Morocco reiterates commitment to ‘5+5 Defense’ Initiative

Morocco has reiterated strong commitment to the “5+5 Defense” Initiative seeking to enhance cooperation, mutual trust and security between the North and South countries of the western Mediterranean.

Morocco’s engagement was voiced by Minister in charge of National Defense Administration Abdeltif Loudyi during the 20th meeting of the Ministers of Defense of the “5+5 Defense” Initiative held Thursday in Madrid.

Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, has always shown full commitment to various initiatives aimed at maintaining peace, stability and security in the region, said Mr. Loudyi, affirming that the North African Kingdom remains open to all forms of bilateral and multilateral cooperation aimed at combating illegal immigration and terrorist threats.

To address these challenges, Morocco advocates a global approach based on shared responsibility, said the minister, stressing the need to promote partnership strategies and realistic co-development programs involving countries on both shores of the Western Mediterranean.

He lauded in this regard the efforts and contributions made by member countries to make the Initiative a privileged forum for multilateral cooperation, aimed at deepening dialogue, consultation and sharing experience and expertise around common security and defense interests.

Morocco hailed the research study conducted on “Climate change & security in the Mediterranean region” as well as cooperation mechanisms to strengthen resilience against climate change and its detrimental consequences.

After assessing the actions carried out in 2024, the Heads of delegation set a roadmap for joint cooperation in 2025 to enhance further the momentum of the Initiative.

Morocco pledged to provide all necessary support to activities scheduled for 2025, in particular the research on “Maritime security in Western Mediterranean: the 5+5 Defense Initiative contribution”.