SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETINGS (SOMS):

Senior Official Meetings are held as deemed necessary. Usually, three to four SOMs take place each year. The first SOM of the year sets the theme. The other two SOMs are held to continue political consultations, review the progress of the CBMs and to finalize the ministerial declaration.

Political consultations on regional issues within the HoA - IP process takes place during Senior Officials Meetings. SOMs directly influence and shape the discourse and agenda of the MC, and have decision-making authority. SOMs also serve as an important platform, where participating countries, supporting countries and regional and international organizations engage with one another.
Due to COVID-19, the latest SOM was held on 25th August 2020 via Video- Tele-Conference (VTC).