Strategic Development Plan (RISDP). The core objective of the SIPO therefore, is to create a peaceful and stable political and security environment through which the region will endeavour to realise its socio-economic objectives. The SIPO and the RISDP are distinct, yet complementary. Thus, it is imperative that in the implementation process, special attention is paid to the maximisation of their synergies and the rationalisation of the cross-cutting issues. SIPO provides general guidelines that spell out specific activities, in accordance with the Protocol’s objectives, and the strategies for their realisation and public security. It provides the way forward through appropriate strategies and activities in each specific field. The SIPO also provides the institutional framework for the day to day implementation of the activities of the Organ, including the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and the Mutual Defence Pact. While the implementation of the SIPO should, to a large extent, rely on regional resources, this should not preclude the involvement of our cooperating partners. Partnership is primordial for the realisation of the activities in the areas of peace support and humanitarian operations; disaster management; combating organised crime; management of refugees; post-conflict reconstruction and reintegration programmes; demining; HIV and AIDS programmes; combating of illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons; combating of illicit drug trafficking; and capacity building in the areas of preventive diplomacy, peace and security. I strongly believe that we cannot succeed to implement our regional political, Peace and security agenda without linking up with the continental political, peace and security agenda. Hence, in the implementation of SIPO, SADC will align its political, peace 6