Phnom Pen: A contingent of Cambodian peacekeepers from the multidisciplinary engineering unit No. 836 departed for the Republic of Lebanon today. They were farewelled at the airport by General Sem Sovanny, Director General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces.

During the farewell ceremony, Gen. Sem Sovanny relayed best wishes from Prime Minister Hun Manet, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Gen. Tea Seiha, and Sok Chenda Sophea, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Significantly, the leadership of unit No. 836 is marked by a female commander, aligning with the United Nations' strategic goal of empowering women within peacekeeping forces. This move also underscores the Royal Government of Cambodia's pledge to enhance female participation in peacekeeping operations to over 20 percent, as emphasized by Gen. Sem Sovanny.

This team will relieve their colleagues who have just concluded their duties under the United Nations in Lebanon, returning to Cambodia on February 7.

Since 2006, Cambodia has contributed a substantial force of 9,465 peacekeepers, including 801 women, to 12 missions across 10 countries, spanning continents and conflict zones, a testament to the nation's commitment to global peace and security.