PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has sent 216 Blue Helmets of Engineering Force Unit 827 to carry out humanitarian missions under the United Nations umbrella in the Republic of Lebanon. These Cambodian Blue Helmet forces departed the country on Sunday night, 5 February 2023.

During the departure and reception ceremony for Cambodian Blue Helmets, the Deputy Chairman of the National Committee and Director General of the National Peacekeeping Center, Sem Sovanny, noted that this mission in the Republic of Lebanon is in its 13th year of operation and this is the 12th Engineering Corps from Cambodia to participate.

He added that peacekeeping operations are a global instrument that plays an important role in helping countries that are torn apart by armed conflict and war to become rehabilitated, peaceful, stable and on the path of development in line with UN principles. These operations see the participation of countries all over the world and aim to build a path to a world of peace and progress.

He reminded the departing Cambodian Blue Helmets to continue being united and to think about safety first, especially during the performance of their duties. Blue Helmets are advised not to underestimate any situation, to learn from experience and to correct any mistakes that have occurred in the field, which will contribute to the wider success of the motherland, for their families and for themselves.

At the same time, Director General Sem Sovanny also expressed his gratitude to the returning Blue Helmets of Unit 829 who just completed their one-year mission in Lebanon as well, while facing sub-zero temperatures, a difficult mountainous terrain and further pressure from an economic crisis, hence, he noted that these Blue Helmets have made invaluable sacrifices to contribute to global humanitarian efforts.

Between 2006 and 2023, Cambodia has sent more than 8,000 Blue Helmets to participate in peacekeeping missions in nine countries: Sudan, South Sudan, Chad, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, Lebanon, Mali, Syria, and Yemen. Cambodia currently ranks in 2nd place in the ASEAN region and twelfth among all countries with Blue Helmet troops, in regard to peacekeeping missions and the number of Blue Helmets deployed.

More than 800 Cambodian Blue Helmets are currently undertaking peacekeeping missions in South Sudan, Lebanon, Mali and the Central African Republic.