Chris Fearne to chair Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group
Minister appointed chair of Commonwealth's ministerial body
Foreign Affairs Minister Chris Fearne has been appointed chair of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), the ministerial body responsible for monitoring member states' adherence to the Commonwealth Charter.
Fearne chaired the group's 73rd meeting, during which ministers discussed political developments in a number of Commonwealth countries, with a particular focus on threats to democracy and the rule of law.
He said it was an “honour and a privilege” to be appointed chair of the group.
CMAG chairs are appointed by consensus among members.
The meeting also considered measures aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Commonwealth Charter's principles across the organisation's 56 member states.
Apart from monitoring countries’ observance of the Commonwealth Charter, the CMAG also keeps tabs on members’ commitments to democracy, the rule of law, good governance and human rights.
Before the meeting, Fearne held talks with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on ways to strengthen the organisation's support for member states in promoting the rule of law, democratic institutions and good governance.
They also discussed preparations for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will be held in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda.
"The Commonwealth remains a unique platform that brings together countries from every region of the world around shared values and a commitment to the Commonwealth Charter," Fearne said.
"It is a privilege for Malta to continue leading the CMAG at a time when democracy, the rule of law and democratic institutions are facing new challenges."
Fearne said Malta remained committed to playing an active role within the Commonwealth and to working closely with the Secretariat and member states to promote peace, stability and sustainable development.