Doha, March 04 (QNA) - Qatar Armed Forces have decided to cancel the 7th edition of Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2020), which was scheduled to be held from March 16 to 18. The Directorate of Moral Guidance at the Qatar Armed Forces explained in a statement Wednesday that according to the global risks related to the spread of the new coronavirus known as COVID-19, and following the cancellation of a number of global events, as well as within the precautionary measures and procedures taken at the present time to reduce the spread of the virus, it was decided to cancel this edition of the exhibition. 

 The decision to cancel the exhibition came after extensive consultations with officials in the Ministry of Health and all relevant government sectors, a thorough study of all options, and a review of all the data during the current period, the statement added. The statement said that during the past 12 years, DIMDEX has evolved to become one of the most important events on the agenda of international defense and maritime security. Although this event is very important, the main priority is to preserve the health and safety of all residents and visitors in the State of Qatar, the statement said, adding that for this reason this edition of the exhibition has been canceled. The Armed Forces expressed great gratitude for the support provided by all entities in the State, and for the fruitful cooperation of all participants, including governments, companies, and representatives of the military and security industries, as well as for the great confidence they placed in the State of Qatar, looking forward to welcoming everyone to the next edition of the exhibition in 2022. (QNA)