Fiji has officially opened its first resident embassy in Israel, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka joining Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the inauguration ceremony in Jerusalem on 17 September.
Rabuka observed that this event is a “historic step” that cements the friendship between Fiji and Israel while creating new opportunities for cooperation.
“Today, I had the honour of joining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to officially open Fiji’s first Resident Embassy in Jerusalem,” Rabuka said.
“This historic step deepens the bonds of friendship between Fiji and Israel and opens new opportunities for cooperation. The inauguration ceremony of the Fiji Embassy marks the dawn of a new era and is more than the unveiling of a plaque.”
Rabuka further added: “It is a testament to Fiji’s enduring commitment to friendship, dialogue, and constructive engagement with the global community.”
“Our presence here reflects our desire to build bridges—not walls—between nations, cultures, and peoples. God bless Israel, God bless Fiji.”
The embassy is a strategic move by Fiji to deepen bilateral cooperation across security, agriculture, climate resilience, innovation, trade, and people-to-people links. An advance team led by Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Filipo Tarakinikini, had been in Jerusalem finalising preparations ahead of the opening.
During the visit, Fijian ministers and officials are holding talks with their Israeli counterparts to progress practical initiatives. Security discussions will build on Israel’s earlier pledge to support Fiji’s maritime and border security, including patrol vessel capability, as part of Fiji’s wider effort to combat transnational crime and keep its communities safe.
Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya emphasised that the embassy’s establishment was about delivering “practical outcomes” for Fijians, ranging from climate-smart agriculture and modern irrigation to digital and communications cooperation.
Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua added that meetings with Israeli security officials would focus on “training, technology exchange, and operational cooperation to make Fiji safer and more secure.”
Israel has extended hospitality and financial support in line with its cabinet decision to assist countries relocating embassies to Jerusalem.
The new mission will also enhance consular services for Fijians while symbolising a deepening partnership. As Rabuka underlined, the embassy is “a forward-looking step, a bridge of cooperation that advances Fiji’s interests, supports our values, and fosters dialogue and peace.”
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