The 5+5 Defence College is increasingly standing out as a useful instrument for cooperation and information exchange.
The 18th Academic Committee Meeting was held in Rome, at the Centre for Defence High Studies (CASD) by the 1st Division of the Defence General Staff on September 25th and 26th, 2018 as part of the international cooperation activities carried out by the Defence General Staff.
The Academic Committee is responsible for establishing the educational/training activities to carry out within the Defence College. The Defence College is a "virtual" college providing training through the training institutes of the 5+5 Defence Initiative member countries; it is also the instrument to exchange information and provide training in the field of security and defence.
The representatives of the ten member countries of the Initiative (Algeria, France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Mauritania, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia) took part at the meeting and, in an atmosphere of cooperation and sharing, proposed training modules and cooperation projects for the security and defence of the western Mediterranean basin to be carried out in future years.
In his welcome address during the meeting, BGen (ITAF) Giovanni Francesco ADAMO, Deputy Chief of the 1st Division of the Defence General Staff, underlined that the 5+5 Initiative member countries are facing, more than ever, complex common issues that demand strengthened bilateral/multilateral relationships and a commitment focused on the challenges of the international arena. The 5+5 Initiative and the Defence College with related training matters are further tangible evidence of the deep bonds of esteem and friendship that bind the ten countries, as they endeavour to strengthen the already common, rich cultural heritage, which is deeply embodied in their historical memory.
The College action plan for 2018-2019 is now complete. In particular, four of the twelve scheduled training modules will be under Italian leadership as tangible evidence of the importance Italy attaches to the 5+5 Initiative, especially during the year of Italian presidency.
