Fiji to establish Embassy in Jerusalem; Prime Minister to Lead Official Delegation for Inauguration on 17 September

Suva — The Government of Fiji announces that Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka will lead an official delegation to Israel in mid-September to inaugurate the Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in Jerusalem. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the inauguration for 17 September, with the Hon Prime Minister to attend.

The opening of Fiji’s first resident mission in Israel is a strategic step to deepen cooperation in areas such as security, agriculture, climate resilience, innovation, trade, and people-to-people links. Preparatory work is already underway, including an advance team to Jerusalem led by the Permanent Representative to the UN His Excellency Filipo Tarakinikini.

Prime Minister Rabuka said: “This mission is about constructive engagement. 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 their Israeli counterparts across portfolios to progress concrete initiatives. Security discussions will build on Israel’s earlier pledge to assist Fiji’s maritime and border security, including support related to patrol vessels, part of Fiji’s wider effort to combat transnational crime and keep our communities safe.

Minister for Information Hon. Lynda Tabuya said: “We will keep Fijians informed throughout the mission. Our focus is on practical outcomes, from modern irrigation and climate-smart agriculture to digital and communications cooperation that can improve services and resilience at home.”

Minister for Home Affairs Hon. Pio Tikoduadua added: “Our meetings with security counterparts will target training, technology exchange, and operational cooperation to make Fiji safer and more secure. We will also advance followup on maritime surveillance and related capability support.”

Fiji appreciates the hospitality and on the ground support offered by its hosts for elements of the visit and the mission’s establishment. This is consistent with Israel’s cabinet decision to provide financial assistance to countries relocating embassies to Jerusalem.

The Embassy will strengthen services for Fijians and deepen longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between Fiji and Israel. As Prime Minister Rabuka noted: “This is a forward looking step, a bridge of cooperation that advances Fiji’s interests, supports our values, and fosters dialogue and peace.”