On Tuesday, the Defence Ministry of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), announced the beginning of the third meeting of military experts of the ‘5+5 Defence’ initiative for western Mediterranean nations. Organised by Portugal, this meeting covers the topic of “integrating a gender perspective into military operations”.
The initiative, launched in 2004, includes Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, and Libya. It aims to identify security problems in the western Mediterranean, areas surrounding the Atlantic Ocean, in addition to combatting terrorism and smuggling operations.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence pointed out the participation of the Command and Staff College headed by the Libyan General Staff, represented by Colonel Saleh Idris Saleh Al-Saleheen, and Colonel Dr.Majid Ali Mohamed Oraibi, in the two day meeting.
The two Colonels made a 15-minute video presentation on the topic of “The National Gender Perspective Framework”, taking place under the coordination and supervision of the Ministry of Defence.
The Director of the ‘5+5 Defence’ unit emphasized that this meeting comes within the framework of implementing the activities of the multilateral plan of the initiative. It aims to increase knowledge, and the exchange of experiences to enhance, and develop joint environmental cooperation for the armed forces of western Mediterranean states. This is in order to highlight the role and development of women in the armed forces, as well as searching for ways to ensure equal opportunities between the sexes.