Military experts gather at DIMDEX 2012 to discuss maritime security in the region

: Posted On Tuesday, 27 March 2012 22:22

DIMDEX 2012 - Show Daily News

Military experts gather at DIMDEX 2012 to discuss maritime security in the region

Distinguished Naval Commanders, experts and decision-makers convened today at the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC) on the second day of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX 2012) to discuss maritime security in the region.

Chief of Qatar Emiri Naval Forces and Chairman of DIMDEX 2012, Staff Brigadier (Sea) Mohammed Bin Nasser Al Mohannadi opened the conference, stating: “I would like to thank all our prominent speakers today who provided a valuable insight on heavyweight matters that affect not just those living in the MENA region but across the world. I would also like to thank our guest of honour, His Excellency, Major General Hamad Bin Ali Al-Attiyah Chief of Staff, the Qatar Armed Forces and RUSI Qatar for again providing their expertise and experience at the MENC Conference and QMDI and the DIMDEX team for organising this world-class event”.

The MENC Conference is a key component of DIMDEX 2012 and is co-organised by DIMDEX organisers Qatar MICE Development Institute (QMDI) and the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI Qatar). Now in its third edition, the MENC Conference has established itself as a landmark event in the international maritime calendar by bringing together the world’s foremost authorities in naval defence to discuss the most pressing issues affecting regional waters.

This year’s theme, “The Strategic Importance of Maritime Security in Protecting the Global Economy: the Role of Technology and Naval Co-operation in Securing Trade at Sea”, highlighted the significant role that naval forces play in generating and maintaining the stability needed for global economic prosperity by securing maritime trade routes.

From left to right:
James Kraska, Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy
Vice Admiral Rory McLean CB OBE, Vice-Chairman of RUSI-Qatar
Liet Gen Charles Bouchard OC, CMM, MSC, CD
Rear Admiral Fanta, Commander Expeditionary Strike Group Five

Due to the MENA regions enduring geo-strategic importance, the MENC Conference this year came at an especially crucial time with the world’s focus on the continuing threat of piracy and terrorism. Speakers at the MENC Conference discussed the latest developments in technologies, research and future strategies designed to safeguard national and international interests with the broader goal of protecting maritime trade on which the world relies.

One of many influential speakers, Lieutenant General Charles Bouchard, also shared his observations and lessons learned as Chief of NATO Operations in Libya, notable as one of the most successful multilateral naval operations to implement UN resolutions to protect civilians and restore stability to an area of vital maritime interest.