On the morning of 24 October, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet attended a ceremony in Phnom Sruoch district, Kampong Speu province, marking the 20th anniversary of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces’ participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations. He also inaugurated several facilities at the Multinational Peacekeeping Forces Training School.
Cambodia’s preparations to participate in UN peacekeeping began in 2005. On 1 March that year, then-Prime Minister Hun Sen made the strategic decision in response to the UN’s peacekeeping initiative. On 12 April 2006, Cambodia sent its first mine-clearance contingent, comprising 135 personnel, to Sudan for a UN peacekeeping mission, opening a new chapter in the deployment of Cambodian peacekeepers to international conflict zones.
Having once received assistance from UN peacekeepers, Cambodia now deploys Blue Helmets overseas and has gradually expanded its participation in global peace and security affairs. Over the past 20 years, Cambodian peacekeepers have served in countries and regions including Sudan, South Sudan, Lebanon, Mali, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
During their missions, Cambodian peacekeepers have carried out mine clearance and other tasks, working with personnel from other countries to respond to complex security conditions, natural disasters, epidemics and challenges posed by the climate.
The ceremony reviewed Cambodia’s 20 years of participation in UN peacekeeping and highlighted the role of peacekeepers in maintaining international peace and helping people affected by conflict. Further strengthening professional capabilities, training standards and emergency response remains an important priority for future missions.
