The outstanding relationship between the United Nations and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces was acknowledged by the Australian Defence Force, Peace Operations Training Center (POTC), Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Leigh Crawford.

Lieutenant-Colonel Crawford referred to the RFMF as a reliable and resourceful contributor to global peacekeeping.

He made these remarks during his visit to the Lololo Training Area in Drasa, Lautoka on March 19, 2022, to close the RFMF’s Pre-deployment training with Australian Defence Attaché to Fiji, Colonel Kane Wright and New Zealand Defence Attaché, Cmdr Sarah Bamfield.

Lieutenant-Colonel Crawford reminded the troops that peacekeeping in Fiji had a tradition of true commitment to the cause.

He challenged the contingent to maintain and uphold the proud history of RFMF peacekeeping in the fast-evolving security environment.

The visit by the two major regional defence partners was a landmark as troops were able to hear about the strategic implications of their work from both partner countries.

They played key roles in supporting RFMF peacekeeping during difficult times.

Director of Peace Support Operation, Colonel Pacolo Luveni, acknowledged the presence of both defence attachés and expressed appreciation for the support and assistance rendered to RFMF in regards to peacekeeping training.

Colonel Luveni stated that in addition to providing instructors’ support, overseas courses, overseas training, and strategic airlift capabilities, Australia and New Zealand had repeatedly provided tremendous support to RFMF.

He said this extended to the enduring threat of natural disasters within the Pacific region, where Fiji was proud to provide resources and personnel to assist in humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

He also highlighted recent examples which included the Operation Malo I Leilei, where the RFMF provided disaster relief to Tonga after the eruption of the Hunga Tonga Volcano.

“It was here that RFMF and ADF worked together with support from the NZDF to help our neighbours.”

“This operation has paved the way for future collaborative approaches to regional support,” he said.

The RFMF had been deployed to missions in the Golan Heights, Sinai Peninsula, Iraq, South Sudan, and Yamen with Staff Officers in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and South Sudan.

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