The commissioner and his staff shall maintain close relations with the commissioners of other states and shall actively participate in the activities and affairs of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and other organizations so far as it will, in his judgment, enhance the purposes of the insurance laws. The actual and necessary travel and related expenses incurred by the commissioner and members of his staff in attending meetings of said associations, their committees, subcommittees, hearings, and other official activities, as well as the general expenses of participation in such associations shall be a charge on available funds and the appropriation of the insurance department.