From 23 to 29 September 2025, the Commander RFMF Major General (Maj Gen) Jone Kalouniwai, led an official visit to Fijian peacekeepers serving with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai, Egypt. Accompanying the Commander RFMF were his PSO, Captain Esala Suliano and the Force Sergeant Major, WO1 Joeli Rabuli.
The delegation arrived at South Camp on Tuesday, 23 September 2025, at 0130 hours and was honoured with a Quarter Guard mounted by Fijian troops-demonstrating discipline and ceremonial excellence. The dele
gation enjoyed a lunch prepared by Battalion 43 at the MDF Red Room and after lunch, the CRFMF visited the Fijian troops at the Tactical Operations Center (TOC), Main Gate Guard House, and perimeter towers, where he was briefed on the day-to-day activities carried out by the men and women of Battalion 43 during their one-year tour of duty in South Camp. Later that afternoon, Major Navitikula, the Operations Officer, and Major Melea Vasuca, Officer Commanding A-Company, delivered an operational brief outlining the mission landscape. This was followed by a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony to formally receive the Commander, setting a respectful and warm tone for the visit.
The following morning, the South Camp Response Team and the Military Working Dog conducted a display of the MFO’s capabilities in Force Protection. In the afternoon, CRFMF conducted a courtesy visit to the MFO Force Commander, Maj Gen Michael Garraway. During this engagement, Major General Garraway delivered a comprehensive briefing covering current operations and outlined the future direction of the MFO mission in the Sinai Peninsula.
On Thursday, 25 September, the Commander flew to North Camp and received a briefing from Major Lea on activities in the northern sector and then toured North Camp. The delegation returned to South Camp in the afternoon, continuing their engagement with deployed personnel.
On Friday, 26 September, the CRFMF participated in the Sappers Day celebration a proud occasion honouring the invaluable contributions of the RFMF Engineer Corps.
The final official engagement of the visit (Sun, 28 Sep) saw the CRFMF tour the Italian Coastal Patrol Unit (CPU) naval base. There, he was briefed on the operational scope of the CPU. A vessel tour at sea was conducted to demonstrate the critical role of the CPU’s capabilities within the MFO mission.
On Monday, 29 September, a farewell church service was held, bringing together the delegation and troops for a moment of reflection and thanksgiving. The visit concluded with a traditional farewell, during which the CRFMF expressed his sincere appreciation for the professionalism and dedication of duty to all the Batt 43 personnel.
Maj Gen Kalouniwai and his delegation departed Sharm El Sheikh Airport, marking the successful conclusion of a meaningful and morale-boosting visit. This visit underscored the strength of Fiji’s peacekeeping legacy, the professionalism of its men and women in uniform, and the strong support they continue to receive from home.
Vinaka vakalevu to all personnel of 2FIR – Battalion 43 for your outstanding service and unwavering commitment. “𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭.”
