Any meeting or inquiry of concerned persons or advisors for the purpose of deliberation, discussion or decision on some matter or action. (Source: GEMET)

The act of asking the advice or opinion of someone, which is in the context of International Law an interactive method by which states seek to prevent or resolve disputes (Source: Black's Law Dictionary). During negotiation process consultations help to find consense between MEA parties (Source: Guide for Negotiators of Multilateral Environmental Agreements).