Phnom penh: A Cambodian general today expressed strong appreciation for Australia’s enduring support in bolstering the nation’s capacity for international peacekeeping missions. Major Gen. Sem Ratana, Acting Director-General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mine and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance (NPMEC), delivered the commendation during the closing ceremony of a training course on the Protection of Civilians in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Gen. Ratana specifically praised the Government of Australia, including its Ministry of Defence, armed forces, defence attach©s, and the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, for their “consistent support” since the National Centre’s establishment. He stressed that this assistance has been “crucial” in enhancing the operational readiness of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) to participate effectively in UN missions.
The general noted that the organisation of successive training programmes reflects a deepening bilateral relationship. These courses, he added, are an “important asset” enabling Cambodian peacekeepers to carry out inclusive and professional mandates under UN missions, thereby serving both international peace efforts and national interests.
He recalled that the cooperation with Australia dates back to the very inception of the National Centre. Australia notably supported the formation of Mine Clearance Company No. 135, Cambodia’s first “blue helmet” unit deployed to Sudan. Since that time, Australia has steadily expanded its engagement, providing a total of 37 training courses both domestically and overseas, benefiting 395 Cambodian personnel to date.
Looking forward, Major Gen. Ratana stated that Cambodia remains ready to pursue “progress together” through cooperation with all UN member states, the United Nations system, and global partners, aiming for decades marked by peace, sustainable development, and shared human dignity.
He reaffirmed Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to prioritising participation in peacekeeping operations, strengthening domestic peace and stability, and advancing humanitarian endeavours through continued engagement in UN missions this year and beyond.
This commitment aligns with remarks delivered by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in September 2025.
The ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Commander Karleah Fitzpatrick, Assistant Defence Attach© of Australia to Cambodia.