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Security cooperation with the Mediterranean region and the broader Middle East Introduction Contents   1. Introduction   2. The importance of fostering security in these regions  3. The Mediterranean Dialogue  4. The Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Other formats English PDF (~636Kb) Printable version with colour illustrations Order a hardcopy version using the online order form. NATO is developing closer security partnerships with countries in the Mediterranean region and the broader Middle East. This marks a shift in Alliance priorities towards greater involvement in these strategically important regions of the world, whose security and stability is closely linked to Euro-Atlantic security. The current drive towards increasing dialogue and cooperation with countries in these regions builds on two key decisions taken at NATO’s summit meeting in Istanbul in June 2004. Allied leaders decided – ten years after the launch of NATO’s Mediterranean Dialogue – to invite countries participating in the Dialogue to establish a more ambitious and expanded partnership. The Dialogue fosters links with seven countries stretching from western North Africa around the southern Mediterranean rim to the Middle East: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. Through political dialogue and practical cooperation, the Dialogue aims to contribute to regional security and stability, and to promote good and friendly relations across the region. It also aims to achieve better mutual understanding between NATO and its Mediterranean partners and to dispel misperceptions about the Alliance. In parallel, a new, distinct but complementary initiative was launched at the Istanbul Summit to reach out to interested countries in the broader Middle East region. The Istanbul Cooperation Initiative aims to enhance security and stability by fostering mutually beneficial bilateral relationships, particularly in the context of the fight against terrorism and countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

© NATO - OTAN 2005 -	NATO Public Diplomacy Division 1110 Brussels, Belgium - E-mail: natodoc@hq.nato.int