Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate in charge of National Defense, took part in the 19th meeting of defense ministers of the member countries of the “5+5” Initiative on Wednesday in Lisbon, which is being held this year under the presidency of Portugal.
Ten ministers from Western Mediterranean countries attended the meeting. The event constituted an opportunity to review the cooperative activities carried out in 2023 and to establish the action plan for 2024.
Loudiyi said that this meeting represents an opportunity to continue the dialogue, consultation, and sharing of experiences and expertise around our common interests in security and defense, particularly in areas related to maritime surveillance, air security, and the contribution of armed forces to emergency and major disaster management.
The official also praised Portugal’s efforts to revise the Declaration of Intent of the Defense Ministers of the “5+5 Defense” initiative member countries, signed in Paris on December 21, 2004, noting that the undertaking of this resolution will enable member countries to elevate the level of cooperation in light of current threats and challenges facing the region.
Loudiyi also expressed his condolences and sympathy to the people of Libya for the damage caused by the storm Daniel, as he thanked the participants for expressing their solidarity with Morocco after the September 8 earthquake that struck several regions of the country.
He also highlighted the satisfactory results achieved by the Initiative in 2023, with the completion of approximately 50 activities, thanks to the commitment and contribution of all member countries and the Steering Committee’s excellent work done under the Portuguese presidency.
Loudiyi also commended the Euro-Maghreb Center for Strategic Research and Studies (CEMRES)–the work in researching the theme of security in the Western Mediterranean–stating that this study has led to the identification of numerous challenges facing the region and the potential for member countries to mobilize for stronger resilience to disasters–particularly relating to climate change, and to reduce risks related to pandemics.
Regarding migration issues and the fight against terrorism and organized crime, Loudiyi reaffirmed Morocco’s readiness for any form of bilateral and multilateral cooperation aimed at combating these scourges. He called for a comprehensive approach based on shared responsibility that deals firmly and effectively with these risks, stressing the importance of seeking to deploy collaborative strategies and realistic co-development programs involving all countries with Western Mediterranean coastlines.
Loudiyi also provided assurances that Morocco will pitch in with all necessary support for the activities planned for 2024, and announced that Spain will hold the rotating presidency of the “5+5 Defense” Initiative for 2024.