Jordan Times
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Battle against global
terrorism calls for working together - King
By Mohammad Ghazal
AMMAN - 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 Monarch 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,” the King 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 the Monarch’s efforts to reinforce Mideast security and stability,
the prince expressed his admiration of the organisational level of SOFEX 2008,
the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Prince Feisal, Royal Court Chief Bassem Awadallah and British Ambassador in
Amman James Watt attended the meeting.
Dahabi also met with Prince Andrew yesterday, and discussed means to boost
economic and investment relations between Jordan and the United Kingdom.
During the meeting, attended by Minister of Industry and Trade Amer Hadidi, the
premier reviewed government measures and legislation to enhance the Kingdom’s
investment climate.
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.