Hon. Ditoka Meets Mayor of the Ramat Negev Regional Council of the State of Israel

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka, met with the Mayor of the Ramat Negev Regional Council of the State of Israel, Mr. Eran Doron, yesterday during his official visit to Fiji.

Hon. Ditoka welcomed Mr. Doron and underscored the importance of the visit as a reflection of the longstanding relations between Fiji and Israel and the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening cooperation in agriculture, innovation, and capacity building.

The Minister acknowledged the valuable support provided through the Ramat Negev International Training Centre for Advanced Agriculture (RNITCAA), where 14 students from the Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute are currently undertaking agricultural internships. He noted that the programme equips young Fijians with practical knowledge and advanced agricultural techniques that will contribute to the continued development of Fiji’s agricultural sector.

Hon. Ditoka welcomed Israel’s proposal to expand the Agricultural Internship Programme from the current 14 participants to as many as 150 Fijian interns. He highlighted that such an expansion would provide greater opportunities for young Fijians to acquire modern farming knowledge, strengthen technical expertise, and support national efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and food security, upon their return.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable water resource management, agricultural innovation, and technical collaboration. They also exchanged views on identifying new opportunities for partnership that advance sustainable development and deliver mutual benefits for both the nations.

Mr. Doron reaffirmed the Ramat Negev Regional Council’s commitment to expanding engagement with Fiji and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in agricultural innovation, research, and human capacity development.

He commended the dedication and potential demonstrated by the Fijian students undertaking training in Ramat Negev and expressed confidence that the skills and experience they acquire will make a meaningful contribution to Fiji’s agricultural development. Mr. Doron also welcomed continued dialogue and practical cooperation that further strengthens the enduring partnership between Fiji and Israel.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to further strengthening Fiji-Israel relations through meaningful cooperation, promoting sustainable development, food security, and shared prosperity for the people of both countries.

Mr. Doron also met with the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Dr Raijeli Taga for a courtesy visit to MFAET.