US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has said the United States will remain committed to ensuring that peacekeepers can continue to advance peace and security around the world.

“We will continue to help our partners develop critical capabilities and invest heavily in long-term bilateral partnerships,” he said in a message, marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

The U.S. Global Peace Operations Initiative has provided peacekeeping partners with over $1.8 billion in assistance for training and equipment, Blinken said.

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The United States has reaffirmed its resolute support for UN peacekeeping. 

“We salute the more than two million women and men from over 120 countries who have served in the 71 peacekeeping operations around the world since 1948 and honor the memories of the nearly 4,200 peacekeepers who have lost their lives during their service for peace,” Blinken said.

He said that UN peacekeeping remains a powerful instrument for mitigating conflict and promoting peace and security. 

As the largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping, the United States said it is “firmly committed” to enabling peacekeepers to carry out their missions. 

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Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to peacekeeping operations. Bangladesh Army has served in 43 missions worldwide, with over 6,000 peacekeepers currently deployed.

The UN has appreciated Bangladesh for its “steadfast and remarkable contribution” to peacekeeping operations over the years.