Defence ministers of Mediterranean countries meet in Tunisia

The defence ministers of the 5+5 Mediterranean countries met in Tunisia yesterday to discuss the escalations in the region.

This year the meeting coincides with the visit of NATO’s assistant secretary-general in charge of political affairs and security policy to Tunisia.

The convention comes at a time when Libya is experiencing increased lawlessness and with the emergence of the threat of the Islamic State (ISIS), which took control of the city of Sirte this week, and in light of the increase in the number of illegal immigrants who are risking their lives trying to reach Europe.

The 5+5 Defence Initiative, which was launched in 2004, aims to promote effective cooperation between its member states through upgrading the joint work between the armed forces, capacity building and exchange of expertise.

The initiative’s efforts are focused on maritime surveillance, air safety and the contribution of the armed forces to protecting civilians during natural disasters.