Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini presents his credentials as Fiji’s non-resident ambassador to the State of Israel

Jerusalem, Israel: Today in Israel’s Presidential House, Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), His Excellency Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini presented his credentials as the new non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Fiji to the State of Israel, to the President of the State of Israel, His Excellency Isaac Herzog.

The ceremony marks the dawn of a new and significant diplomatic milestone and enhanced bilateral cooperation between Fiji and the State of Israel ever since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1970.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Tarakinikini conveyed the warm greetings of the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka and the people of Fiji. Ambassador Tarakinikini further shared that Fiji and Israel’s relations are grounded on mutual respect, deep faith in God, respect for international law, democratic principles, peace and prosperity, and he looks forward to enhancing Fiji’s relations with Israel to newer heights.

Delighted to receive Ambassador Tarakinikini’s credentials, President Herzog congratulated him and conveyed his sincere gratitude for Fiji’s recognition and support to the State of Israel in bilateral and multilateral forums and looks forward to the inaugural opening of Fiji’s Embassy in Jerusalem soon. The President also assured Ambassador Tarakinikini that Israel is positioned to share its experience and expertise in anyway possible to support Fiji’s development needs.

The State of Israel is not new to Ambassador Tarakinikini who held several positions at the United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS), including as Chief of the Middle East and North Africa Section and lived in Israel with his family for more than three years before other appointments within the United Nations system.

Ambassador Tarakinikini was accompanied to the credentials ceremony by his spouse Mrs. Amele Tarakinikini, non-resident Ambassador of Israel to Fiji and the Pacific, His Excellency Roi Rosenblit, Honorary Consul of Fiji in Tel Aviv Mr. Rafael Dayan, and Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) of Fiji to the United Nations, in New York, Mr. Vueti Kosoniu May.