Fijians residing in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region are being advised to remain calm and stay updated amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The Fiji Embassy in Abu Dhabi is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Suva and Fiji’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, which is officially accredited to Israel.
The embassy has prioritized the safety and well-being of Fijian citizens in the region. A statement from the embassy encourages Fijians to reach out if they have concerns or need assistance during this period of heightened tensions, emphasizing the importance of being informed.
This situation comes in the wake of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s announcement that the Fijian Government has issued evacuation advisories for areas affected by the ongoing conflict. He has assured that the safety of Fijians and peacekeepers remains a top priority and reiterated Fiji’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts, particularly in collaboration with the United Nations.
Rabuka has described the conflict as a bilateral issue between Israel and Iran, while stressing the significance of respecting territorial integrity. Since 1978, Fiji has been actively involved in peacekeeping missions and intends to continue until the UN decides to withdraw from conflict zones.
In response to the recent tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Iran will face repercussions, while U.S. President Joe Biden has voiced support for Israel’s right to retaliate but emphasized the need for any response to be proportional.
The ongoing situation highlights the critical importance of diplomacy and international cooperation in ensuring stability in regions affected by conflict. As the situation evolves, the communication efforts by the Fijian government reflect a strong commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad, fostering a hopeful perspective amidst uncertainty.
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