Strengthening of security and cooperation in the Mediterranean region

Reaffirms that security in the Mediterranean is closely linked to European security as well as to international peace and security; expresses its satisfaction at the continuing efforts by Mediterranean countries to contribute actively to the elimination of all causes of tension in the region and to the promotion of just and lasting solutions to the persistent problems of the region through peaceful means; commends the efforts by the Mediterranean countries in meeting common challenges through coordinated overall responses towards the general objective of turning the Mediterranean basin into an area of dialogue, exchanges and cooperation, guaranteeing peace, stability and prosperity; recognizes that the elimination of the economic and social disparities in levels of development and other obstacles, as well as respect and greater understanding among cultures, in the Mediterranean area will contribute to enhancing peace, security and cooperation among Mediterranean countries through the existing forums; calls upon all States of the Mediterranean region that have not yet done so to adhere to all the multilaterally negotiated legal instruments related to the field of disarmament and non-proliferation; encourages all States of the region to favour the necessary conditions for strengthening the confidence-building measures among them by promoting genuine openness and transparency on all military matters; encourages the Mediterranean countries to strengthen further their cooperation in combating terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations; invites all States of the region to address problems and threats posed to the region, such as terrorism, international crime and illicit arms transfers, as well as illicit drug production, consumption and trafficking

Adopted without vote, 69th meeting

3 p.

Adopted at the 69th plenary meeting, 1 Dec. 1999.