Defense Minister Khaled Shili Calls for New Cooperation Mechanisms between Mediterranean Countries
The Minister of National Defense, Khaled Shili, has advocated for the establishment of new cooperation mechanisms between countries on both sides of the Mediterranean, during the opening of the 5+5 Defense Initiative Dialogue Forum. In a video address, the minister emphasized the need to consolidate relations between member countries through strong institutional structures, in order to ensure security, peace, and stability in the Western Mediterranean. According to a statement, Shili affirmed that the creation of new mechanisms would contribute to strengthening mutual trust, encouraging collective thinking, and establishing responsible dialogue around common security challenges. He recalled that the 5+5 Initiative has been a model of exemplary cooperation in defense matters for two decades, thanks to the exchange of expertise, the development of maritime and air surveillance systems, as well as the strengthening of capacities in the fight against terrorism, cybersecurity, and crisis management. The minister also indicated that the organization of this forum, proposed by Tunisia during the 20th meeting of the 5+5 Defense Initiative ministers held in Madrid in December 2024, allowed for an examination of the achievements made since 2004 and the identification of future challenges. This forum is expected to result in new proposals and visions to develop cooperation frameworks adapted to the security challenges of the Western Mediterranean.
