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STATEMENT : 2023 CONTINGENT-OWNED EQUIPMENT WORKING GROUP, 16 JANUARY 2023
STATEMENT BY
COLONEL MUZAFAR SHAH MOSAM SHAH
DIRECTOR OF DEFENCE LOGISTIC POLICY AND PLANS, MALAYSIAN ARMED FORCES HEADQUARTERS
AT THE 2023 CONTINGENT-OWNED EQUIPMENT WORKING GROUP OPENING CEREMONY
Mr. Chair,
Thank you for convening the 2023 Contingent-Owned Equipment Working Group. The meeting allows us to review the reimbursement rates and consider issue papers relating to technical standards, procedures, and policies of the COE reimbursement system.
At the outset, Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to the importance of peacekeeping operations in maintaining international peace and security. At present, our largest concentration of peacekeepers are serving in South Lebanon, under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Since 1960, a total of 40,000 men and women Malaysian peacekeepers have been serving in 39 peacekeeping missions globally.
Mr. Chair,
The safety and security of peacekeepers have been a critical priority of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. With the increasing complexity and intensity of conflicts, UN peacekeepers have been facing multifaceted challenges to their safety and security. In this context, the COE Working Group must intensify efforts to improve peacekeepers' working conditions to meet the current complex and uncertain operating environment of the future. We must ensure that our peacekeepers are well-equipped to enable them to discharge their duties effectively.
Malaysia stands ready to improve the ongoing process of the UN Peacekeeping Operations COE Reimbursement System in an inclusive, structured, and comprehensive manner. In this regard, Malaysia will present three issue papers in this Working Group on major equipment and self-sustainment topics.
To conclude, Malaysia reiterates its strong support to UN peacekeeping missions. We owe it to ourselves and our stakeholders in ensuring effective peacekeeping that can adequately respond to new and evolving challenges. We hope the 2023 Contingent-Owned Equipment Working Group will succeed and look forward to implementing its outcomes.
Thank you.