‘Peacekeeping Benefits Entire Nation’
The RFMF contingent of 170 men and women will be serving in Sinai under the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) banner.
Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) personnel were reminded of the many ways peacekeeping tours of duty benefited not only military personnel but the whole nation as well. Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management and Meteorological Services Permanent Secretary Meleti Bainimarama told a contingent leaving soon for the Sinai it was important to be proud of that attribute.
“As a soldier you may think that you are on just another deployment. However, you must understand that you are actively contributing to the growth of Fiji’s economic and social development,” Mr Bainimarama said.
The RFMF contingent of 170 men and women will be serving in Sinai under the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) banner.
He said the RFMF’s participation in such missions allowed previous governments and the current one to build roads, bridges, schools and hospitals.
“This deployment also presents you with the opportunity to put Fiji on the world map, make the nation proud and show the international contingent that what you lack in physical resources, you make up with bravery, resilience and our hospitable nature,” Mr Bainimarama said.
He emphasised and urged the members of the RFMF contingent bound for Sinai MFO peacekeeping duties to spend time with their families during their two-week break. “Cherish these next few days with your loved ones. If there are things to do, do it now. I encourage you to leave things in order before you depart so that you can (make a) transition into your new surroundings peacefully,” he said.
The first chalk of the RFMF troops bound for Sinai will be departing Fiji on April 24.