Al-Shaibani: Mohammed Katoub appointed as Syria’s Permanent Representative to the OPCW

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani announced the appointment of Dr. Mohammad Katoub as Syria’s Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

“Today, we announce the appointment of Dr. Mohammad Katoub as Syria’s Permanent Representative to the OPCW, reaffirming our commitment to closing the dark chapter left behind by the former regime,” Minister al-Shaibani posted on X.

The minister expressed Syria’s gratitude and appreciation to the State of Qatar for its continuous support since the beginning of liberation in this complex file.

Dr. Mohammad Katoub witnessed several chemical attacks, including the 2013 assault carried out by the Assad regime while he was in Eastern Ghouta. After leaving Syria, he collaborated with international investigation teams on the chemical weapons file and provided support to groups working with victims and survivors.

Katoub also engaged in advocacy efforts, delivering briefings before the UN Security Council and various international forums on the issue. He worked with numerous NGOs and research centres and served as a civil plaintiff against the head of the former regime in the case of chemical weapons use.

Katoub joined the Foreign Ministry after liberation, working in the Department of International Organisations and Conferences following his diplomatic training. 

During this period, he facilitated field visits by the OPCW, meetings with witnesses and victims, and helped build the capacity of local teams across ministries tasked with protecting civilians from the remnants of chemical weapons.

Source: SANA