemical Weapons.

Delegates reviewed implementation of the treaty, which bans the use of chemical weapons because of their devastating impact on people and the environment.

The conference also considered recommendations to strengthen cooperation against the production, transport, stockpiling and distribution of chemical and biological weapons.

Cambodia joined the convention in 2005 and established the National Authority for Chemical Weapons to coordinate treaty obligations.

Its participation in OPCW meetings is part of broader efforts to tighten chemical safety regulations, prevent illicit trafficking of hazardous materials and align domestic law with international nonproliferation standards.

The Chemical Weapons Convention, which entered into force in 1997, is regarded as one of the most comprehensive disarmament agreements, with nearly universal membership. States parties are legally obliged to destroy remaining stockpiles and allow inspections of relevant facilities.

The OPCW, based in The Hague, oversees compliance, conducts inspections and provides technical assistance and training. The organisation won the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize for its work to eliminate chemical weapons.