On December 12, 2024, the 20th meeting of the 5+5 Dialogue defense initiative took place in Madrid, under the presidency of Spain. Discussions focused on the work carried out in 2024, particularly in the fight against terrorism and climate change, as well as projections for 2025, the year in which Tunisia will assume the presidency of the Dialogue’s defense initiative.

Throughout the year, Spain organized 12 activities, including high-level meetings, sea rescue (CANASAR) and maritime security (MARSEC) exercises, as well as a seminar on protecting the health of forces on operations. Spain’s Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, highlighted that the zones of influence of the countries of the Western Mediterranean have become freer and safer spaces, progressing toward modernization through multilateral cooperation. The representatives of the member states reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in military training and technology sharing.

For its presidency period, Tunisia expressed its interest in supporting the initiative and emphasized the importance of collective commitment to ensure its sustainability and facilitate exchanges between the various partners. This interest is accompanied by Tunisia’s willingness to organize a forum on its territory entitled “The 5+5 Defense Initiative: Reality and Future Prospects,” the conclusions of which will influence the activities and orientations of the initiative.