TRIPOLI, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Libya on Friday hosted the joint maritime security exercise "SEABORDER 2026" for the first time in its territorial waters, with naval units from Algeria, France and Italy taking part under the framework of the 5+5 Defense Initiative.
The participating vessels included the Algerian frigate El Moutassadi, the French support ship Loire and the Italian patrol vessel Comandante Bettica, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defense of Libya's UN-recognized Government of National Unity.
The exercise is part of the activities scheduled under the 5+5 Defense Initiative for 2026 and is being conducted under the supervision of the Libyan Naval Staff, according to the statement.
It seeks to strengthen the operational readiness of participating naval units, promote the exchange of tactical expertise, and enhance coordination and interoperability among the participating countries in the western Mediterranean, it said.
The 5+5 Defense Initiative comprises Algeria, France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia, and aims to strengthen defense and security cooperation in the western Mediterranean. ■
