The Fijian government has announced a budget allocation of $1.125 million for the establishment of its embassy in Israel, with the embassy expected to be situated in Jerusalem. This allocation marks Fiji’s first formal financial step in setting up its permanent mission and follows the Cabinet’s endorsement made earlier this year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside the Ministry of Defence, will conduct the necessary risk assessments in consultation with appropriate agencies to ensure a smooth establishment process. Fiji and Israel have maintained formal diplomatic relations since 1970, working together in various sectors, including agriculture, water management, climate resilience, and security.
In a related move, Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini recently presented his credentials as the non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, further positioning Fiji for enhanced diplomatic ties. Discussions between Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Israel’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sa’ar Gideon Moshe, at the Munich Security Conference highlighted potential collaborations in combating issues like drug trafficking and enhancing Fiji’s maritime capabilities, building on Israel’s past support in military and operational assistance.
Details regarding the timeline, staffing, and specific arrangements for the embassy are still forthcoming. This initiative represents a hopeful development in Fiji’s foreign relations, indicating an intention to deepen international cooperation and address shared challenges while benefiting from Israel’s expertise in numerous sectors.
Overall, establishing an embassy in Jerusalem is not just a significant diplomatic shift for Fiji but also a promising step toward reaffirming its commitment to global engagement and collaborative partnerships. It showcases Fiji’s proactive approach in enhancing its diplomatic presence and readiness to tackle pressing societal issues through international cooperation.
Leave a comment