Naoero Opens Embassy in Jerusalem, Becoming Ninth Country With Mission in Israeli Capital

The Pacific island nation of Naoero officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, becoming the ninth country to maintain an embassy in Israel’s capital.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar attended the inauguration alongside Naoero’s Vice President and Foreign Minister Lionel Aingimea.

“Naoero is one of Israel’s most loyal and steadfast friends in the international community,” Sa’ar said at the ceremony. “You have recognized what we all know to be the truth: Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.”

Aingimea emphasized Naoero’s consistent support for Israel in international institutions. He said the country currently votes with Israel at the United Nations around 71% of the time and predicted that figure would increase.

Naoero formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2019. The small island nation has since remained one of Israel’s most consistent supporters at the United Nations and submitted a written statement supporting Israel in proceedings at the International Court of Justice.

The decision to establish an embassy in Jerusalem followed talks between Sa’ar and Aingimea in Fiji in June 2025. Naoero’s cabinet formally approved the move in July 2026, with the embassy opening less than two months later.

Naoero has a population of around 12,000 and is one of the world’s smallest independent countries. Israel does not currently maintain a resident embassy there and handles relations with Naoero through its ambassador based in Fiji.

The opening comes as Israel continues efforts to persuade additional countries to establish diplomatic missions in Jerusalem.

Eight other countries currently maintain embassies in the city, including the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Somaliland. Colombia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have also announced plans to establish embassies in Jerusalem.