Summary of Opening Remarks from Brigadier General Iem Heng, Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

 

BG Heng officially opened the “Requirements-Based Training” Seminar. He greeted all the participants, faculty, and staff, and commented that he is honored to be invited to attend this seminar. On behalf of the Department of International Relations, he welcomed the international participants to Cambodia, also welcomed the international instructors for their involvement in this seminar. For this very special occasion, he shared some of his experiences: he has attended many peace operations seminars in Cambodia, and last year he attended a United Nations Peacekeeping Seminar.

 

BG Heng observed that peacekeeping is very important to Cambodia. Thirteen years ago, Cambodia was the recipient of peacekeeping operations, and just a few years ago, the Royal Cambodian Government decided to contribute a team in the United Nations peacekeeping operation to perform de-mining activities in Sudan. Not only is peacekeeping important to Cambodia as a recipient; it is also important to contribute to other missions.

 

To the international participants, BG Heng commented that a lot them have experience in United Nations peacekeeping, and he asked that even in the break time, they share their experiences with his Cambodian personnel.

 

BG Heng concluded his opening remarks by wishing all the participants and faculty a good time during the seminar and during their stay in Cambodia.