Security conference set for Beirut

This regional biennial homeland security exhibition and conference is held with the full support of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Internal Security Forces (ISF). It covers internal security, border security, critical infrastructure security and protection, and counter terrorism.

SMES 2011 was launched  at a press conference held at the ISF GHQ in Beirut where the ISF Director General Major General Ashraf Rifi announced that preparations to host SMES 2011 had started and that the show, just like SMES 2009, will provide the ISF and the LAF exposure to the latest technologies.

Speaking on behalf of the LAF Command, Colonel Bechaalani expressed the Command's appreciation of the efforts made by INEGMA towards development in military and security technology in Lebanon, the Middle East and the GCC.

Colonel Bechaalani added that SMES 2009 resulted in purchases of sophisticated, high quality equipment from various exhibitors. INEGMA's CEO Mr. Riad Kahwaji said that more than 25 percent of the exhibiting space was already booked and that international participation in 2011 will be even larger than in 2009, providing the Lebanese Armed Forces, Internal Security Forces and international delegations wider exposure to the latest technologies.

The first edition of SMES took place in April 2009 in Biel, Beirut and was held under the patronage of the Lebanese President General Michel Sleiman. SMES 2009 attracted 55 exhibitors representing 85 defense and security companies, 9000 visitors and was covered by 70 local, regional and international outlets. It was commercially sponsored by Thales – France, Lockheed Martin – U.S., Falcon – Egypt, and KADDB – Jordan.