President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali received, on Wednesday June 16, 2010, from National Defence Minister Ridha Grira a report on the department's activity and work schedule, notably its preparations for the celebration of the National Army's 54th anniversary. The Head of State took interest in the armed forces' activity in matters of consolidation of their capacities, particularly regarding support efforts to the development work and services in the fields of prevention, rescue and the environment protection. The President of the Republic focused attention on training in military schools and academies, recommending in this connection to endeavour to keep abreast of scientific and technical progresses in this field. President Ben Ali also took interest in bilateral co- operation with sisterly and friendly countries and multilateral co-operation, instructing to implement this co- operation's programmes and carry on boosting it.