Kingdom welcomes return of blue helmets from Lebanon

Kingdom welcomes return of blue helmets from Lebanon

The Kingdom yesterday welcomed the return of 180 blue helmets who recently completed their one-year peacekeeping tour of duty in Lebanon.

Defence Minister General Tea Banh and United Nations resident coordinator Pauline Tamesis presided over a homecoming ceremony for the 180 soldiers from the Royal Cambodian Army’s Engineering Contingent Unit 693 at the Council of Ministers’ office in Phnom Penh.

“I warmly welcome you from your mission. Your dedication has helped others. The skills you shared are invaluable. Your service is a great source of hope and inspiration to many,” Ms Tamesis said during a speech. “I look forward to working closely with the Royal Government on these areas of further cooperation.”

“I deeply admire Cambodia’s commitment to peace-building as a priority for its multilateral contributions,” she added.

Last month, the RCA deployed 184 fresh soldiers from Unit 396 to replace the 180 blue helmets from Unit 693.

According to the National Center for Peacekeeping Forces, the Kingdom has deployed 6,557 troops to contribute to UN peacekeeping operations in Sudan, South Sudan, Chad, the Central African Republic, Lebanon, Cyprus, Mali and Yemen.

“The Royal Government is committed to maintain peace and stability in the country as well as continue its humanitarian activities through UN peacekeeping operations,” Gen Banh said during his speech. “[Achievements by Cambodian peacekeepers] bring honor and dignity to our people and country. The achievements tell the world Cambodia is playing an important role.”

Warrant Officer Hem Borin of Unit 693 said he is proud to have served in peacekeeping duties overseas.

“We enlisted to help and maintain peace in Lebanon,” he said. “I am happy to have finished my mission and return to Cambodia.”