BEIRUT: Some 173 companies from 28 countries around the world will take part in a three-day exhibition on modern military and security technology and policy at Downtown’s BIEL next week, security and military officials announced Wednesday.

Two years after the first Security Middle East Show was held in Beirut, the exhibition will return to Lebanon under the sponsorship of Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the Lebanese Army and the Internal Security Forces.

Organized by the Institute for Near East & Gulf Military Analysis, which is based in Dubai, the exhibition will focus on counter-terrorism, search and rescue operations, border security, information security and fire-fighting measures.

Speaking at a news conference at the ISF’s headquarters in Ashrafieh Wednesday, ISF commander Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi said the exhibition would provide Lebanese security bodies the opportunity to exchange expertise with foreign security and military institutions to better safeguard the country against security threats.

Rifi told The Daily Star that it is no longer possible to tackle security threats through traditional methods.

“We have to look forward in advancing our security institutions so that they base their security measures on modern technological methods that respect human rights,?? he said, adding that Lebanon should regain its unique position in the region as a country known for respecting human rights.

The exhibition will start on Nov. 28 and will be open to the public on Nov. 29 and 30, when special units from the Army and ISF will perform live drills.

At the news conference, Rifi also told reporters that the country needs to strengthen its security capabilities.

“We have pledged to protect this country together with the Lebanese Army and other security institutions ... and today we are working together to strengthen this nation,?? he said.

Rifi also said that Lebanese security institutions need to boost their capacity to fight terrorism.

“This exhibition is also to invest in security measures against terrorism, which has become the world’s number one enemy,?? he noted.

Karim Sinjari, the interior minister of the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq, will brief the conference Monday on the region’s experience in counter-terrorism and security.

His presentation will be followed by a discussion on the role of media in security by the secretary-general of Arab Interior Ministers, Mohammad Ben Ali Koman.

Speaking on behalf of army commander General Jean Kahwagi, Brig. Gen. Antoine Njeim praised the SMES and called on the security institutions and companies taking part in this year’s SMES to share their expertise.

“This year’s exhibition will be a chance for exchanging expertise on upcoming [military and security] challenges,?? said Njeim.

In addition to the United States and the United Kingdom, which took part in the first exhibition SMES 2009, this year’s exhibition will also host companies from Russian and Chinese companies, as well as from Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Egypt and the UAE.