Send-Off ceremony of Cambodian Peacekeepers to the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) Force Construction Engineer Company 486

• Excellency Major General Sem Ratana, Acting Director - General of the National Center for Peace Keeping Force, Mine and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance (NPMEC)
• Excellencies, Peacekeepers, Distinguished Guests

On behalf of the United Nations in Cambodia, it is my honour to join you here today for the send-off ceremony of Cambodian peacekeepers to the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

For more than 75 years, and despite its many challenges, UN Peacekeeping has been instrumental in ending conflicts, protecting civilians, advancing political solutions, and securing sustainable peace. 

Cambodian forces have a proud and strong peacekeeping tradition, with more than 10,000 Cambodian peacekeepers participating in multiple missions across ten countries - a collective force well recognized for their outstanding performance.

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Members of Force Construction Engineer Unit 486

You now join or re-join the United Nations family and this exemplary tradition and I welcome you wholeheartedly. I am truly grateful for your dedication and desire in joining the blue helmets. You embark on a challenging, important and surely rewarding journey in support of the wellbeing of the people of the Central African Republic. With your deployment, you reaffirm Cambodia’s commitment to upholding the spirit of the UN Charter – peace, dignity and prosperity for all. 

I have no doubt that you will rise to the occasion in challenging moments and difficult times with the honour and spirit your fellow Cambodian peacekeepers have demonstrated in the past, and as reflects the principles of the United Nations and the honour of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

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I take this moment to extend my heartfelt thanks to your families and loved ones – your partners, husbands, wives, parents, children and beyond. It is only through their strength, their sacrifice and their love and support that you can serve in the manner that you must serve.

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Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

On behalf of the United Nations, I would like to express our gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia for its efforts to advance the International Peace and Security agenda through active participation and significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.

Furthermore, Cambodia is one of the leading ASEAN Member States advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in the region. The United Nations is grateful for Cambodia’s continued commitment to increasing the deployment of women peacekeepers to UN peacekeeping operations.

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Women Peacekeepers,

We are deeply inspired by the 41 women peacekeepers joining Engineer Unit 486 to serve in this important mission.

I wish to emphasize the vital role that women peacekeepers play in our peacekeeping efforts. Increasing the participation of women leads to more effective peacekeeping operations and fosters a more sustainable peace.

Warmest thanks once again to all the women peacekeepers for your dedication to international peace and for serving as inspiring role models.

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Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to two Cambodian UN Peacekeepers—Captain Duong Magaly, Detachment Commander, and First Lieutenant Phat Muny, Deputy Detachment Commander—who served with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and who sadly passed away on 14 May 2025.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families and to the Royal Government of Cambodia for this profound loss. Their dedication and contributions will be remembered with deep respect.

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Members of Force Construction Engineer Unit 486

The United Nations highly commends your courage and dedication. As you prepare to serve in UN peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic and contribute to global peace and security, I urge you to perform your duties with excellence. Uphold the universal principles and values of the United Nations. Be proud, exemplary representatives of the Kingdom of Cambodia. And above all, come home safe.

I wish you a fulfilling and rewarding journey for this mission. 

Thank you very much for your attention.

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