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Emotional scenes were witnessed at the Nadi International Airport as 156 Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel returned home after completing their peacekeeping mission in Iraq under the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

Families and loved ones gathered in numbers to welcome the soldiers home after months of service overseas.

The contingent was later transported to Blackrock Camp in Votualevu, where an official welcoming ceremony was held.

The Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, officially welcomed the returning personnel, marking the conclusion of Fiji’s deployment under the UNAMI Mission, which ends this year.

He was accompanied by the Commander Joint Task Force Command, Brigadier Manoa Gadai.

Tikoduadua praised the contingent for their professionalism and dedication, acknowledging the sacrifices made while representing Fiji on the international stage.

He says he is proud to welcome them home safely, adding that they carried the flag of Fiji with honour, discipline and courage in a challenging environment.

The Minister also paid tribute to the leaders and senior officers who commanded the mission, highlighting the responsibility of leadership during overseas deployments.

He says leadership on tour is never easy, and a commander’s greatest responsibility is to ensure every soldier returns home alive and well.

Tikoduadua encouraged the returning personnel to reconnect with their families and make good use of their time at home.

He urged them to spend quality time with loved ones and dedicate their resources and financial gains towards the families who supported them during their deployment.

The return of the 156 personnel marks the end of Fiji’s contribution to the UNAMI Mission, closing another chapter in the country’s long and respected history of United Nations peacekeeping service.

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Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani declared at the Iraqi Martyrs’ Day ceremony that the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission against ISIS and the end of UNAMI’s activities signify the consolidation of Iraq’s sovereignty and the independence of its political decision-making.

Speaking at the official event, Sudani stated that over the past three years, Iraq has witnessed developments that have brought important achievements for the country, its people, and national forces. He described these changes as the result of a continuous process in political and security fields.

According to Sudani, the end of the international coalition’s mission and UNAMI’s operations is among the most prominent of these accomplishments, demonstrating that Iraq has been able to reinforce its sovereignty and make independent political decisions.

The Prime Minister referenced assessments from the United Nations and the international community, noting that these institutions have recognized Iraq’s political and security successes. He said that Baghdad has now established balanced relations with its regional and international environment and is acknowledged as a fully sovereign country with capable armed forces.

Sudani also mentioned that following these developments, Iraqi citizens contributed to strengthening the democratic process by participating in elections—a participation that, according to him, reflects the people’s support for the government’s performance and its priorities.

He described the parliamentary election participation as effective and a milestone for consolidating the country’s democratic process. In conclusion, the Prime Minister called on national forces to address their legal obligations through independent national decisions, emphasizing that social hope has returned and that the path to development continues with a welcoming approach to constructive cooperation with friendly and brotherly countries.

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