Fiji inaugurates embassy in Jerusalem

In a move hailed as “historic” by Israeli officials, Fiji officially inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, becoming one of the very few nations to establish a diplomatic mission in the contested city.

The opening ceremony was held at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, attended by Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. 

The event marks a significant moment in bilateral relations and reflects Fiji’s growing diplomatic alignment with Israel.

The establishment of an embassy in Jerusalem places Fiji among a small group of countries—including the United States, Guatemala, and Honduras—that have formally recognized the city as Israel’s capital through such a diplomatic presence.

Israel has long pushed for international recognition of Jerusalem as its capital, a move resisted by many countries due to the city’s contested status and its central role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Most nations continue to maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv, awaiting a negotiated resolution on Jerusalem’s final status.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized the “special bond” between the two nations and affirmed Fiji’s long-standing support for Israel.

“This embassy is a symbol of the lasting friendship between Fiji and Israel,” Rabuka said, highlighting shared values and ongoing cooperation in fields such as security, agriculture, and disaster resilience.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz welcomed the move, calling it a courageous and meaningful step. “Fiji is showing leadership in the Pacific and beyond,” he said.

Strategic and Symbolic Implications

Fiji’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem is not just symbolic—it also signals a deeper strategic shift. As a small island nation in the Pacific, Fiji has historically maintained balanced international relations, but this latest move could enhance its ties with Western allies and Israel, especially in areas like development assistance and security cooperation.

The decision may also have diplomatic ripple effects in the Pacific region, where Israel has been expanding its outreach through aid, training programs, and diplomatic exchanges.