Fiji–Israel relations

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Fiji-Israel relations
Map indicating locations of Fiji and Israel

Fiji
Israel

Fiji–Israel relations were established in 1970.[1] Relations between Fiji and Israel have generally been satisfactory. Since September 2025, Fiji has had an embassy in Jerusalem; however, as of 2025, Israel does not yet have an embassy in Fiji.[2]

History

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Despite being both former colonies of the British Empire, the first major visit to Israel by a Fijian official took place in 1978.[3]

In 2016, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Fijian prime minister Frank Bainimarama and thanked him.[4][5]

In 2020, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited Fiji as part of a Pacific island nations' summit.[6] In 2022, President Ratu Wiliame M. Katonivere visited Israel and met President Isaac Herzog at his official residence. In their meeting, they agreed to expand Israeli-Fijian relations with an emphasis on the potential use of Israeli environmental technologies and Israeli experience in the field of food security.[7]

Following the 2022 Fijian general election, which resulted in a hung parliament, saw the People's Alliance, the National Federation Party (NFP) and the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) begin negotiating to form a coalition government. SODELPA stated that opening an embassy in Jerusalem was one of the conditions for forming government with the two parties.[8] The negotiations were successful and Fiji reaffirmed its commitment to opening an embassy in Jerusalem.[9] The embassy was finally opened on 17 September 2025, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Fijian counterpart, Sitiveni Rabuka, wearing traditional Fijian garlands during the ceremony.[10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "שנתון" (PDF).
  2. ^ https://www.embassypages.com/israel-consulate-suva-fiji#google_vignette
  3. ^ "An article from Israel's Davar newspaper (Hebrew)".
  4. ^ Ahren, Raphael (15 November 2016). "Netanyahu announces first ever visit to Fiji". The Times of Israel.
  5. ^ "Israel extends humanitarian assistance to Fiji".
  6. ^ Winer, Stuart. "In Fiji, Rivlin asks island nation to be an ally on 'biased' UN rights council". The Times of Israel. ISSN 0040-7909. Retrieved 2022-08-10.
  7. ^ "Grapevine August 5, 2022: Rabbi of the Western Wall hosts Reform Jew". The Jerusalem Post. 9 August 2022. ISSN 0792-822X. Retrieved 2022-08-10.
  8. ^ "PA-NFP-SODELPA officially sign Coalition Agreement".
  9. ^ "ICEJ-Fiji elated as government commits to open Jerusalem embassy". 23 February 2023.
  10. ^ Chand, Anish (17 September 2025). "Fiji opens embassy in Jerusalem, strengthens ties with Israel". The Fiji Times. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
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