View source for Mediterranean Dialogue

{{Short description|NATO forum with Mediterranean countries}}
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."<ref>[http://www.nato.int/issues/med-dial/index.html NATO Topics: NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue - Linking regions together] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090911100522/http://www.nato.int/issues/med-dial/index.html |date=2009-09-11 }}</ref>

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 [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]]'s Mediterranean Initiative.

==Members==
[[Image:NATO partnerships.svg|400px|thumb|
{{legend|#004990|NATO member states}}
{{legend|#2A7FFF|[[Membership Action Plan]]}} 
{{legend|#88B7FF|Enhanced Opportunities Partner<ref>{{cite web |title=Partnership Interoperability Initiative |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/em/natohq/topics_132726.htm |publisher=NATO |access-date=23 March 2022 |date=22 February 2022}}</ref>}}
{{legend|#FFD900|[[Individual Partnership Action Plan]]}}
{{legend|#FF7826|Partnership for Peace countries}}
{{legend|#D40000|Mediterranean Dialogue countries}} 
{{legend|#C0F|[[Istanbul Cooperation Initiative]] (ICI)}}
{{legend|#008000|Partners across the globe}}]]

The Mediterranean Dialogue initially started with five countries but has added two more over time.
=== Initial members ===
* {{flag|Egypt}} (joined in February 1995)
* {{flag|Israel}} (joined in February 1995)
* {{flag|Mauritania}} (joined in February 1995)
* {{flag|Morocco}} (joined in February 1995)
* {{flag|Tunisia}} (joined in February 1995)
=== Subsequent members ===
* {{flag|Jordan}} (joined in November 1995)
* {{flag|Algeria}} (joined in March 2000)

===Potential expansion===
In the [[2012 Chicago Summit]], NATO heads of states issued a declaration, citing [[Libya]] was "welcome" as a NATO partner "if it so wishes", through Mediterranean Dialogue. Libya has yet to respond.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-B83237D5-B60EA88E/natolive/official_texts_87593.htm |title=Chicago Summit Declaration; Issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Chicago on 20 May 2012 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date= 20 May 2012  |website=nato.int |publisher=NATO |access-date= 3 September 2016 }}</ref>

==Individual Cooperation Programme (ICP)==
On October 16, 2006, NATO and Israel finalized the first-ever Individual Cooperation Programme (ICP)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/docu/pr/2006/p06-123e.htm|title=NATO Press Release (2006) 123 - 16 Oct. 2006<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref> under the enhanced Mediterranean Dialogue, where Israel will be contributing to the NATO maritime [[Operation Active Endeavour]]. The ICP covers many areas of common interest, such as the fight against terrorism and joint military exercises in the [[Mediterranean Sea]].<ref>[http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?apage=1&cid=1182409630518&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull Israel moves closer to NATO missions]</ref> 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 Initiative]]
* [[North Atlantic Council]]
* [[Partnership for Peace]]
* [[Union for the Mediterranean]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.nato.int/med-dial/home.htm Mediterranean Dialogue website]

{{NATO relations}}
[[Category:Politics of NATO]]
[[Category:Mediterranean]]
[[Category:1994 in international relations]]