Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar is inaugurating Israel’s new embassy in Fiji today (Tuesday), a significant step in strengthening Israel’s diplomatic presence in the Pacific region. The embassy, located in Suva, Fiji’s capital, will serve as a regional hub for ten island nations in the Pacific Ocean and deepen ties with countries friendly to Israel.
The embassy opening comes against the backdrop of warm relations between the countries—Fiji itself opened an embassy in Jerusalem last September. Fiji is considered one of Israel’s most consistent supporters on the international stage, including at the UN, and has even intervened on Israel’s behalf in proceedings at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
During his visit to the country, Sa’ar will meet with Fiji’s top leadership, including President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka. In addition, Sa’ar will meet with Lionel Rouwen Aingimea, vice president and minister of foreign affairs and justice of Nauru, to strengthen regional ties.
This embassy opening is the fourth that Sa’ar has inaugurated in less than a year and a half, following the opening of missions in Moldova, Zambia, and Estonia. Sa’ar emphasized that “in opening Israel’s embassy in Fiji, we continue expanding Israel’s diplomatic activity in the world in general and in the Pacific region in particular, and we send a message of strengthening partnership and relations with countries friendly to Israel.”