STATEMENT (1C): THEMATIC DEBATE ON OTHER WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 80TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

STATEMENT BY

MR. AZREEY ABU KASIM

REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA

Mr. Chair,

Malaysia aligns itself with the statements made by NAM and ASEAN.

2. There can be no genuine security as long as the international community remains subject to the threat of any category of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Malaysia therefore reaffirms that the total elimination of all WMDs - nuclear, chemical and biological - is the only effective guarantee against their catastrophic consequences.

3. Malaysia underlines its commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and continues to serve as a regional hub for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) capacity-building, contributing to preparedness and cooperation across Asia. From 13 to 19 August 2025, Malaysia hosted the 13^th Integrated Advanced Course and Exercise on Assistance and Protection for Asian States Parties, providing hands-on CBRN training in collaboration with the OPCW.

4. We also reaffirm our full support for the OPCW in the discharge of its mandate with independence and impartiality. The re‑emergence of chemical-weapon use demands action and vigilance by the international community. Those who violate the international norm against chemical weapons must be held fully accountable.

5. Malaysia welcomes the cooperation of the new Syrian authorities with the OPCW, and the adoption of the OPCW Executive Council’s decision of 8 October 2025 on the expedited on-site destruction of any remnants of chemical weapons in Syria. These are positive developments in efforts towards comprehensively resolving outstanding issues and closing the Syrian chemical weapons file.

Mr. Chair,

6. On the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), Malaysia underscores the urgent need for progress in strengthening the Convention, including through a credible verification and compliance mechanism. We commend the constructive discussions at the Sixth Session of the Working Group on Strengthening the Convention held in August 2025 in Geneva. Pending a legally binding mechanism to assess BWC compliance, we recognize the role of confidence building measures in enhancing transparency, trust and confidence among States Parties.

7. Consistent with Article X of the BWC, Malaysia looks forward to strengthened cooperation in the peaceful applications of biological science and technology.

8. Sustained efforts to universalize the CWC and the BWC also remain critical, as we work together to protect the world from the unacceptable risks posed by any and all WMDs.

Thank you.