Forty-four New Zealand Defense Force personnel departed for a four-month mission in the South Pacific island nation of Solomon Islands on Tuesday, Xinhua reported. The troops will carry out patrols, provide assistance to police and help with external security in the capital of Honiara, as part of the Regional Assistance Mission in Solomon Islands (RAMSI). The platoon replaces the fifth rotation of personnel who will return home on Sunday. Earlier this month, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said RAMSI was a great example of regional cooperation.
