ABU DHABI, 24th May, 2017 (WAM) -- Defence and security mechanisms are evolving to cope with the rapidly changing threats, risks and contemporary international conflicts, a senior UAE defence official said during an international conference, organised by the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday.

"We should understand that the responsibility of defending the state relies on the shoulder of government agencies and private corporations, whether military or civilian. This will ensure strong confrontation of these challenges," said Mohammed Rashid Al Ali, Assistant Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Defence for Strategic Policies, while delivering a keynote address at the conference, Border Protection in the 21st Century.

"Today, borders of the state are not the conventional geographical sea, air and land borders as modern technology and international environment have created unconventional borders. Electronic, intellectual, economic and biological dimensions have become true borders and breaching them makes the state vulnerable to threats," he said.

"We are witnessing new patterns of cross-border threats including destructive ideology, cyber terrorism, e-crime and e-war, which pose serious threats to global peace, freedom, humanity and the future of nations," he added.

He indicated that the conference sought to find a common ground for understanding, communication, co-ordination and co-operation regarding full preparedness and readiness to address security challenges.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, and a group of government and non-governmental border experts attended the event.

Panel discussions on the protection of UAE citizens and community from modern border threats, and comprehensive UAE government planning for border security in the 21st century were organised as part of the conference's activities.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.