Prime Minister Rabuka meets Israeli’s Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, the Honourable Gideon Sa’ar, in Jerusalem yesterday.

The discussions reaffirmed the strong friendship between Fiji and Israel since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1970 and underscored the commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation based on shared values, challenges and mutual aspirations.

Key areas of discussion included further strengthening of diplomatic relations, security and resilience, development cooperation, regional priorities and multilateral matters.

On development cooperation, both sides acknowledged the valuable contributions of Israel’s International Development Agency (MASHAV), with Fiji expressing interest in expanding cooperation in agriculture, information technology, and capacity building.

On regional priorities, the Prime Minister informed the Foreign Affairs Minister that Fiji has prioritised building regional solidarity through a united Pacific Islands Forum, guided by the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

He added that the 2050 Strategy is the region’s blueprint that will implement our collective vision for a sustainable, resilient and prosperous Blue Pacific Continent.

On this, PM Rabuka acknowledged Israel’s continued support towards regional solidarity and looked forward to further collaboration and partnership.
In his response, Hon. Sa’ar acknowledged the principles upon which the relationship between the two countries is based on and the history of our cooperation to date.

He acknowledged Fiji’s contribution to international peace and security in general and to the immediate region, in particular. Fiji’s status in this respect has come at a price and to which Israel acknowledges with deep respect.

Fiji’s leadership on the Pacific’s Ocean of Peace Declaration therefore speaks to the deep sense of responsibility that Fiji has for the region as a consequence the Pacific place and role in international security and peace.

He welcomed Fiji’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties and expressed Israel’s readiness to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including security, development, and resilience in light of current and emerging challenges the Pacific region is facing.

He commended Fiji’s leadership in the Pacific and reaffirmed Israel’s support for Fiji’s vision of a united and prosperous Blue Pacific Continent.

The meeting reflected the shared values, cooperation, mutual respect and friendship that will continue to guide the Fiji–Israel relations into the future.