Israel Opens Fiji Embassy As Fiji Backs Israel’s ‘Right To Defend Its Citizens’

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar opened Israel’s new embassy in Suva, Fiji, on Tuesday, 30 years after Israel’s previous embassy in the country was closed.

The opening ceremony included the singing of Hatikva and the hanging of a mezuzah at the new embassy, which Israel says will strengthen its diplomatic presence across the Pacific.

The move comes less than a year after Fiji opened its embassy in Jerusalem last September, becoming one of the few countries in the world with an official diplomatic mission in Israel’s capital. 

“By opening Israel’s embassy in Fiji, we are continuing to expand Israel’s diplomatic activity around the world in general, and in the Pacific region in particular, and sending a message of strengthening the partnerships and relations with countries that are friendly toward Israel,” Sa’ar said ahead of the visit.

The embassy in Suva will serve Fiji and nine additional Pacific Island countries, giving Israel a permanent regional presence in an area where island nations play a role in international forums and where larger powers have sought influence through aid, climate policy, security cooperation and development partnerships.

Israeli FM @gidonsaar and Fiji’s PM @slrabuka at the singing of ‘HaTikvah’ during the opening ceremony of Israel’s embassy in Fiji. pic.twitter.com/MCFkUCJIFC

— Israel ישראל (@Israel) June 2, 2026

Israeli officials said the embassy is expected to deepen cooperation in development, economy, security and other fields. Israel sees Fiji as a regional leader among Pacific Island nations, while Fiji has sought access to Israeli expertise in areas including advanced agriculture, water management, innovation, digitization, security and cyber.

Before the opening, Sa’ar met with Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and held a joint press conference. Rabuka addressed the security situation in the Middle East and expressed clear support for Israel.

“We recognize Israel’s legitimate security concerns and accept its sovereignty and its sovereign right to defend its citizens from terrorism and from threats to its very existence,” Rabuka said.

Rabuka said the embassy’s physical presence would carry major significance for both countries.

“The physical presence of the new embassy will have enormous significance,” he said. “This is the beginning of a golden age between the countries.”

He added that the discussions showed the friendship between Fiji and Israel is not only symbolic or historical, but dynamic and suited to current realities and future challenges.

Sa’ar also said he signed agreements with Fiji’s Police Minister Ioane Naivalurua on national security cooperation and diplomatic training. The agreements were presented as part of a wider effort to expand practical ties between the two governments following the opening of Fiji’s embassy in Jerusalem and Israel’s new mission in Suva.

Fiji has been described by Israeli officials as one of Israel’s consistent supporters in international forums, including in proceedings at The Hague. Sa’ar praised Rabuka’s decision to open Fiji’s embassy in Jerusalem, saying the move placed a stone in Jerusalem’s ancient walls and its living history.

After the opening, Sa’ar wrote that the step showed Israel’s intention to strengthen ties with Fiji.

“Today’s historic step reflects our intent to deepen the Israel-Fiji friendship!” he said.