The organ, which is chaired by South Africa, will consider reports on the mediation process in Madagascar, elections in the region, the security situation in the region - including an update on the situation in the DRC and progress reports - which will be handed over to the incoming chair of the organ, Tanzania.
In her capacity as the chair of the organ, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, used her opening remarks to emphasise that SADC was a leading region.
She told the ministers, among which was the newly elected African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, that SADC was the principal vehicle for peace, stability and security and an important catalyst in efforts for regional integration.
She went on to say that the organisation was also a harmonisation of policies and a central platform through which they continued to give expression to the vision of a prosperous, peaceful and stable region that would undoubtedly help to realise the central objective of the regeneration of the continent.
Nkoana-Mashabane also thanked the committee on their support, hard work and campaigning that saw Dlamini Zuma winning the tightly contested election.
"We stood united in our view that the principle of rotation in the AU and its Organs should be respected. Most importantly, we argued successfully that the Southern Region is long overdue in having its chance to lead this august continental body.
"I am elated that we succeeded in this venture and I am especially humbled by the unwavering support in word and in deed that led to the historical outcome achieved in Addis Ababa," said Nkoana-Mashabane.
However, most of the work still lay ahead, the minister said, urging the region and the rest of the continent to stand united in supporting the new AU chairperson.
"We carry a burden of responsibility to our citizens and the continent of Africa to establish a strong and viable regional political landscape that is underpinned by principles of democratic governance and political stability able to reap the potential social and economic dividend that will flow from inter-regional trade and effective regional economic integration."
Turning to political matters, Nkoana-Mashabane reiterated that SADC stood united in helping to put Madagascar on the road to recovery and to overcome the challenges they confront.
Last week, the SADC's Organ Troika met in Seychelles and agreed that the political leaders of Madagascar should reconvene in the next weeks to conclude the outstanding issues stemming from the implementation of the roadmap.
The meeting, which was presided over by President Jacob Zuma, saw President Andry Rajoelina and the man he toppled in 2009, Marc Ravalomanana, meeting face to face for the first time.
Last month, the SADC summit in Angola had instructed the parties to conclude reconciliation talks by 31 July.
Nkoana-Mashabane said stability was imperative in the region as SADC would never achieve regional development and true integration without regional stability and democratic governance, which would also impact on the countries realising their true economic and developmental potential.
