Statement by the NATO Spokesman on NATO's Mediterranean initiative
Consistent with the NAC communique of 1st December 1994 concerning the strengthening of "regional stability", today the Council decided to initiate a direct dialogue with Mediterranean non-member countries.
The general aim of this dialogue is to contribute to security and stability in the Mediterranean as a whole, to achieve a better mutual understanding and to correct any misunderstandings of the Alliance's purpose that could lead to a perception of a threat.
The initial countries, chosen on a basis of a consensus among NATO member states, are: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Israel and Mauritania. This is a progressive initiative and an extension of the dialogue to other Mediterranean countries, which are willing and able to contribute to the peace and security of the region, will be envisaged after the initial round of dialogue with the above countries.