Former ambassador Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus has been appointed as deputy director-general of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The OPCW is an international body established in 1997, charged with implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade announced Kaapanda-Girnus’ appointment on Saturday.
“In this capacity, Kaapanda-Girnus will serve as the second most senior official of
the organisation,” the office of the executive director said in the announcement.
Kaapanda-Girnus previously served as ambassador to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. She was also Namibia’s head of mission to the European Union and simultaneously the country’s representative to OPCW.
“The appointment of a Namibian to this eminent position within a Nobel Peace Prize-
winning organisation is a distinct honour to Namibia and a strong affirmation of the confidence by the international community in Namibia’s expertise, integrity and steadfast commitment to the advancement of global peace and disarmament,” the statement says.
It adds: “It is also a testament to the reputation Namibia has earned as a trusted, constructive, principled and responsible member of the international community.”
The ministry said it will continue to support the OPCW in fulfilling its mandate “to uphold the global norm against chemical weapons and to promote international peace and security”.
“The ministry is confident that [Kaapanda-Girnus] will discharge her responsibilities with the
distinction, diligence and diplomatic acumen,” the statement says.
