Joint Force Commander Colonel Rumaizi Othman presents a badge to Royal Brunei Armed Forces representative for the AIOT Major (U) Abdul Azim Idris. - MINDEF via BB/ANN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The badge presentation ceremony for the deployment of Brunei's representative to the Augmentation Interim Observer Team (AIOT) to Siam Reap, Cambodia was held Monday afternoon (Sept 15) at Bolkiah Garrison.
The national badge was handed over by the Joint Force Commander Colonel Rumaizi Othman to Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) representative for the AIOT Major (U) Abdul Azim Idris.
Major (U) Pengiran Abdul Azim is scheduled to depart to Siem Reap, Cambodia on Tuesday.
The ceremony concluded with a group photo session with Commander of the RBAF Major General Datuk Paduka Seri Muhammad Haszaimi Bol Hassan.
Deputy services commanders, directors, deputy director of the Department of International Organisations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), counsellor from the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, defence attache of the Royal Thai Armed Forces to Brunei Darussalam, the representative to the defence adviser of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam, senior officers, and officers of the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) were in attendance.
Meanwhile, the MinDef held a Doa Selamat ceremony for the departure of the AIOT officer at Surau Ad-Difa’, Bolkiah Garrison on Monday morning.
Major General Datuk Paduka Seri Muhammad Haszaimi was the guest of honour. Joint force commander, deputy services commanders, directors, deputy director of the MFA, defence adviser of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam, senior officers, officers and personnel of the MinDef were present.
The AIOT, led by Malaysia, is an Asean observers team comprising representatives from several member states, mandated to monitor and assist in maintaining the ceasefire along the Cambodia-Thailand border following the border conflict in July.
The RBAF’s participation in the AIOT is aimed to facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties, support peaceful political reconciliation processes and provide fair and impartial assessments. This also includes contributing to Asean-led conflict resolution efforts, strengthening regional security cooperation among Asean member states, and implementing confidence-building measures to enhance transparency and trust.
The overall objective of this operation is to contribute effectively towards maintaining stability, preventing escalation and reinforcing Asean’s role in addressing the regional crisis.
RBAF’s involvement is in line with the MFA statement on Brunei’s readiness to support regional and international peace efforts in fostering mutual respect, good camaraderie and upholding the sovereignty.
The participation in the AIOT stands as a significant symbol of Brunei’s contribution to regional peace and stability, and steadfast commitment to peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
