Abdeltif Loudyi Takes Part in 17th Meeting of Ministers of Defense of ‘5+5 Defense’ Initiative

Pursuant to the High Royal Instructions, Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government, in charge of the National Defense Administration, took part, on Thursday, by videoconference, in the 17th meeting of the Ministers of Defense of the “5+5 Defense” Initiative, which is held this year under the Mauritanian Presidency. This meeting was an opportunity to review the cooperation activities carried out in 2021 and to agree on a plan of action for the year 2022, said a statement by the National Defense Administration. Loudyi welcomed, in his speech, the efforts made by members of the Initiative to create and consolidate the conditions and environment necessary for the development of regular and pragmatic cooperation mechanisms in many areas of common interest, including maritime surveillance, aviation security, risk management and training and academic research. He also commended the resilience of the Initiative’s member countries in the face of the challenges posed to the international community by the Covid-19 pandemic, and praised the effective participation of the military health Services, through their contributions in terms of health and logistical assistance, and support to the civilian authorities in charge of fighting the spread of this pandemic. Loudyi took the opportunity to highlight the role of Morocco as an important actor of stability and peace, especially in the Western Mediterranean region and the leadership role of His Majesty the King for the deployment of a multidimensional strategy to counter the threats of terrorism and illicit trafficking and for securing the borders. During this meeting, Loudyi congratulated the Libyan Authorities for the progress made in terms of stability and security which will contribute to the building of national unity and stability of this brotherly country. It is worth to mention that this event was marked by the approval of a joint statement by the officials of member countries of the Initiative, and that the presidency of the Initiative, under the year 2022 in its 18th edition, was entrusted to the Kingdom of Morocco.