‘Not an endorsement’: PM defends Fiji’s bold move to open mission in Jerusalem

Opening an embassy is not a blanket endorsement of another country’s policies, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stressed, as Fiji prepares to inaugurate its first resident mission in Israel on 17 September.

Rabuka will lead the official delegation to the ceremony, confirmed by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He described the mission as “a bridge that allows Fiji to work directly with partners, share our Pacific perspectives, and pursue practical cooperation that benefits our people.”

The embassy marks a major step in Fiji–Israel relations, with collaboration planned in security, agriculture, climate resilience, innovation, trade, and digital services.

An advance team led by Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Filipo Tarakinikini, is already in Jerusalem to oversee preparations.

Information Minister Lynda Tabuya said: “We will keep Fijians informed throughout the mission. Our focus is on practical outcomes, from modern irrigation and climate-smart agriculture to digital and communications cooperation that can improve services and resilience at home.”

Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua added:

“Our meetings with security counterparts will target training, technology exchange, and operational cooperation to make Fiji safer and more secure. We will also advance follow-up on maritime surveillance and related capability support.”

Israel is assisting with logistics for the visit and establishment of the mission, in line with its cabinet decision to provide financial support for countries relocating embassies to Jerusalem.

Rabuka said the step is about looking forward: “This is a forward-looking step, a bridge of cooperation that advances Fiji’s interests, supports our values, and fosters dialogue and peace.”