MFO Director General Commends Fiji’s Commitment to Peacekeeping Efforts
Elizabeth Dibble, MFO Director General, praised Fiji’s peacekeeping role during her visit discussing the importance of skills upgrades for troops in the Sinai Peninsula, especially amid escalating Israel-Hamas tensions. Acting Minister Filimoni Vosarogo emphasized the government’s responsibility to support the troops. Dibble affirmed Fiji’s commitment to the MFO and continued collaborative peace efforts with the United States.
In a recent official visit to Fiji, Elizabeth Dibble, the Director General of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), commended Fiji’s longstanding commitment to peacekeeping efforts. Since 1982, Fiji has been a notable participant in MFO missions, which operate in regions facing significant conflict, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas tensions. Acting Minister for Defence Filimoni Vosarogo engaged in discussions with Dibble about the critical role of the MFO in maintaining stability in such volatile areas.
During their meeting, Vosarogo underscored the importance of enhancing skills for troops deployed in the northern camp of the Sinai Peninsula. He noted that the skills upgrade is essential given the growing security concerns in the region. “It is essential for troops in the northern camp to receive skills upgrades,” Vosarogo declared, expressing satisfaction that the Director General also recognizes this pressing need, given her expertise in Middle East conflict management.
Currently, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces has a total of 170 personnel supporting peace initiatives with the MFO. Of these, 159 serve in the southern camp while 11 are stationed in the north. Vosarogo pointed out that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure the troops are fully equipped and prepared for their mission, particularly in light of escalating security challenges.
Dibble, who expressed pride in Fiji’s contributions, reaffirmed their ongoing role as a significant contributor to peacekeeping alongside the United States. She acknowledged the commitment and effectiveness of the two Fijian contingents present in the Sinai, highlighting their dedication to peacekeeping efforts in challenging environments. This visit marked her final stop in the MFO troop-contributing nations before heading back to Rome, after a brief stopover in Wellington, New Zealand.
Elizabeth Dibble’s visit to Fiji highlighted the country’s significant ongoing contributions to peacekeeping through the MFO. With troops stationed in both the southern and northern camps, Fiji’s commitment, bolstered by the government’s focus on enhancing skills amid rising tensions, ensures a proactive approach to international peace initiatives. This dedication is likely to continue, especially in collaboration with key partners like the United States.
Original Source: www.fbcnews.com.fj
