BERLIN, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Against the backdrop of global uncertainties, the organizers of the 55th edition of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) slated for next week expect an unprecedented number of participants.
Over 600 high-level decision-makers from around the world will attend the MSC on Feb. 15-17 to discuss current issues in international security policy, including transatlantic cooperation and the European union's self-assertion.
More than 35 heads of state and government, as well as 50 foreign ministers and 30 defense ministers are expected to attend the event. In comparison, 20 heads of state and government attended the conference in 2018.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be present again, after last attending in 2017. Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the MSC, told the Deutsche Welle on Friday that he had arranged a joint appearance for Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, but the Elysee had canceled the event a week ago.
According to a press release, this year the MSC anticipates the largest delegation of all time from the United States. It will be led by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.
Heads of major international organizations, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), NATO and the EU and others will also attend the conference.
Multilateralism and cooperation will also be key subjects at the conference.
