MOSCOW, September 23. /TASS/. Russia is contributing to progress in strengthening the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, which should serve as a mechanism for transparency, BTWC Working Group Chair Ambassador and Brazil’s permanent representative to the Conference on Disarmament Frederico S. Duque Estrada Meyer stated.

"The BTWC should serve as a tool for dialogue, transparency, and confidence-building, especially when the political climate makes such dialogue more difficult. That is precisely why we are strengthening the convention and consider this an important task," he said in his opening remarks to participants at a seminar on the national implementation of the BTWC.

He noted that the working group established by the 9th BTWC Review Conference has been in operation since 2022 and is identifying specific, effective measures across seven areas, including the development of mechanisms for international cooperation and assistance. "This process has not always been easy. Differences of opinion remain, but nevertheless, our ongoing engagement continues to enable us to make progress. I thank Russia for its assistance in addressing this challenge," Meyer noted. "National implementation of the convention is a crucial part of these efforts," the diplomat emphasized.