5+5 Defense Initiative : Defense Ministers Agree in Rabat to Step Up Cooperation Ties
Defense ministers of member countries of the “5+5 Defense” Initiative have agreed in Rabat to enhance further their cooperation in maritime surveillance, aviation security, risk management, military training and interoperability.
During their 18th meeting held Friday with the participation of France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Morocco, Mauritania, Libya and Tunisia, the ministers approved action plan 2023, voiced satisfaction over their past joint actions and agreed to hold joint military exercises.
They praised the work carried out by the Euro-Maghreb Center for Research and Strategic Studies on the use of water resources & renewable energies to ensure stability in the western Mediterranean region.
The member countries of the Initiative also welcomed the progress made by the Libyan authorities for the security, stability, unity and sovereignty of their country.
They stressed the importance of expanding the Initiative’s cooperation to include the special forces training, cyber-security, drones, the fight against terrorism, Search & Rescue, artificial intelligence, the fight against marine pollution and the security challenges resulting from climate change.
During the meeting, Mr. Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate in charge of National Defense Administration, said the gathering was an opportunity for the Heads of Delegations of member countries of the Initiative to discuss regional threats and reaffirm their common resolve to address security challenges facing the western Mediterranean region, particularly terrorism, illicit trafficking, illegal immigration and climate change.
He also highlighted the role played by Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, for the stability and peace of the western Mediterranean region.
In a joint declaration issued following their Rabat meeting, the Heads of Delegations paid tribute to the results achieved under the rotating Moroccan presidency of the 5+5 defense initiative and designated Portugal as chair of this initiative for 2023.
