A computer-assisted command staff exercise codenamed "Joint reaction 2015" with the participation of U.S.-Adriatic Charter member states and Bulgaria is under way in Albania, officials said here on Tuesday.

"The aim of the exercise is to strengthen cooperation and enhance interoperability between regional partners from the Balkan peninsula, related to the timely and effective deployment and use of forces and means to deal with a severe emergency situation requiring a comprehensive regional response," Bulgarian Joint Forces Command said in a press release.

The five-day drill ending Friday was an important step for the continuation of the Adriatic Charter and regional efforts to establish joint capabilities to deal with emergency situations, natural disasters and environmental emergencies caused by human activity, the press release said.

The Adriatic Charter was established in 2003 by the United States, Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia to affirm their joint commitment to the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans. In 2008, the organization was joined by Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.