Fiji and Israel Strengthen Diplomatic Relations and Development Cooperation

Fiji and Israel have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, building on the reciprocal opening of diplomatic missions in their respective capitals.

This was highlighted during a meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka, and Israel’s Deputy Director General of Foreign Affairs and Head of MASHAV, Ambassador Eynat Shlein, who is undertaking a week-long official visit to Fiji.

Hon. Ditoka welcomed the visit and acknowledged Israel’s continued support for Fiji’s development priorities, noting that the establishment of resident diplomatic missions marks a significant milestone in advancing bilateral relations and development cooperation.

The Minister reaffirmed Fiji’s longstanding commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East through its contributions to international peacekeeping operations, including Middle East through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

Discussions also explored opportunities for cooperation in border security, maritime surveillance and intelligence capabilities to strengthen Fiji’s response to illicit drugs and transnational crime, alongside presents an ideal opportunity for further collaboration in topical areas such as strengthening our boarder security, maritime surveillance, and intelligence reconnaissance to support Fiji’s war against drugs.

Ambassador Shlein reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to supporting Fiji through MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, which provides technical assistance, specialised training and capacity building.

Fiji welcomed opportunities to enhance cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, cybersecurity, water management, education, health care, and innovation and entrepreneurship, while acknowledging Israel’s support for the upcoming women’s empowerment training for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Fiji on 22 November 2026.

Established in late 1957, Ambassador Shlein highlighted that MASHAV is responsible for designing, coordinating, and implementing Israel’s worldwide development cooperation programmes and humanitarian assistance efforts and prioritises human capacity building and a “train-the-trainers” methodology.

The meeting reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to translating stronger diplomatic ties into meaningful partnerships that deliver practical and lasting benefits for the people of Fiji.