His Excellency, the President and Commander in Chief of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, was taken on a tour of the Multinational Forces and Observers (MFO) near Sharm el Sheikh on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula on Wednesday (10/08/22).
The day started with a briefing from the MFO Command team led by Force Commander Major General, Evan Williams of the Royal New Zealand Army followed by a briefing on the operations of the Fijian contingent by the Second in Command of Fiji’s Second Infantry Regiment in Batt 40 in Sinai, Major Moses Morris and his team.
President Katonivere was also taken on a tour of the perimeters and briefed on the operations at the main entrance to the South Camp, which Fijian troops are managing diligently.
A briefing by U.S. Army personnel also highlighted the outstanding work performed by BATT 40 in the Sinai, and the Head of State was informed about the work the two forces have been carrying out to uphold the mission of the MFO, which is to oversee the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace and employ every effort to prevent its violations.
A subsequent visit to the camp's hospital was made by the Commander in Chief where he met two Fijian Doctors working alongside their American counterparts.
In addition, President Katonivere laid a wreath in remembrance of all soldiers who lost their lives while on peacekeeping mission during his tour of the camp.
The Fijian troops in Sinai are tasked with the provision of security for the personnel and the overall protection of South Camp, a task they carry out with due diligence.
The official delegation later in the evening was accorded a traditional farewell ceremony and on the morning of Thursday (11/08/22) was officially sent off with a 100 men Guard of Honor.
The Head of State is expected to resume duties in Fiji on Wednesday 17th August 2022.