His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday said the battle against global terrorism in all its forms is one that will be won through working together to defeat the common enemy.
“It is my hope that SOFEX 2008 will contribute to that shared goal by providing an unprecedented opportunity to share experiences, resources and knowledge leading to new capabilities to make our people safe and our countries strong and secure,” the King said in a message read out on his behalf by Prime Minister Nader Dahabi at the inauguration of SOFEX 2008 “Middle East Special Operations Commanders' Conference”.
The conference, inaugurated by HRH Prince Feisal on behalf of the King, brought together some 700 high-ranking military experts and decision makers from the international defence community.
“Special operations capabilities are vital to the battle. But military capabilities are only part of our arsenal. We must also examine and understand what drives and supports terror and root these dangers out,” the King said in his message.
“It begins with understanding humanity's shared future, increasing the dialogue between faiths and giving all people a stake in a future of opportunity, peace and partnership,” King Abdullah stressed.
Dahabi said the conference is an opportunity to demonstrate a united stand against terror, noting that Jordan, like other countries, suffered from terrorism, which does not discriminate between religion, nationality or colour.
The premier noted that creating a secure future for all humanity requires standing firm against the ideologies of hate and extremism and promoting tolerance, moderation, mutual respect and peace.
Dahabi added that the conference, organised by SOFEX, Defence News and the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis (INEGMA), provides an opportunity to exchange experiences and views to come up with solutions to protect nations and combat terrorism.
In his address at the conference, Commander of Special Operation Forces Major General Jamal Shawabkeh said the issue of global terrorism is still very relevant around the globe, stressing the importance of cooperation between countries in this regard.
He added that special operation forces across the world play a vital role in fighting terrorism.
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, who also addressed the participants, pointed out that the war against any form of terrorism should also address the reasons behind it.
“It is important that we are gathering here in this country that continues to be a force of moderation and tolerance amidst the major security challenges the Middle East is facing,” Prince Andrew said.
Also on Monday, King Abdullah met with several defence ministers and army commanders taking part in the conference and discussed relations between the Kingdom and their countries in the defence and military sphere.
During a meeting with Prince Andrew, King Abdullah and the Duke of York discussed means to enhance bilateral ties, especially economic cooperation, as well as the current regional situation.
Commending His Majesty's efforts to reinforce Mideast security and stability, the prince expressed his admiration of the organisational level of SOFEX 2008.
Prince Feisal, Royal Court Chief Bassem Awadallah and British Ambassador in Amman James Watt attended the meeting.
Prince Andrew, who is the UK's special representative on trade and investment, expressed willingness to support investments in the Kingdom by encouraging British businessmen to set up investment projects in Jordan, which enjoys security and stability.
The Jordan Times