Minister Of Foreign Affairs For The State Of Israel Honours Fallen Fijian Peacekeepers

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Honourable Gideon Sa’ar, yesterday (03.06.2026) laid a wreath at the National War Memorial Grounds in Veiuto, Suva, paying solemn tribute to the Fijian serviceman and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in their line of duties.

The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Major General (Maj Gen) Jone Kalouniwai, Permanent Secretary for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Mr. Mason Smith; Fiji’s Ambassador to Israel, His Excellency Jesoni Vitusagavulu; RFMF Veterans; and Senior Military Officers.

In honouring the Fijian soldiers, Honourable Sa’ar acknowledged not only their sacrifice but also Fiji’s unwavering commitment to global peacekeeping and its vital role in supporting international peace and security efforts.

The visit provided an opportunity for Honourable Sa’ar to meet with retired veterans, recognising their years of dedicated service and their remarkable contributions to international peacekeeping operations.

The wreath-laying ceremony underscored the deepening partnership between Fiji and Israel, anchored in shared values of peace, security, mutual respect, and multilateral cooperation. It also reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening collaboration, including within international security frameworks and peacekeeping efforts.

As Fiji continues to play a prominent role in global peacekeeping, yesterday’s tribute stands as a powerful recognition of the nation’s service, sacrifice, and leadership on the world stage, particularly in the Middle East. Fijian troops have served in the Golan Heights under United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).