Nepal hosts peacekeeping exercises

Training to become better peacekeepers - more than 800 soldiers from 23 countries gather in Nepal for exercises.

The Global Peace Operations Initiative, also known as Shanti Prayas 2, is hosted by the Nepalese army.

It brings together troops from a wide range of countries including the U.S., Thailand, Australia, Japan, Mongolia and India.

The U.S.-funded programme aims to boost U.N. peacekeeping missions around the world, and provides a unique experience for those involved.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) DEPUTY COMMANDANT AND TRAINING CHIEF OF SHANTI PRAYAS 2, LIEUTENANT COLONEL ASHIM THEBE, SAYING:

"So they are here all together, 23 different nationalities. They are coming here so they are sharing knowledge, experience, so I believe they are enjoying."

Soldiers from 11 countries are acting out scenarios from real peacekeeping missions.

Troops here practise securing an area to enable World Food programme officers to distribute supplies.

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