The Minister for Defence and National Security Ratu Inoke Kubuabola says he will champion the security of our troops on the ground at the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministers meeting in Vancouver, Canada.

He left the country yesterday to attend the meeting.

Kubuabola says the meeting is critical as ministers will discuss how to harness partnerships in peacekeeping and consider issues like the protection of civilians and cross-cutting issues of gender, policing and operating in difficult environments.

The UN Peacekeeping Defense Ministers meeting will also include discussions on youth as peace builders and the role of the private sector in conflict prevention.

Kubuabola says Fiji has a few crucial interventions to make and their priority is ensuring Fiji’s continued presence in peacekeeping.

The minister will head to New York and Rome to continue peacekeeping discussions.