Abdeltif Loudyi, Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration, attended the 20th meeting of defense ministers from the “5+5 Defense” Dialogue member countries on Thursday in Madrid, Spain.
The meeting reviewed 2024’s cooperation activities and outlined the 2025 action plan.
In his speech, Loudyi said, “Morocco has always demonstrated its full commitment to initiatives to maintain peace, stability, and security, as well as the economic and social development of the region.”
Addressing security challenges in the region, Loudyi stated, “Morocco remains ready for any form of bilateral and multilateral cooperation to combat illegal immigration and terrorist threats.”
He added that Morocco advocates for a comprehensive approach based on shared responsibility to address these risks effectively. “We must seek to deploy partnership strategies and develop realistic co-development programs engaging the countries on both shores of the Western Mediterranean,” he said.
Loudyi also praised Spain’s efforts during its 2024 presidency of the Initiative and commended member countries for contributing to this multilateral cooperation forum, which aims to enhance dialogue, consultation, and experience-sharing on common security and defense concerns.
Regarding the 2024 action report, Loudyi expressed satisfaction with the results achieved, attributing them to the commitment of member countries and the steering committee’s work under Spain’s presidency.
He noted Morocco’s appreciation for research on “The Impact of Climate Change on Security Dynamics in the Mediterranean Region,” which highlighted security challenges posed by climate change and proposed mechanisms to enhance resilience against its effects.
For the 2025 action plan, delegation heads of the “5+5 Defense” member countries acknowledged its richness and diversity, reflecting their determination to sustain the Initiative’s dynamism.
Morocco pledged full support for the activities scheduled for 2025, particularly the research on “Maritime Security in the Western Mediterranean: The Contribution of the 5+5 Defense Initiative.”
Tunisia will assume the rotating presidency of the “5+5 Defense” Dialogue for 2025.