In a press conference, Helena Carreiras acknowledged that there are “an increasing number of challenges” facing countries in this region, but they also create “an increasing number of opportunities for collaboration”.

When it was created in 2002, the 5+5 Initiative was restricted to four areas - maritime security, air defence, support for civil protection and emergencies, and training – Member States updated the Declaration of Intent of this forum to expand the scope of action.

“We have expanded the scope of the initiative itself to many other areas, in relation to cyber defence, the economic issue and human security, issues that have to do with radiological, biological and chemical defence, to artificial intelligence, search and rescue”, listed Helena Carreiras.

When asked about the activity she values most of the approximately 70 activities that Portugal organised this year, as part of her presidency, she considered the joint action carried out by the Armed Forces of different countries were the “most impactful”, calling attention to in particular, an action relating to “the increasing hybrid threats from cyberspace”.

However, the Minister of Defence also stressed the importance of discussions on water issues – when, in certain locations, drinking water is insufficient for the needs of the population – as well as the effects of natural disasters and climate change. Government officials have addressed the possibility that by the end of the century, the global temperature will warm up by more than two degrees – as stipulated in the commitment signed at COP21, in Paris.

“This places enormous responsibility on us in terms of what we have to do together to face these challenges. Therefore, I would say that these are two areas that will certainly mark the activities of this initiative in the future”, she added.

The Spanish Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles – who will assume the presidency of the 5+5 Initiative in 2024 – explained the “very complicated and difficult situation” currently experienced at an international level, considering the 5+5 Initiative as a forum where “ongoing challenges” are approached “seriously” and with respect.

“We consider dialogue is crucial to solving many challenges, this one is based on a fundamental idea: respect for cultures, religions, a positive desire to cooperate and continue to advance in something as important as the search for peace”, she said.

Margarita Robles stated the countries involved with this initiative are aware of the many challenges they will have to face, in particular the fight against climate change and pandemics, but they are committed to continuing and highlighting the “exception work” developed by Portugal this year.

In addition to Portugal, the 5+5 Initiative includes Algeria, France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Spain, Morocco and Tunisia. Its presidency is annual and rotates.

This initiative created in 2002, “seeks to respond to common concerns in the field of security and defence” in areas such as maritime security, air defence or the participation of Armed Forces in support of civil protection actions.