PM Rabuka hails ‘golden era’ with Israel

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has labelled the opening of the Israel embassy in Fiji as the beginning of a “golden era” in relations between the two countries.

Mr Rabuka made the remarks at a joint press conference marking the first official visit to Fiji by Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa’ar.

Mr Sa'ar said the mission would strengthen ties between Israel and Fiji for generations to come.

“I thank you for your true friendship, for your hospitality,” Mr Sa’ar said.

“I came from very far, but I feel very close and I feel at home.

“I came to inaugurate the Israeli Embassy in Fiji, the Pacific Islands in order to strengthen our great bilateral relations for the next generations.”

Mr Sa’ar described it as an honour to be welcomed to Fiji and acknowledged the country’s traditions and heritage.

“It’s an honour to be greeted by your great tradition and heritage and to be accepted here in your distinguished country,” he said.

Prime Minister Rabuka said the opening of the Israeli Embassy in Suva completed a diplomatic milestone that began with Fiji establishing its own embassy in Israel.

“We have officially opened Fiji's embassy there in Israel. The first time Fiji establishes a mission in the Holy Land and in doing so, Fiji became the 7th nation in the world to establish its embassy in Jerusalem and the 100th diplomatic mission in Israel,” Mr Rabuka said.

“This afternoon we come full circle, and Mr Saar's presence in Suva marks the reciprocal visit or reciprocal opening or reciprocation of that commitment as we gather to officially inaugurate the resident embassy of the State of Israel right here in the capital of Fiji, in Suva.”

Mr Rabuka said the presence of Israel’s foreign minister underscored the growing importance of the relationship.

“His physical presence cements our ties and ushers in a golden era of our relations.”

The Prime Minister said discussions between the two countries had moved beyond historical and symbolic ties and were now focused on practical cooperation in areas critical to Fiji’s future development.

“Our discussion this afternoon proved that friendship between Fiji and Israel is no longer just a symbolic or historic relationship.

“It is dynamic, it's tech-driven, and it takes on board today's realities, the emerging issues of our time and a clear-eyed view of what is ahead of us.”

Mr Rabuka said Fiji saw significant opportunities to work with Israel in areas where the Middle Eastern nation has internationally recognised expertise.

“These include cooperation in health, digital transformation, cyber security, where strengthening resilience and protecting critical national systems is important for Fiji and throughout and through Fiji for the region.”

He said agriculture and food security were also key areas for future collaboration.

“We see immense opportunities in agriculture and food security, particularly in enhancing productivity, climate resilience and innovation, particularly in our private sector.”

Mr Rabuka added that Fiji valued continued support in diplomatic training, human resource development and institutional capacity building.

He also highlighted security cooperation as an area of growing importance, particularly as Fiji confronts rising threats from illicit drugs and organised crime.

“We recognise the importance of security cooperation, including institutional linkages and capacity building that support national and regional stability, and Fiji's fight against illicit drugs, transnational organised crime, will benefit from Israel's depth of knowledge and technology-based solutions.”