Israel offers development support

Israel has offered Fiji a range of cooperation opportunities following the opening of its new embassy in Suva yesterday.

Israel's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa’ar, did not indicate the value of any potential technical assistance in agriculture, technology, security or defence, but reaffirmed his country's commitment to working with Fiji.

“We have a history in this country. We have trained many people from Fiji, both here and in Israel, in the past. Now we have come with a book. I gave the book to the Prime Minister and Fiji will choose,” he said.

“Now we have an embassy here. We will be able to do things more rapidly. That will work. I have also instructed them on establishing a new Israeli development agency here in Fiji.

“So I am very optimistic that this golden era the Prime Minister has spoken about will be implemented through meaningful initiatives that will benefit both our nations.”

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said negotiations, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, would determine the areas in which Fiji requires assistance, including efforts to address the country's drug crisis.

“As we move along, we will show them these are the problems, and through their diplomats here, who will be communicating with our foreign affairs officials, we will identify where support is needed.”

Mr Rabuka assured Fijians that the opening of the embassy did not signal the militarisation of Fiji or the Pacific, but rather support for Fiji’s development goals.

“They are capable of providing the development assistance we need. Right now, we have some young people undergoing training in Israel. There are also many Fijians who have benefited from the hospitality of the people and State of Israel over the years through peacekeeping.

“So I give you my assurance that this Government will not move towards militarising this relationship because that would go against what we are trying to achieve — an Ocean of Peace.”

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