The Defence Security Resilience Cymru conference opened on Thursday at the International Convention Centre, near the Celtic Manor Resort.<\/p>\n
The event describes itself as “connecting buyers, suppliers and innovators across defence, security and national resilience” sectors.<\/p>\n
Jones said Wales was “making a really bold statement about not only what we need to do in a really uncertain world with many geostrategic threats that our nation faces.<\/p>\n
“But also, and equally importantly, the capabilities that we have here in Wales and across the UK that can be brought to bear to counter those threats.”<\/p>\n
He said everything happening there “was within an ethical framework” and welcomed the Welsh government’s announcement.<\/p>\n
“I’m very confident that everyone who is here today is here for the right reasons, underpinned by the right values, and are all part of the ethical framework that is already in place.”<\/p>\n
Outside the event, a protester told BBC Wales: “We are here to disrupt the marketplace of murder which is being facilitated by the Welsh government.”<\/p>\n
Gwent Police said a 72-year-old was arrested at the protest on suspicion of breaching the peace, while a further seven people were arrested on suspicion of public order offences.<\/p>\n
All were in custody late Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Plaid Cymru politicians have complained about previous Welsh governments taking part in defence trade shows in the past.<\/p>\n