Fijian troops serving in Golan Heights pictured with His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
Commitment by Fijian troops serving in the Golan region to maintain Fiji’s track record in peacekeeping duties has been commended by His Excellency the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
The Head of State met with Fijian men and women serving in different outposts as he completed his two-day tour of the region yesterday.
Ratu Epeli highlighted that Fiji’s history and commitment in peacekeeping duties in the past has contributed to the country’s good rapport in peace efforts around the world.
More than 500 Fijian men and women are currently serving in Golan Heights under the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, commonly known as UNDOF.
While a majority of troops serving are from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, a significant number are non-armed personnel.
These include medical officials, who underwent intensive training to be able to carry out medical duties at various camps in the region.
Ratu Epeli also praised Fiji’s leadership role in the Golan region and reminded personnel to support each other and other countries serving under the same banner.
Following a briefing on the various roles carried out by Fijian troops there, the President was led to a hill fortress to survey the various areas and borders that Fiji’s troops serve at.
The President is leading a delegation to visit troops serving in peacekeeping missions in volatile regions in the Middle East. Later this week he is expected to visit Fijian troops in Sinai.