g) strengthening maintenance capability. ARTICLE 12.5 REGIONAL METEOROLOGICAL SUPPORT NETWORK 1. Member States shall, within the framework of the general objectives of the WMO expand the RMSN, with the aim to ensure a) the exchange of information relating to weather and climate matters on a regular basis between national meteorological centres and regional meteorological centres; and b) the scientific and technical potential of specialised services at national centres is optimally utilised, especially in agrometeorological aspects of food, early warning, remote sensing, data archiving, drought monitoring, seasonal outlooks and climate analysis. 2. For the purposes of paragraph 1, Member States shall take the necessary measures to strengthen and rehabilitate national and regional meteorological centres within the framework of the WMO Regional Association I - Africa established in terms of Article 18 of the WMO Convention by a) designating a national meteorological centre or centres to serve as a regional meteorological centre to execute meteorological services of regional importance; b) linking the remaining national meteorological centres in the Region to regional centres thus enhancing the operational capabilities of the RMSN; c) minimizing duplication of activity between national meteorological centres; and d) investigating options for further interaction with the African Centre for Meteorological Applications and Development and other meteorological institutions. ARTICLE 12.6 CO-OPERATION FRAMEWORK 1. Member States shall develop a co-operation framework with the aim of a) strengthening weather and climate monitoring systems; b) improving public and specialised weather services; c) promoting sustainable development with the emphasis on climate change and protection of the environment; and d) strengthening meteorology research capacity in the Region. 2. Member States shall strengthen weather and climate monitoring systems by a) filling existing observing network gaps in the synoptic surface and upper air and climatological networks; b) improving climate monitoring networks;