Members of Morocco’s military participated last week in the 38th meeting of the Steering Committee “CODIR” of the “5+5 Defense” Initiative, a program that promotes mutual understanding and dialogue on maritime security, air safety, the military’s involvement in managing significant disasters, and academic research and training.
During the two-day meeting held in Madrid under the auspices of Spain’s president, attendees focused on supervising military cooperation activities outlined in the 2024 action plan, on initiating the planning for the 2025 action plan, and on overseeing the activities of academic institutions associated with the initiative, Spain’s Defense Ministry stated. These include the 5+5 Defense College and the Euro-Maghreb Center for Strategic Research and Studies (CEMRES).
Spain’s Defense Minister Margarita Robles highlighted the need to consider “other factors of a more cross-cutting nature, such as the role of women or the effects of climate change” in the development of the 2025 action plan.
In a video message, she underscored “the significant value of training and research activities, which should be encouraged by supporting the endeavors of CEMRES and the ‘5+5 Defense’ College, both esteemed institutions in their own right.”
Established in 2004, the “5+5 Defense” Initiative serves as a platform for multilateral cooperation between the western Mediterranean’s two shores.