KATHMANDU, March 20 (Xinhua)-- A multinational peacekeeping exercise with the participation of 1,024 peacekeeper trainers and cadets from 28 countries started in Nepal Monday, the Nepalese Army said.
Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurated the two-week long training, which is named Shanti Prayas-III' and aimed at enhancing peacekeeping capabilities.
Jointly organized by the Nepalese Army and US Pacific Command, the exercise is taking place at Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre in Panchkhal of Kavre District.
Addressing the program, the prime minister said that the UN peacekeepers are the vanguard and one of the key tools of the international community to restore peace and security in the conflict-torn areas.
"In the midst of challenges, their dedication and devotion with professionalism, honesty and impartiality have made them beacon of the global peace," he said.
"This is a moment when we solemnly remember those brave and selfless peacekeepers who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of world peace. On behalf of the Nepalese people I salute and pay homage to those valiant Nepalese and other peacekeepers of the world."
Dahal stressed that promotion of international peace and security are issues of paramount importance for the United Nations.
"Nepal has been consistently supporting the United Nations efforts in the maintenance of international peace and security through continuous participation in the UN Peacekeeping missions," he said.
In his opening remarks, Admiral Harry B.Harris, commander of the US Pacific Command, reiterated the United States' commitment to U.N. peacekeeping initiatives and the importance of working together.
"The United States is committed to U.N. peacekeeping missions, mandates and tasks that support the rules-base of international order...a system that benefits all nations. That's why we continue to work together with partners from the countries you all represent," Harris said.
