Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar opens new embassy in Fiji

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar officially opened Israel’s new embassy in Suva, Fiji’s capital, on Tuesday, signaling deeper engagement in the Pacific region. The move follows Fiji’s September 2023 decision to establish its embassy in Jerusalem, a rare diplomatic shift in support of Israel. The embassy in Suva will serve as a regional hub for Fiji and nine other Pacific island nations, reflecting its geopolitical importance. Israel’s Foreign Ministry highlighted Fiji’s role as a key ally, particularly in international forums like the UN and the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Before the inauguration, Sa’ar met with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who praised Israel’s right to self-defense and described the embassy as the start of a ‘golden era’ in bilateral ties. Rabuka emphasized that the partnership is ‘dynamic’ and aligned with contemporary challenges. Sa’ar commended Fiji’s diplomatic stance, calling its decision to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem a ‘stone in the ancient walls of Jerusalem.’ This is the fourth new embassy opened by Sa’ar in under 18 months, following missions in Moldova, Zambia, and Estonia. The ceremony included a joint press conference where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation. Fiji remains one of Israel’s most vocal supporters on the global stage, particularly in disputes involving Jerusalem.