BAGHDAD, Iraq, March 10 (NNN-NINA) – The 8th edition of the International Security and Defence Exhibition was launched on Saturday, in the Iraqi capital with participation of 102 foreign weapons production companies from 20 countries.
The opening ceremony was attended by Iraqi military commanders, and sponsored by Iraqi Army’s Chief of Staff, Othman al-Ghanimi.
“This exhibition is a confirmation that Iraq endeavours to open its doors in front of international companies, to invest in reconstruction of Iraq and development of its defensive capabilities,” said al-Ghanimi, who delivered his speech on behalf of the Iraqi Prime Minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi.
“We confirm our willingness to build a strong and professional army that has advanced security systems, which are capable of safeguarding its security and sovereignty,” he added.
Lt. Gen. Jalil al-Rubaie, commander of Baghdad Operations Command, said that, “we consider this exhibition very important because we need to know about the latest developments of the weapons industry.”
“I believe that the best one who can evaluate a weapon is the one who uses it, and we have defeated the extremist Daesh and freed all our territories,” al-Rubaie said.
The four-day exhibition, showcases various products, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), missiles and different ground support equipment.
The exhibition is aimed at promoting the improvement of the security situation in Iraq, particularly after the Iraqi authorities declared full liberation of all areas once seized by the Daesh militants late in 2017.
However, the Daesh remnants have since melted in urban areas or resorted to deserts and rugged areas as safe havens, carrying out guerilla attacks from time to time, against security forces and civilians.– NNN-NINA
