5+5 Defense Initiative: Steering Committee meets in Morocco ahead of Defense Ministers gathering

The Steering Committee of the “5+5 Defense” Initiative started this Wednesday, in Rabat, a two-day meeting to discuss preparations for the upcoming gathering of the Defense ministers of member countries due Dec.16 in the Moroccan capital.

The representatives of France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal and Spain are taking part in the steering committee meeting. They will review the 2022 activities carried out by member countries of the defense initiative, the 2023 action plan and the draft joint declaration to be adopted by the Defense ministers at the end of their meeting in Rabat.

Members of the steering committee will also discuss results of the Cyber Forum, training on humanitarian demining, the 2022 maritime surveillance exercise and the gender approach in overseas military operations.
In a speech, read on his behalf by Brigadier General Mohamed Haial, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Belkhir El Farouk said Morocco will provide the necessary support to ensure success to all projects proposed within the frame of the “5+5 Defense”.

He also praised the efforts of all member countries which contribute actively to strengthening the Initiative to counter cross-border security threats.

In 2022, member countries of this regional defense initiative conducted several military drills and benefited from training and advanced research work carried out by the “5+5 Defense” College and the Euro-Maghreb Center for Research & Strategic Studies.

In the draft action plan 2023, the Royal Armed Forces offer to host a Search & Rescue Exercise (SAREX), two training courses, three seminars and naval coordination group meeting.

A statement released by the Royal Armed Forces says this shows Morocco’s strong commitment to the “5+5 Defense Initiative” which seeks to foster cooperation and understanding between the two shores of the Western Mediterranean.