AMMAN, Jordan — SOFEX 2008 is an opportunity to stress the united stand of Jordan, its neighbors and nations across the globe against terror in all its guises the countries, Jordan’s prime minister, Nader Dahabi, told a high-ranking audience of national leaders, military commanders and others as he opened the Middle East Special Operations Commanders Conference here March 31.

With many of the world’s leading exponents of special operations and counterterrorism gathered in the Le Royal Hotel for a daylong conference titled “Networking for Global Security,” Dahabi said governments would create the security and future that all humanity deserves only “by standing firm against the ideologists of hate and extremism.”

The conference attracted more than 300 delegates from every corner of the globe, while 315 exhibitors registered for the three-day special operations show that gets underway at the King Abdullah II air base April 1. Dahabi said the turnout reflected the growing strategic role of special operations, counterterrorism and homeland security.

SOFEX was one of Jordan’s success stories, and the dialogue begun at the event by military and industrial leaders will plant the seed for growing capabilities, technical cooperation and partnership for the future, the prime minister told an audience that included Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein.

“From its beginning, it has relied on his Majesty King Abdullah II’s professional experience and deep knowledge of the field of special operations and national security,” he said. “For our country to continue hosting this unique event is testimony to Jordan’s solid reputation as an oasis of security, stability and progress.”

He said the growth of Jordan’s defense industrial base in the shape of the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau also needed to be applauded.

“It is important for his Majesty and our defense forces and has high potential for showing Jordan’s commitment to growth and excellence in the field,” he said.

Dahabi told the delegates he had arrived at the conference with a special message from King Abdullah II.

“The battle against global terrorism in all its forms is one that we will win. We will win by working together to defeat the common enemy,” he said. “It is my hope that SOFEX will produce a shared role 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.”

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