Munich, Germany

Politicians, military officers and diplomats from more than 100 nations across the globe have started arriving in Munich for the 60th Munich Security Conference. As the global leaders gather, security as per a Reuters report, was tight in the city.

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Speaking at the conference on Friday, US Vice President Kamala Harris reassured allies that the United States will continue to play a leading role in global security.

"In these unsettled times, it is clear America cannot retreat," she stated. 

"I know that there are questions here in Europe and around the world, about the future of America's role of global leadership," Harris acknowledged.

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Nevertheless, she asserted that it is in America's interest to fulfil its "long standing role of global leadership" and characterized her and President Joe Biden's commitment to NATO as "sacred" and "ironclad."

Her remarks come in the wake of former US President Donald Trump's questioning of the NATO military alliance's value and his recent comments suggesting he would encourage Russia to attack allies that do not spend enough on defence.

Munich Security Conference Agenda

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According to the report, this year, talks at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) will be dominated by the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Additionally, there will be a discussion on fears over the United States' commitment to defend its allies.

Furthermore, the MSC, which was founded in the fall of 1963, will celebrate its 60th anniversary up to and during the next main conference.

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As per the UK-based news agency's report, the core mission of the MSC is "To build peace through dialogue and strengthen the rules-based international order."

The fundamental goal of the MSC remains the same: to foster peace through dialogue and reinforce the international order based on rules.

Who will be in attendance at the conference?

Among the top officials in attendance at the Munich conference will be German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, United States Vice President Kamala Harris and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Israel's President Isaac Herzog and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh are also expected to attend the conference.

The annual global gathering focused on defence and diplomacy begins today (Friday, Feb 16th) and will run until Sunday at the luxury Bayerischer Hof hotel in the southern German city.

Also read | Zelensky signs 'historic' security pact with Germany

As per Reuters, a recent report released before the conference raised concerns about negative trends due to increasing global tensions and economic instability. Key issues included the rising risks of large-scale migration and extremist terrorism.

This change in focus is expected to influence discussions at the 2024 MSC. This year's event will promote inclusivity by highlighting countries from the global south, such as those in Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also be in attendance at the conference, where he is expected to present China's stance on international security issues. He is also expected to promote China's Global Security Initiative as a solution to security issues.

(With inputs from agencies)