The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio participated today by videoconference in the XVI Ministerial Meeting of the “5+5 Dialogue” on the theme “Together for collective security and partnership in the Western Mediterranean”. The meeting, organised by the Tunisian-Maltese co-presidency, coincides with the thirtieth anniversary of the Rome Declaration, which established this consultation format. In addition to Italy, the Foreign Ministers of Tunisia, Malta, Algeria, Spain, France, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Portugal, the High Representative of the European Union and the main regional organisations involved – the Anna Lindh Foundation, the Union for the Mediterranean, the Arab Maghreb Union and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean – attended the meeting.
In his speech, Minister Di Maio reiterated Italy’s strategic interest in the stability and development of the Mediterranean region, stressing the positive contribution of the 5+5 Dialogue to cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean. In this context, the Minister Di Maio recalled the importance of joint regional actions, focused on young people and aimed at facing common challenges, citing as an example the Italian proposal for a “Grand Pacte pour la Jeunesse” that he launched during his visit to Tunis last 17th August.
Particular attention was also paid to regional security issues – including Libya, Sahel and terrorism – and the fight against irregular migration flows. On the situation in Libya, in particular, the Foreign Minister stressed the importance of cohesive support for the stabilisation of the country, along the lines outlined by the United Nations and in the Berlin Process. Mr Di Maio expressed Italy’s firm support for the achievement of a real ceasefire agreement within the Joint Military Committee 5+5 which is currently meeting in Geneva and for the launch of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum on 26th October, an essential moment to define Libya’s institutional future with an inclusive approach.
With regard to the strengthening of regional dialogue, Minister Di Maio finally recalled the contribution offered by the “Rome MED Dialogues” organised by the Foreign Ministry and scheduled in hybrid form from 25th November to 4th December.
