17th NATO Mediterranean Dialogue Intelligence Experts’ meeting
On 25-27 November 2019, the 17th NATO Mediterranean Dialogue Intelligence Experts’ Meeting, co-hosted by Major General Escribano, Deputy Assistant Secretary General (DASG) for NATO’s Joint Intelligence and Security Division and Admiral Kulla of JFC Naples took place at the JFC Naples with representatives from the Mediterranean Partners.
This annual meeting is a platform for NATO and its Mediterranean Dialogue Partners to discuss and strategize on shared security challenges and emerging threats to the region and NATO nations. Opening the meeting, Major General Escribano acknowledged the importance of this forum which “has consistently delivered on its goal of broadening subject matter knowledge through a robust exchange of insights between NATO member countries and our Mediterranean Dialogue partners”.
Participants received briefings on the Middle East and North Africa. “The briefings we have received today clearly demonstrate that the influences on Mediterranean security clearly have become more diverse and global, and that transatlantic security and Mediterranean security are inextricably linked. Because when our neighbours are more stable, we are more secure at home”, emphasised the DASG.
Discussions focussed on regional cooperation, intelligence sharing and the ongoing crises in the region. “NATO has a 360° approach to security and that includes its southern flank. We have implemented additional measures for the South including enhanced planning and exercises. Our Hub is helping us to better monitor regional threats and coordinate our efforts. We are also working to help our partners in the Middle East and North Africa to build up their own defence capacities. We are training local forces because they are one of the best tools in the fight against terrorism. NATO is clearly doing its part but it is important for regional actors to also foster peace and stability” concluded Major General Escribano.
The Mediterranean Dialogue was initiated in 1994, and currently has seven members: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. This framework was set up to develop political dialogue and practical cooperation between the Alliance and its partners in the Mediterranean regions.