A new batch of 98 peacekeepers, including 10 women, have been dispatched to join the United Nations Multidimensional Intergrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

The send-off ceremony was held here this morning under the presidency of Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence and Mr. Joseph Scheuer, UN Resident Coordinator to Cambodia.

“As one of the countries that experienced the hard-earned peace in its history, Cambodia has been trying to engage constructively with the United Nations in supporting international peace and security, as well as elevate the respectfulness for the fundamental principles and values of the UN Charter and international laws,” said Samdech Tea Banh on the occasion.

Gen. Sem Sovanny, Director General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mine Clearance and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance (NPMEC), said the troops would replace the eighth group’s forces who had completed their one-year mission in the Central African Republic.

The new batch of peacekeepers will work on mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal there, he added.

Mr. Joseph Scheuer said the dispatch reflects Cambodia’s commitment to upholding the spirit of the UN Charter and joining together with a true community of nations, united in their quest for peace and a better future for all.

The Cambodian peacekeepers’ service demonstrates that the common ties that bind humanity together are far stronger than the forces that seek to tear us apart, he stressed.

“I hope this solidarity will act as a beacon of hope to others not only in Cambodia, but across the world,” he added.

Since 2006, Cambodia has sent a total of 8,859 peacekeepers, including 681 women, to join the UN missions in Sudan, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Chad, Syria, Lebanon, Mali, Cyprus and Yemen.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press