Fiji has contributed a large number of peacekeepers to United Nations' peacekeeping missions over the last 40 years and would welcome increased Russian support for peace efforts around the world, Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama told Sputnik on Wednesday.
UNITED NATIONS (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 26th September, 2018) Fiji has contributed a large number of peacekeepers to United Nations' peacekeeping missions over the last 40 years and would welcome increased Russian support for peace efforts around the world, Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama told Sputnik on Wednesday.
"This year, it's 40 years of service from Fijian soldiers for the UN peacekeeping. It's all the cost for peace. It's a big sacrifice from a small country," Bainimarama said on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Bainimarama noted that on a per capita basis, Fiji provides more soldiers for UN peacekeeping missions than any other country.
"We are serving now in Iraq, in the Sinai, in the Golan, in Lebanon. In the most dangerous places. We want Russia to support us, to stay there," he said. "We have committed ourselves to make the world a more peaceful place."
He added he hopes to meet with his "friend, Mr. [Foreign Minister Sergey] Lavrov" on the sidelines of the 73rd UN General Assembly in New York.
