Israel to open representative office in Papua New Guinea

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced on Wednesday that Israel will open a representative office in Papua New Guinea, signaling an expansion of diplomatic ties between the two nations. The announcement followed a conversation between Sa'ar and Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape.

In a post on X/Twitter, Sa'ar expressed gratitude for Marape's support and friendship, specifically highlighting the Prime Minister's decision in 2023 to relocate Papua New Guinea's embassy to Jerusalem. "We will advance bilateral relations!" Sa'ar declared, underscoring the commitment to deepening the partnership.

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We will advance bilateral relations!

This development is part of a wider effort by Israel to bolster its relationships with Pacific Island states. Earlier in June, Sa'ar attended the inauguration of Israel's new embassy in Suva, the capital of Fiji. He stated that opening the embassy in Fiji demonstrates Israel's ongoing expansion of diplomatic activity globally, particularly in the Pacific, and reinforces partnerships with friendly nations.

Israel currently maintains full diplomatic relations with numerous Pacific Island countries, including Micronesia, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The nation also has relations with non-UN member states such as the Cook Islands and Niue.

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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.