PM Rabuka meets Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister – Strengthening Fiji – Israel Relations

Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, yesterday welcomed Hon. Sharren Haskel, Deputy Foreign Minister of the State of Israel, on her first official visit to Fiji and the Pacific region.

This historic visit marks another milestone in the growing friendship between Fiji and Israel, coming just weeks after the opening of Fiji’s first resident Diplomatic Mission in Jerusalem.

A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Digital Security and Cybersecurity between Fiji and Israel’s National Cyber Directorate – the first formal collaboration since Fiji’s new Mission was established.

The MOU was signed at the Office of the Prime Minister by H.E Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini, Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and H.E Roi Rosenblit, Israel’s Ambassador to Fiji and the Pacific.

During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Rabuka thanked Ms. Haskel for her timely visit, describing the MOU as a strategic step forward to strengthen Fiji’s security framework and promote deeper cooperation across sectors.

Ms. Haskel commended Fiji’s bold step in opening its Embassy in Jerusalem, saying her visit aims to build stronger ties not only in security, but also in business, innovation, and people-to-people connections.

She also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government and people of Fiji for their friendship and support, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to support Fiji in areas such as agriculture, water, technology, renewable energy, health, and women’s empowerment.

Proposed initiatives include:
-Business development and capacity-building programs
-Expanding agricultural internships for young Fijians in Israel – building on the success of the Navuso Agriculture Technical Institute’s 10-month internship program at the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT).

As part of her visit, Ms. Haskel also met with Investment Fiji and several ministries to explore new opportunities for partnership and shared growth.

Together, Fiji and Israel continue to build bridges of cooperation, innovation, and friendship – working towards shared prosperity and peace.

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