Ambassador Jesoni Vitusagavulu Meets Senior Officials of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Elevate Strategic Partnership

JERUSALEM — The newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Fiji to the State of Israel, His Excellency Ambassador Jesoni Vitusagavulu conducted his first official meeting today with senior officials from the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), marking a critical step in operationalizing Fiji’s first resident Embassy in Jerusalem. The Ambassador met with Mr. Aviv Ezra, Deputy Director General for the Pacific, and Mr. Roi Rosenblit, Israel’s Ambassador to the Pacific Island States.

During the exchange, Mr. Aviv Ezra conveyed that the Government of Israel is extremely happy that Fiji has established its Embassy in Jerusalem and appointed its first resident Ambassador. He emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ready to work closely with the Fijian Mission to expand bilateral relations.

Ambassador Vitusagavulu expressed that he is deeply honored to be appointed as Fiji’s first resident Ambassador and is committed to working to “harvest” the vast opportunities Israel presents for Fiji’s growth.
Elevating Bilateral Development and Security

In a significant policy proposal, Ambassador Vitusagavulu invited Israel to elevate the bilateral relationship to a much higher level by seriously investing in Fiji’s development. He noted that such investment is essential to grow the economy and directly raise the welfare of the Fijian people.

Specifically addressing national security, the Ambassador requested Israel’s assistance in combating Fiji’s growing drug problem. He called for the provision of advanced Israeli technology and technical assistance to improve the detection and interdiction of transnational organized crime syndicates including traffickers operating in the region.

Commitment to Regional Stability and Peacekeeping Challenges
The discussion also touched on Fiji’s enduring commitment to global peace and security. Ambassador Vitusagavulu informed the MFA officials that Fiji is considering the invitation to participate in the International Stabilization Force in Gaza (ISF), having acknowledged the importance of the ISF to the security of Israel.

The Ambassador reminded the officials that Fiji has been a steadfast partner in regional security for nearly 50 years, dating back to 1978 when Fiji first sent a contingent to UNIFIL. This legacy continues today through the dedicated service of Fijian troops in the Golan Heights and the Sinai Peninsula.

However, the Ambassador noted that Fiji’s future participation in Gaza could be impeded by the slow reimbursement from the United Nations for past participation in peacekeeping missions. He noted that Fiji is still owed approximately $300 million, a debt that places a considerable strain on Fiji’s national finances.