The eighth Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS) it set to start on Wednesday under the auspices of the Russian Defense Ministry at the Radisson Collection Hotel. Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman heads his countrys delegation to the conference, with year’s edition dedicated to the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Syria and Iraq. The conference will also address issues like countering terrorism and the improvement of arms control systems. Prince Khalid arrived in Moscow on Tuesday at the head of a delegation from the Ministry of Defense. He is expected to deliver a speech at the opening session of the conference, which is usually inaugurated by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Shoigu is expected to deliver an opening statement on behalf of President Vladimir Putin. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin indicated that 1,000 representatives from 111 countries, including defense ministers, chiefs of staff and senior military officials, are expected to attend the conference. Fomin welcomed the delegations of 16 Arab countries to this years conference, which he attributed to the increased interest in enhancing dialogue with Moscow in various fields, especially security and stability in the region. The Arab attendance adds exceptional importance to the discussions that will take place during the conference’s sessions, some of which will be open to the participants, while closed sessions will be held to discuss some sensitive issues, he explained. Speaking to reporters, Fomin indicated that participants will discuss the situation in the Middle East, with emphasis on stabilizing Syria and Iraq, counter-terrorism issues and ways to strengthen efforts in providing humanitarian assistance to areas of conflict. The meetings will also include discussions on peacekeeping, strengthening military cooperation and regional security in Asia, Africa and Latin America, according to the Deputy Defense Minister. Moscows annual security event has become one of the most important international conferences on military and security issues.