Mediterranean Dialogue
Encyclopedia
The Mediterranean Dialogue, first launched in 1994, is a forum of cooperation between NATO and seven countries of the Mediterranean. Its stated aim is "to create good relations and better mutual understanding and confidence throughout the region, promoting regional security and stability and explaining NATO's policies and goals."
The Dialogue reflects NATO's view that security in Europe is tied to the security and stability in the Mediterranean. It also reinforces and complements the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and the OSCE's Mediterranean Initiative.
The Mediterranean Dialogue initially started with five countries but has added two more over time. No future memberships are planned.
(joined in March 2000) (joined in February 1995) (joined in February 1995) (joined in November 1995) (joined in February 1995) (joined in February 1995) (joined in February 1995)
. The ICP covers many areas of common interest, such as the fight against terrorism and joint military exercises in the Mediterranean Sea
. More ICP agreements were signed with Egypt (2007) and Jordan (2009), and NATO expects further agreements to be signed with additional Mediterranean Dialogue member states in the future.
The Dialogue reflects NATO's view that security in Europe is tied to the security and stability in the Mediterranean. It also reinforces and complements the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and the OSCE's Mediterranean Initiative.
Members
(joined in March 2000) (joined in February 1995) (joined in February 1995) (joined in November 1995) (joined in February 1995) (joined in February 1995) (joined in February 1995)
Individual Cooperation Programme (ICP)
On October 16, 2006, NATO and Israel finalized the first ever Individual Cooperation Programme (ICP) under the enhanced Mediterranean Dialogue, where Israel will be contributing to the NATO maritime Operation Active EndeavourOperation Active Endeavour
Operation Active Endeavour is a maritime operation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It operates in the Mediterranean Sea and is designed to prevent the movement of terrorists or weapons of mass destruction. It has also collateral benefits in enhanced security of shipping in general...
. The ICP covers many areas of common interest, such as the fight against terrorism and joint military exercises in the Mediterranean Sea
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by the Mediterranean region and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Anatolia and Europe, on the south by North Africa, and on the east by the Levant...
. More ICP agreements were signed with Egypt (2007) and Jordan (2009), and NATO expects further agreements to be signed with additional Mediterranean Dialogue member states in the future.
See also
- Istanbul Cooperation InitiativeIstanbul Cooperation InitiativeThe Istanbul Cooperation Initiative is an initiative launched during NATO's 2004 Istanbul summit.During this summit, NATO leaders decided to elevate the Alliance’s Mediterranean Dialogue to a genuine partnership and to launch the ICI with selected countries in the broader region of the Middle East...
- North Atlantic CouncilNorth Atlantic CouncilNorth Atlantic Council is the most senior political governing body of NATO established by Article 9 of the North Atlantic Treaty. The NAC can be held at the Permanent Representative Level , or can be composed of member states' Ministers of State, Defense, or Heads of Government. The NAC has the...
- Partnership for PeacePartnership for PeacePartnership for Peace is a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation program aimed at creating trust between NATO and other states in Europe and the former Soviet Union; 22 States are members...
- Union for the MediterraneanUnion for the MediterraneanThe Union for the Mediterranean is a multilateral partnership that encompasses 43 countries from Europe and the Mediterranean Basin: the 27 member states of the European Union and 16 Mediterranean partner countries from North Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans...