Israel’s decision to open an embassy in Suva was driven by a longstanding friendship with Fiji and what Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described as a shared foundation of faith between the two nations.
Speaking to The Lens @177, Mr Sa’ar said Fiji was regarded as one of Israel’s closest partners in the Pacific, citing its support for Israel in international forums.
He said Israel viewed Fiji as a close and reliable friend, adding that the opening of the embassy was part of a wider move to deepen ties with Fiji and the Pacific region.
“This is also a natural alliance based on believers,” he said.
“Both nations are nations of believers. And now we want to take it to the next chapter to deepen ties, economic ties, bilateral ties with Fiji and with all the region of the Pacific Islands as a whole.”
Mr Sa’ar said the decision to open the embassy was made after Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka opened Fiji’s embassy in Jerusalem.
He said he had promised Mr Rabuka at the time that Israel would respond by opening its own embassy in Suva.
The new embassy, he said, would help strengthen bilateral relations, and serve as a base for Israel’s wider engagement with the Pacific.
Earlier this week, Mr Sa’ar also publicly thanked Fiji for what he described as its “historic decision” to open an embassy in Jerusalem.
“We want to share Israel’s innovation and knowledge with Fiji in agriculture, water, energy, technology and more.
“We also view the Pacific region as strategic, a friendly area with huge potential.”
In October 2023, the Fiji Government said it stood in solidarity with Israel and supported a Canadian amendment at the United Nations that sought stronger condemnation of Hamas.
In September 2024, Fiji also voted against a United Nations demand for Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories, effectively siding with Israel on the issue.
“My foreign policy, we invest in our friends and Fiji is a true friend of Israel.”
