PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS Chris Fearne elected to chair CMAG for another two years

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Chris Fearne has been elected to continue chairing the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) for another two years, following a decision by the Group's member countries during the Commonwealth meetings in Antigua and Barbuda.

The decision means that Malta will continue to play an important role in leading CMAG, which is responsible for upholding the Commonwealth's fundamental principles, including democracy, the rule of law, human rights and good governance.

Minister Fearne stressed the need for the Commonwealth to take a more active role in protecting these values, particularly at a time when democratic institutions around the world are facing growing challenges. He emphasised that CMAG should not only respond when crises arise but also work to prevent them through dialogue and cooperation among member countries.

During the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) week, Minister Fearne also took part in discussions on safeguarding democracy alongside parliamentary and civil society representatives. In these discussions, he highlighted the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring transparency and giving citizens a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their lives.

Throughout the visit, Minister Fearne also held a series of bilateral meetings with representatives of other Commonwealth countries, aimed at strengthening Malta's diplomatic relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.