Fiji has officially established its presence in Israel with the appointment of Jesoni Vitusagavulu as its first resident Ambassador. Vitusagavulu presented his credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog alongside Thai Ambassador Boonyarit Vichienpuntu on Tuesday. The establishment of the resident ambassador role signifies Fiji’s commitment to enhancing diplomatic ties with Israel.
Vitusagavulu, a seasoned businessman and diplomat with a diverse background, represents a significant step forward for Fiji. His appointment was confirmed just last month, and it had previously been anticipated that Filipo Tarakinikini, Fiji’s permanent representative to the United Nations, would hold the ambassadorial position. Tarakinikini had previously visited Israel when the Fijian Embassy in Jerusalem was inaugurated by Prime Minister Sitoveni Rabuka in conjunction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in September 2025.
With this move, Fiji joins the ranks of countries maintaining embassies in Jerusalem, now numbering seven, alongside the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay. This shift underscores Fiji’s focus on establishing a strong diplomatic foothold in the region.
Vitusagavulu brings to the role a wealth of experience, including his previous ambassadorial stint in the U.S. and a solid educational background spanning institutions in the South Pacific, the UK, Australia, and Israel. He also possesses a diploma in airline management from Bar Ilan University, aligning with his previous work as a special projects manager and investment consultant in various sectors.
During his initial meeting with President Herzog, Vitusagavulu highlighted Fiji Water, prompting Herzog to express his desire to explore the Pacific region, recalling his father’s travels there. While Herzog plans a visit to Australia, he lamented missing out on Fiji, emphasizing the growing importance of the Pacific region on the global stage.
The discussions between the two leaders also touched on trade, with Vitusagavulu suggesting that Fiji should concentrate on niche products rather than commodities for greater economic success. Additionally, they addressed the potential involvement of Fiji in the proposed International Stabilisation Force, a multinational initiative aimed at facilitating security and humanitarian support in the Gaza Strip.
Fiji’s long-standing participation in UN peacekeeping operations, including in regions like Lebanon and the Golan Heights, positions it as a willing contributor to international efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability. These developments mark a hopeful chapter for Fiji as it strengthens its diplomatic engagements and positions itself for future opportunities on the international scene.
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