Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka welcomed Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel during her inaugural official visit to Fiji and the Pacific. This visit signifies a critical step toward enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
The backdrop of this diplomatic engagement follows the establishment of Fiji’s resident Embassy in Jerusalem, marking a significant milestone in the countries’ relations. A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Fiji Government and Israel’s National Cyber Directorate, which focuses on cooperation in the spheres of digital security and cybersecurity. This agreement not only represents the first formal collaboration since the Embassy’s opening but also aims to fortify Fiji’s cybersecurity capabilities.
The MOU was signed at the Office of the Prime Minister by Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini, alongside Israel’s Ambassador to Fiji and the Pacific, Roi Rosenblit. During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized that this new partnership demonstrates Fiji’s dedication to strengthening its security frameworks and expanding cooperation across varied sectors, including innovation and agriculture.
Deputy Minister Haskel expressed Israel’s optimism about enhancing cooperation with Fiji, specifically in areas such as trade, water management, renewable energy, agriculture, health, and women’s economic empowerment. The discussions also touched on the prospect of expanding agricultural training for young Fijians, building on current internship programs available at the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training.
Haskel’s visit included meetings with representatives from Investment Fiji and other ministries, underlining the intent to explore future development initiatives. These interactions are seen as a reinforcement of Fiji-Israel relations, opening avenues for more robust economic, technical, and diplomatic collaboration.
This engagement reflects a broader commitment by both nations to address shared global challenges, and it holds positive implications for future partnerships that can lead to beneficial outcomes for both countries in various sectors. As Fiji continues to strengthen its international presence, this newfound collaboration signals a hopeful trajectory for impactful initiatives that foster peace and development.