𝗨𝗦𝗚 𝗗𝗙𝗦 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗶 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗽𝘀

The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for the Department of Field Support (USG DFS), His Excellency Atul Khare, paid an official visit to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), where he was warmly received by the Commanding Officer of Task Force Papiloni, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Timoci Naivalu, and the personnel of Ai Matai.

Upon his arrival, H.E. Khare was accorded a Guard of Honour, followed by a comprehensive briefing from the Ai Matai Command Team, including Battalion Second-in-Command Major A. Jagroop, Officer Commanding Alpha Company Major A. Vuniwaqa, and Operations Staff Officer Captain N. Radrodro. The visit continued with a tour of the facilities, during which H.E. Khare engaged with troops and observed operations firsthand.

H.E. Khare also expressed his appreciation for the professionalism, commitment, and discipline of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) personnel deployed under UNAMI.

In addition, H.E. Khare conveyed his deep gratitude and appreciation for the RFMF’s enduring contribution to global peacekeeping operations. He specifically commended Fiji’s high rate of female participation in peacekeeping—currently at 14%, well above the average of 9% among Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs). He acknowledged this as a remarkable achievement, particularly given Fiji’s small population.

H.E. Khare further emphasised that the RFMF continues to punch above its weight on the international stage and encouraged continued efforts to expand its strategic influence within peacekeeping frameworks.

Lt Col Naivalu took the opportunity to reaffirm that the RFMF and Fiji remains steadfast and ready to answer the call in support of global peace and security, whenever and wherever required.