Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Acting Minister Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo welcomed the Director General of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) Elizabeth L Dibble to Fiji and to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs today.
Following the signing of the Egypt Israel Peace Treaty for the Sinai Peninsula in 1979, Fiji first sent troops in 1982 to the MFO and since then, Fijians troops have served in the Sinai Peninsula, securing the provisions of the Treaty and maintaining peace.
During their discussions about the future role of the MFO in an increasingly volatile part of the world, Hon. Vosarogo shared that in the part of the Peninsula, which is close to the Israel- Hamas conflict, the need for troops in the northern camp to receive skills upgrade was essential to their mission.
Of the 170 men and women from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) contributing to the peace in the MFO, 159 are stationed in south camp while 11 are based in the north camp.
“Today, we discussed about the future role of the MFO in an increasingly volatile part of the world. This is evident in the expanded role of the MFO since 2005, in having to monitor the Egyptian border guards along the Egyptian side along the boarder opposite Gaza. In that part of the Peninsula, close to the Israel/ Hamas conflict, the need for troops in the northern camp to have skills upgrade is essential in their mission. I am glad that the Director General, well versed in middle east conflict handling, sees that as her priority too,” Hon. Vosarogo stated.
Hon. Vosarogo said it was the role of the government to equip its troops with the best possible arrangements to ensure they deliver amid significant security risks, while also ensuring their safety when conflicts intensify.
“I am glad to hear that our soldiers are in great spirit after being visited by the Hon. Tikoduadua. It is always important that visits from home happen as our troops feel appreciated and noticed for their contribution to world peace.
“Such are the harsh realities of the missions. It is the role of government before it sends its troops in harm’s way, to equip them with the best possible arrangement to ensure they deliver in the middle of great security risks while also ensuring that they are safe when conflicts intensifies.”
Director General of the Multinational Observers Ms. Dibble expressed pride and happiness with the two FIR in the Sinai and that Fiji would continue to be engaged by the MFO as a large contingent provider, alongside the United States of America.
Ms Dibble completes her visit to Fiji and flies to Wellington, New Zealand. Fiji is the last MFO Troop contributing nation to visit before she heads back to Rome.