This week the Republic of Kazakhstan became the newest member of the UNIFIL fraternity with the arrival of 120 Kazakh peacekeepers to serve with the UN mission in furthering peace in south Lebanon.
 
The arrival of the Kazakh troops on 31 October brings the current number of the Mission’s total military strength to some 10,600 men and women from 42 countries.
 
Commanded by Major Ayan Nurkassov, the newly arrived peacekeepers will join the existing Indian Battalion in Ibl al-Saqi, south-eastern Lebanon.
 
This is the first time Kazakh troops are serving with UNIFIL in the Mission’s 40-year history.
 
Upon their arrival, Commanding Officer of the Indian Battalion, Colonel Jeevan B, extended a warm welcome. The troops also received operational orientation.
 
Col. Jeevan called it a “historic moment.”
 
“This has provided a great opportunity to both the Indian and Kazakh troops to join hands for performing the noble task of peacekeeping in Lebanon,” he said.
 
Major Nurkassov said, “This is indeed a great opportunity for the Kazakhstan peacekeepers to contribute towards peace and stability in south Lebanon.”