'A Historic Step': Sa'ar Attends Opening of Fiji's New Israel Embassy After 30 Years

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar marked a significant diplomatic milestone by attending the opening of Israel's new embassy in Suva, Fiji. This event, occurring 30 years after the closure of the previous diplomatic mission, signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

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Together with Minister Ioane Naivalurua, we signed agreements on national security cooperation and diplomatic training.

During his visit, Sa'ar met with Fijian counterparts, including Minister Ioane Naivalurua, and signed agreements focused on national security cooperation and diplomatic training. In a post on X/Twitter, Sa'ar highlighted Fiji's support for Israel in multilateral forums and expressed his intent to deepen the Israel-Fiji friendship. The opening of the embassy is seen as a "historic step" in this endeavor.

The establishment of this new embassy is expected to enhance Israel's permanent diplomatic presence in the strategically important Pacific Islands region. This area has seen increased attention from global powers vying for influence through aid, climate policy, security, and development partnerships. The Foreign Ministry noted that the Suva embassy will extend its services to nine other countries in the region.

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Today’s historic step reflects our intent to deepen the Israel-Fiji friendship!

This initiative aligns with Israel's broader strategy to expand its diplomatic activities globally, particularly in the Pacific. It reinforces partnerships with friendly nations and underscores the growing ties with Pacific Island states. Israel already maintains full diplomatic relations with numerous island nations across the region, including Micronesia, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands.

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By opening Israel’s embassy in Fiji, we are continuing to expand Israel’s diplomatic activity around the world in general, and in the Pacific region in particular, and sending a message of strengthening the partnerships and relations with countries that are friendly toward Israel.