Members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Sub-committee on Legal and Institutional Issues (SCLII) have gathered in Honiara for the 12th SCLII meeting to discuss key legal and institutional issues.
The meeting kicked off yesterday and will conclude today.
In his opening remarks, the Chair of the SCLII meeting and Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands William Soaki said, the SCLII meeting will be discussing the review of the Criteria for Observers and Associate Members to the MSG as directed by the MSG Leaders.
He said that it is important for members to efficiently deliberate on the Criteria governing the different types of associations that MSG have with other states and territories to ensure harmonious relationship.
Mr Soaki also confirmed that members will discuss the progress of ratification of key legal instruments that has been signed by MSG Leaders in previous Leaders Summits. He said this includes the Treaty on Reciprocal Enforcement of Foreign Judgments, Treaty on Custody and Maintenance of Children, the Agreement Establishing the Regional Police Academy and the Framework Agreement on Formed Police Unit. These instruments provide the mechanisms for closer cooperation between members.
The SCLII Chair said that the outcomes of this 12th SCLII meeting will be submitted to the Senior Officials Meeting for further consideration before it is brought before the Leaders through the Foreign Ministers Meeting.
Mr Soaki thanked all participants from the membership for their attendance at the meeting and the MSG Secretariat and the Host Government of Solomon Islands for the excellent facilitation of the meeting.
