Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Chris Fearne has been appointed as Chair of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), the ministerial body responsible for overseeing the commitment of member countries to the values and principles established in the Commonwealth Charter, including democracy, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights.
In his capacity as Chair, Minister Fearne chaired the 73rd CMAG meeting, during which political developments in a number of Commonwealth member countries were discussed, with particular attention to threats to democracy and the rule of law. The meeting also examined the steps needed to further strengthen the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter across member countries.
Prior to the meeting, Minister Fearne held a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. Discussions focused on how the Commonwealth can further strengthen its functions to support the 56 Member States in strengthening the rule of law, democratic institutions and good governance. Preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda were also discussed.
Minister Fearne said: “The Commonwealth remains a unique platform that unites countries from every region of the world around shared values and a commitment to the Commonwealth Charter. It is a privilege for Malta to continue to lead the CMAG at a time when the protection of democracy, the rule of law and democratic institutions is facing new challenges. Cooperation and dialogue remain the best tools to strengthen these principles and build a more stable and prosperous future for member countries.”
Minister Fearne reiterated Malta’s commitment to continue to make an active contribution within the Commonwealth and to work closely with the Secretariat and member countries to strengthen work towards the principles of the Commonwealth Charter and the promotion of peace, stability and sustainable development.
Photo (MFEA)
