The Diplomat
Spain has assumed the annual presidency of the Secretariat of the Ibero-American Cybersecurity Forum (FIC), an initiative launched six years ago in Madrid to promote regional cooperation in this area.
Spain has assumed the leadership of this body through the commander of the Joint Cyberspace Command (MCCE), General Rafael García Hernández, who last Wednesday was appointed president of the Secretariat Pro tempore of the Ibero-American Cybersecurity Forum for the year 2022, as reported by the Ministry of Defense in a press release.
The Forum is an initiative that began in Madrid on May 27, 2016 during a meeting of the cyber defense delegations of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Spain with the purpose of initiating and extending cooperation in the field of cyber defense, as established in its Letter of Intent, and progressing collaboration in this area between the Armed Forces of the signatory nations. Other countries have since joined the Forum, namely Guatemala, Portugal and Uruguay.
The objective of the FIC is to promote regional cooperation in cybersecurity in order to counter threats to the national security of countries. To this end, the Forum facilitates the exchange of information and experiences and the development of human capabilities through mutual support in the training of technical personnel, the promotion of the participation of cyber defense commands and centers in workshops and exercises, and the establishment of support procedures in research, development and innovation. “The spirit of the Forum is still alive and continues to foster good relations between member countries,” the Ministry of Defense stated.
