Fiji officially opens Embassy in Jerusalem
Despite receiving strong criticism in the war against Gaza, Fiji has maintained its support for Israel.
Wednesday 17 September 2025 | 18:30
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, unveiled the Embassy yesterday in a ceremony that signified the deepening of ties between the two nations.
Fiji Government
Fiji has officially inaugurated its resident Embassy in Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, unveiled the Embassy yesterday.
Despite mounting criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has drawn widespread condemnation from the local humanitarian agencies, NGOs and human rights groups, Fiji has stood by Israel, emphasising shared values, religious ties, and long-standing peacekeeping links in the Middle East.
Related stories
Mr Rabuka said the new mission reflects Fiji’s commitment to constructive engagement with Israel and the wider international community.
“Our presence here reflects our desire to build bridges—not walls—between nations, cultures, and peoples,” he said.
He added that Fiji and Israel share close religious and cultural connections to the Holy Land, as well as common values that continue to strengthen their friendship.
The Fijian leader stressed that the opening aligns with the Government’s foreign policy, as outlined in the White Paper, which seeks to expand links with key strategic partners beyond the region.
Mr Rabuka highlighted areas for deeper cooperation, including climate resilience, agriculture, innovation, border security, energy, and digital transformation.
“We hope this Embassy will be a place where Pacific wisdom meets Middle Eastern innovation, and where our nations collaborate to solve global challenges,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to United Nations peacekeeping operations, including in the Middle East, and its advocacy for the Ocean of Peace Declaration.
Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Fiji for the gesture, describing the relationship as one built on mutual respect, faith, and a shared vision for peace and prosperity.
The Embassy will also promote initiatives in trade, investment, education, innovation, and cultural exchange.
Fiji now becomes the 100th diplomatic mission in Israel, and the seventh nation to establish its embassy in Jerusalem, joining the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay.
