Algiers, Algeria – Algeria hosted the 13th Council of Ministers of Defense Meeting and the 14th Chiefs of Staff Committee Meeting for member states of the North Africa Regional Capability (NARC) today. The event took place at the National Army Circle in Beni Messous, Algiers.
The NARC includes Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. The meetings focused on bolstering regional security cooperation.
According to a statement from the Ministry of National Defense, Major General Mohamed Salah Benbicha, Secretary General of the Ministry of National Defense, represented the Minister of National Defense. Major General Hassnat Belkacem, Head of the Department of Employment and Preparation of the People’s National Army Staff, represented the Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad and African Affairs, representatives of the Ministers of Defense and Chiefs of Staff of the NARC member states, Ahmed Ahmida Tajouri, Executive Secretary of the North Africa Regional Capability, and Brigadier General Mohamed Gouma Al-Shaibani, Head of the Planning Element of this regional mechanism.
The agenda centered around assessing the activities of the NARC in 2023 and exploring ways to develop its components to enhance coordination among member states. The goal is to effectively address threats to the region’s security and stability. Discussions focused on improving joint strategies and resource allocation to combat terrorism, transnational crime, and other security challenges.
The meetings concluded with the signing of the final report of the 13th Council of Ministers of Defense Meeting and the 14th Committee of Chiefs of Staff of the member states of the North Africa Regional Capability, as stated by the Ministry of National Defense. The agreement outlines specific areas of cooperation and sets priorities for the coming year.
