The President inspects a guard of honor at Al Gora, Sinai.
His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau yesterday (Fiji time) visited Fijian peacekeeping troops stationed in Sinai, in the Middle East.
Members of the 2nd Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment accorded a guard of honor and a ceremonial welcome to the President at the Al Gora base
The regiment, which serves on a peacekeeping mission under the banner of the Multinational Force and Observers or MFO, was commended yesterday (Fiji time) by the President for upholding years of traditional commitment to peacekeeping duties.
Fiji’s presence in the region dates back to the 1980’s and has since been consistent in its peacekeeping duties not only in Sinai but in other volatile regions around the world.
The current Commanding Officer for the Fijian troops stationed in Sinai is Lieutenant Colonel Serevi Vananalagi.
In his brief address, the President reminded the troops of Fiji’s historical role in peacekeeping duties and the exemplary role that Fijian men and women have demonstrated over the years in this process.
While thanking the troops for the welcome accorded to him, he said that the Fijian troops must never falter in obeying command especially from their Force Commander at Al Gora.
On behalf of the Fijian people, the President extended well wishes and success to the troops in their mission.
Fiji is the third largest troop contributing nation from all the 13 countries that serve under MFO Sinai mission.
MFO Force Commander Major General Dennis Thomson yesterday (Fiji time) extended appreciation on behalf of the MFO and the international community for Fiji’s consistent contribution to the peacekeeping operations in Sinai.
The Head of State is leading a delegation to visit troops stationed in volatile regions in the Middle East.
Earlier this week he visited troops in the Golan region.
Accompanying the President are senior government officials including the newly appointed Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Brigadier General Mosese Tikoitoga.
Honorary Colonel Apakuki Kurusiga is also accompanying the delegation.
MINFO