Fiji will officially open its first resident embassy in Israel on 17 September, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka leading a high-level delegation to Jerusalem for the inauguration.
The move, confirmed by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marks a strategic step in strengthening bilateral ties across security, agriculture, climate resilience, trade, innovation, and people-to-people links. An advance team led by Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Filipo Tarakinikini, is already in Jerusalem finalising preparations.
“This mission is about constructive engagement,” Prime Minister Rabuka said.
“An embassy is not a blanket endorsement of another country’s policies; it is a bridge that allows Fiji to work directly with partners, share our Pacific perspectives, and pursue practical cooperation that benefits our people.”
During the visit, Fijian ministers and officials will meet Israeli counterparts to progress initiatives including maritime and border security, training, technology exchange, and modern agricultural practices. Israel has previously pledged support for Fiji’s patrol vessel capabilities as part of its wider efforts to combat transnational crime.
Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya emphasised that outcomes from the mission would focus on “practical benefits” for Fijians, particularly in climate-smart agriculture and digital services. Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua added that talks on security would centre on “training, technology exchange, and operational cooperation to make Fiji safer and more secure.”
Israel has offered financial assistance to support countries relocating embassies to Jerusalem, in line with its cabinet policy.
Rabuka said the embassy would strengthen Fiji’s longstanding friendship with Israel while serving as “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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