Chris Fearne Calls For Stronger Commonwealth Role In Protecting Maritime Security

The Commonwealth should take a clear position in favour of freedom of navigation in international waters and place greater importance on protecting critical underwater infrastructure. This was the appeal made by Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Chris Fearne during an intervention at Commonwealth meetings being held in Antigua and Barbuda.

Minister Fearne expressed concern over threats to maritime security, particularly in areas such as the Red Sea, and stressed that the Commonwealth should play a more active role in defending freedom of maritime passage, in line with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He also highlighted the need for greater attention to the security of underwater infrastructure, including communication cables, interconnectors and pipelines. As an island state, Malta relies on this infrastructure for essential services, including digital communications and international connectivity.

Minister Fearne said that, at a time when multilateralism is facing increasing challenges, the Commonwealth should strengthen its voice in support of democracy, international cooperation and respect for the shared principles that unite member countries.

In a separate intervention during the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States, Minister Fearne called for greater support to enable these countries to access funding for projects related to climate change.

He urged member countries to make greater use of the Commonwealth Centre of Excellence for Small States, based in Malta, which assists them in addressing climate change challenges and securing the necessary financing.

The Minister explained that member countries have already managed to obtain funding through the support provided by the Centre and called for increased cooperation so that more countries can benefit from its assistance.

Through these interventions, Malta is continuing to place issues directly affecting the security, connectivity and resilience of small states on the international agenda, while promoting a more active and effective role for the Commonwealth.

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