ADF in Egypt thanked by Senior Ambassador

ADF personnel serving in the Sinai received a welcome visit from an Australian with a detailed understanding of the Israeli-Arab world.

Australian Ambassador to Israel, Dave Sharma and his deputy were part of an official delegation that made a flying visit to the Multinational Force and Observers’ North Camp near the Mediterranean Sea and Egypt’s border with Israel.

The VIP team of national ambassadors from countries contributing forces to the Multinational Force and Observers flew to the base to discuss and assess the ongoing mission, including the Australian contribution, with senior leadership.

Australian Contingent Adjutant Captain John Phillips said Mr Sharma was also keen to talk with ADF personnel and reinforce the importance of their mission.

“The Ambassador spoke of the historical significance and strategic importance that the Australian Government places on the Multinational Force and Observers mission,” Captain Phillips said.

“The Ambassador also talked of how valuable the ADF contribution is to ensuring the mission’s continued success.”

Australia has a long association with the Multinational Force and Observers mission, and was one of the original contributing nations in 1982.

The Multinational Force and Observers is an independent non-UN peacekeeping force, established in response to the requirements of the 1979 Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel.

There are currently 25 Navy, Air Force and Army personnel deployed to the mission on Operation Mazurka, and all are based at the North Camp at El Gorah in the northern Sinai.

ADF members contribute to the peace process by assisting with North Camp security, managing and planning operations and providing support to the headquarters in many key areas.

Twenty-three of the 25 members of the Australian Contingent serve for a six-month tour, with half the contingent rotating every three months, while the contingent commander and contingent second in command deploy for 12.