Jesoni Vitusagavulu has formally assumed his role as Fiji’s first resident ambassador to Israel after presenting his credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday.
The appointment of Mr Vitusagavulu, a businessman and seasoned diplomat, was announced only last month.
Mr Vitusagavulu, a former ambassador to the United States, brings a diverse professional background to the post.
During discussions with President Herzog, broader regional and international security issues were also raised, including the proposed International Stabilization Force — a multinational force intended to operate in the Gaza Strip to help protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian assistance.
Should such a force be established, Fiji is expected to consider participation.
Fiji has a long history of contributing to United Nations peacekeeping efforts in the region, including deployments with United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, the Multinational Force and Observers, and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force.
