Canada welcomes the destruction of Russia’s declared chemical weapons 

September 29, 2017 - Ottawa, Canada - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“This week marks an important milestone in history and brings us all a step closer to achieving global peace and security. After more than 15 years of collective action among the international community, the world’s largest stockpile of declared chemical weapons, located in Russia, has been eliminated.

“The destruction of these chemical weapons is a tremendous success story for the now 32-country Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (GP), which was launched in Canada in 2002.

“Canada is proud to have played a leadership role by providing more than $200 million since 2002 to support the construction of facilities for the destruction of Russia’s declared chemical weapons. This includes the facility in Kizner, which was built to destroy 5,440 tonnes of deadly nerve agents.

“The entire 40, 000 metric tonne arsenal of chemical weapons that Russia declared under the Chemical Weapons Convention has now been eliminated.

“In a year when humanity has been shocked by brutal chemical weapons attacks in Syria, this story is incontrovertible proof that by working together, we can make tangible progress to rid the world of chemical weapons.”

Quick facts

• Canada’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Threat Reduction Program is managed by Global Affairs Canada. It was established in 2002, while Canada held the G7 presidency, as a contribution to the G7-led GP. The GP aims to reduce the threat posed by the proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons, materials and expertise.
• The GP was the G7’s signature international security response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and was mandated by leaders to prevent terrorists and the states that harbour them from acquiring, developing or using nuclear, biological or chemical weapons.
• Canada will assume chairmanship of the GP again in 2018 as part of its G7 presidency. 

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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