Homecoming ceremony of Cambodian Peacekeepers | Airfield Engineering Unit 729, Mali

• Excellency General Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence
• Excellency General Sem Sovanny, Director-General of the National Center for Peace Keeping Force, Mine and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance
• The distinguished members of Airfield Engineering Unit 729
• Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

On behalf of the United Nations, it is my honour to join with you here today to welcome home the First Batch of Airfield Engineering Unit 729 from their mission in Mali with MINUSMA.

The members of Unit 729 join a fearless and proud tradition of Cambodian service in the cause of United Nations peacekeeping, joining the ranks of about 9,000 Cambodian troops who have served across​​ many countries. The deployment of courageous and dedicated women and men to serve in UN peacekeeping operations supporting global peace and security is always an event to be marked with seriousness and humility. The safe return of these same men and women adds to this with celebration and deep thanks.

UN peacekeepers work tirelessly, often in the toughest of conditions. Collectively, they manifest the best attributes of global solidarity and global aspirations for peace, serving in dangerous environments to protect the most vulnerable – while representing our diverse global community.

Unit 729, your commitment and service took you a world away to Mali, and I can say from personal experience that this is a mission that undoubtedly presented you with serious challenges and moments of difficulty. But courage is not tested in the easy times – it is proven in moments of trial and times of crisis. You rose to meet these moments and face the difficult times with the honour and spirit successive deployments of fellow Cambodian peacekeepers have demonstrated, and as are reflected in the principles of the United Nations and the honour of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

It is an honour to be present for your return here today. Your service has reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to upholding the spirit of the UN Charter and joining together with a true community of nations, united in their quest for peace and a better future for all. I salute your courage and your commitment, and I hope that you bring back to your brothers and sisters in uniform new perspectives, new insights and new hope for a better and more peaceful tomorrow.

I would also like to take this moment to extend my heartfelt thanks to the families of Unit 729 – the partners, husbands, wives, parents, children and beyond. It is only through your strength, your sacrifice and your love and support that those returning today can do what they do, can go where they need to go, and serve in the manner that they must serve. You are the foundation upon which true peacekeepers stand. I recognise your role and offer my deepest thanks.

Excellency Deputy Prime Minister

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have experienced the transformative impact of peacekeeping firsthand. Before coming to take up my function in Cambodia, I worked in Mali as the head of United Nations Development Programme and witnessed Cambodia’s peacekeepers in action on the ground. I was impressed then by their dedication to building peace, security and friendship, and it brings me great joy to close that circle here with Unit 729, as you return, having added to an impressive tradition.

Unit 729, I come here today to not only bid you welcome home , but also to reaffirm your welcome into the United Nations family. You have worn the famous blue helmets, carried the UN emblem on your uniforms and served beneath the UN flag. We are now joined in a common purpose, sisters and brothers aimed to make tomorrow better than today. I acknowledge your dedication and bravery andhave no doubt you will continue to lead by example and uphold the highest standards of integrity.

The United Nations is grateful to you, the Royal Government, and the people of Cambodia for joining the common cause to achieve peace in the world.

I thank you very much, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, and most of all, Unit 729.

Welcome home.