The opening of the Blackrock Peacekeeping and Hu­manitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp in Nadi will ensure that Republic of the Fiji Mili­tary Forces are professionally equipped to identify and address the extreme vulnerabilities that women and children face.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama during his address at the opening said Fiji will see more women empowered as soldiers and as leaders in their service to humanity.

“This is our commitment to our men and women in uni­form. This is our commitment to the United Nations.

“Through the training they receive at this world-class fa­cility, our brave women and men will be ready to address these rapidly evolving threats to security.

“Where peacekeeping operations are required, we will go. And we will be better prepared than ever before to con­tend with the complexity of cyber warfare, the ferocity of traditional conflict, and the worsening wrath of nature.”

Mr Bainimarama added Fiji will use its voice to speak for peace with clarity and purpose.

Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Defence, National Security and Policing, Inia Seruiratu said during a press conference, with the redevelopment of the Blackrock Camp, a bright future was seen for the women and men.

“The centre will also serve and ensure that we will prepare our soldiers to international standards and the level of professionalism that is required by international peacekeeping missions,” said Mr Seruiratu.

“We see a very bright future for our men and women through the state-of-the-art centre and we thank the Aus­tralian Government for the opportunity in providing this platform.

“The project is not only about solidifying our defence partnership and relationship but rather celebrates the growing personal relationship behind the vuvale partner­ship” he said.

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj