Schuman Security and Defence Forum kicks off

BRUSSELS, March 21 (KUNA) -- The first edition of the Schuman Security and Defense Forum started at the European Parliament in Brussels Tuesday.
EU High Representative Josep Borrel said in press comments ahead of the meeting that EU Ministers of Defense and representatives from more than 50 partners around the world, as well as think tanks and academia, are gathered to discuss and address common global challenges and threats.
It is the first time that the EU gathers around the table in such a big number of ministers and security representatives to talk about the current geopolitical and security challenges, he said .
"Everybody is concerned. No country, no one acting alone can address the return of power politics, the mix of conventional and hybrid threats, the consequences of climate change and the increased competition over natural resources. All these challenges have global consequences," said Borrell.
The list of participants at the forum include Chief of General Staff of Saudi Armed Forces General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of Staff of Omanآ’s Armed Forces Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis Al-Rais and Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmad Abul Gheit, among others. (end) nk.ag