The 43rd SEDM-CC and 44th PMSC Meetings of the SEDM Initiative were held under the Albanian Chairmanship via videoconference on 23 and 24 September 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Representatives from 13 SEDM member nations, SEEBRIG’s Commander and representatives from international and regional organizations such as NATO, UNDP SEESAC, RCC and RACVIAC participated in the meetings, chaired by H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI, the Chairman of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat/ Deputy Minister of Defense.
The Chairman highlighted in his speech that during all these years, our cooperation has strengthened the relations among our nations and has contributed to the efforts towards a common Euro-Atlantic future. He underlined that the experience we gained so far it is significant in order to maintain the efficiency of the regional cooperation and increasing SEEBRIG’s potentials.
The 43rd SEDM-CC Meeting was focused on the developments of the projects as well on the achievements obtained within the SEDM process. Respectively the “Interconnection of Military Hospital (IMIHO)” project will further enhance the cooperation between military hospitals by enhancing the cooperation on topics of mutual interest and benefits; the promotion of Female Leaders in Security and Defence Project (FLSD), by supporting the implementation of UNSCR Resolution 1325; the promotion of transparent institutions by the implementation of the principles of transparency and integrity (Building Integrity in Defence project); as well as by the further development of the SEDM Portal (SEDM Portal project).
During the 44th PMSC meeting, SEEBRIG’s Commander Brigadier Aristeidis ILIOPOULOS presented an update on SEEBRIG activities and future activities, highlighted the main elements of SEEBRIG’S Annual Plan 2021, new timeline of the Exercise “Seven Stars-21”, went through the major points of the Budget Plan for the Fiscal Year 2021 and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2021-2023. COMSEEBRIG shared with PMSC his vision for the next 3-years and addressed some manning issues. PMSC endorsed SEEBRIG’s Annual Plan and Budget Plan 2021, which will be submitted to upcoming Defense Ministerial for its approval.
At the end, the participants expressed their appreciation to SEDM Secretariat and SEDM Portal Technical Working Group for their efforts in successfully preparing and conducting via VTC the SEDM-CC/PMSC Meetings.