Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs

FIJI PARTICIPATES IN THE FORUM TRADE OFFICIALS MEETING IN SUVA

The Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Dr. Raijeli Taga and the Trade Officials participated in the Forum Trade Officials Meeting (FTOM) held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in Suva on 5 June 2026.

The was also attended by Senior Trade Officials from Australia, Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu to discuss shared priorities for strengthening regional trade and economic cooperation.

Participants were also supported by regional technical agencies and observers, including the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat.

The meeting took place at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty, with officials noting the impact of external shocks on fuel prices, shipping and aviation costs, inflation, and supply chain stability. Discussions emphasised the importance of coordinated regional responses to strengthen resilience, reduce trade costs, and support stable economic conditions across Pacific Island economies.

A significant focus of the meeting was the need to strengthen regional coordination and improve the effectiveness of existing governance arrangements. Officials acknowledged that while the regional trade architecture has expanded over time to address emerging priorities, there is growing recognition of the need to enhance coherence, reduce duplication, and improve implementation efficiency to better support Pacific businesses and governments. Fiji strongly supported efforts to ensure that regional systems are practical, streamlined, and capable of delivering real outcomes for the Pacific people.

Fiji also used the meeting to advance its national vision for more inclusive and community-driven economic development through its proposal for a Pacific Islands Co-operatives Network (PICON). Fiji highlighted cooperatives as an important mechanism for strengthening livelihoods, supporting MSMEs, and enabling greater participation in trade and value chains across the region. Fiji’s initiative reflects its broader ambition to deepen regional cooperation in ways that directly benefit communities and promote inclusive growth. The proposal was welcomed as a constructive contribution, with further consultation encouraged to support its development.

Across the broader agenda, Members discussed key priorities including labour mobility, private sector development, implementation of the Pacific Regional Private Sector Strategy, Aid for Trade initiatives, WTO developments, and trade and environment priorities.

Officials also underscored the importance of ensuring that regional initiatives are implemented in a timely and coordinated manner, with adequate consultation and alignment across national and regional processes. Fiji emphasised the need for practical, implementation-focused cooperation that delivers measurable benefits for businesses and communities across the Pacific.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening Pacific-led trade cooperation, improving regional governance effectiveness, and advancing sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Fiji reaffirmed its continued leadership role in supporting a resilient, connected, and opportunity-driven Blue Pacific economy under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Ends

FIJI PARTICIPATES IN THE PACIFIC ACP TRADE OFFICIALS MEETING IN SUVA

The Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Dr. Raijeli Taga and the Trade Officials participated in the Pacific ACP Trade Officials Meeting (PACTOM) held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in Suva on 4 June 2026. The meeting brought together Members to discuss Pacific–European Union (EU) trade and development cooperation.

The meeting was also attended by Senior Officials and representatives from the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Participants also included representatives from agencies of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP), development partners, technical agencies, and observers, reflecting the broad regional and international engagement in Pacific trade cooperation.

The meeting covered key trade and development issues of importance to Pacific ACP member states, including updates on major regional trade programmes and new partnership opportunities.

Discussions focused on the proposed Pacific Trade and Sustainable Development (Pac-TSD) Programme, which is expected to succeed the current support to the Strengthening Pacific Intra–Regional and International Trade (SPIRIT) Project. Members exchanged views on key design elements, including implementation arrangements, priority areas of support, and opportunities to further strengthen trade-related capacity building. Priority themes included support for the interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) accession and implementation, support to meet EU’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), export development initiatives, and enhanced engagement through the Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Europe. The importance of Pacific-led implementation and sustained development support was widely emphasised.

Officials also considered a proposal to commission a feasibility and cost-benefit assessment of a potential Pacific–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). There was broad agreement on the value of undertaking a comprehensive analytical study to better understand potential trade, development, and sectoral opportunities prior to any further consideration of negotiations.

The meeting reviewed progress under the SPIRIT Project, funded by the European Union, and acknowledged its contribution to strengthening regional trade policy, trade facilitation, e-commerce development, standards and quality infrastructure, customs modernisation, and support for iEPA implementation. Updates were also provided on the Safe Agriculture Trade Facilitation through Economic Integration in the Pacific (SAFE Pacific) Project, an EU-supported initiative focused on strengthening regional capacity in areas including kava development and quality infrastructure.

Furthermore, Fiji presented a country paper proposing the establishment of the Pacific Island Cooperatives Network (PICON). The proposal envisages PICON as a dedicated regional platform for cooperative collaboration and advocacy under the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, building on the outcomes of the Pacific Regional Dialogue on Cooperatives held in Nadi in January 2026.

The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening Pacific–EU trade cooperation, enhancing export competitiveness, deepening regional integration, mobilising development support, and advancing opportunities for sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the region.

Ends.

Response to questions on operations of Fiji Embassy in Israel

Questions about the cost and operation of Fiji's diplomatic missions are legitimate and welcome in any democracy. However, accountability must be pursued through established processes, not speculation.

The Fiji Embassy in Israel, like all Government-funded overseas missions, is subject to parliamentary budget scrutiny, annual reporting requirements, internal financial controls, and independent audits to ensure public funds are properly accounted for.

Questions regarding staffing, operational costs, or reimbursements are properly addressed through Parliament, Annual Reports, audited financial statements, and oversight by the Office of the Auditor-General.

Fiji's foreign missions exist to advance national interests abroad and, like every area of public expenditure, should be assessed on the basis of facts contained in official reports rather than conjecture.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade remains committed to transparency and accountability through regular reporting, independent auditing, and parliamentary oversight—the very institutions designed to provide the answers that the public is entitled to receive.

-ends-

PACIFIC ISLAND FORUM TRADE AND WOMEN SENIOR OFFICIALS CONVENE FOR PACIFIC AID FOR TRADE DAY

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade participated in the Pacific Aid for Trade Day under the theme “Inclusive and Sustainable Trade in the Blue Pacific: Integrating a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Lens Across Aid for Trade Initiatives” in Suva, Fiji.

The Pacific Aid for Trade Day brought together Senior Trade Officials and Women Leaders from the Pacific Island Forum member countries ahead of the Pacific ACP and Forum Trade Officials meetings, scheduled for 4 - 5 June 2026.

Discussions covered progress updates on key regional trade initiatives including e-commerce, quality infrastructure, apiculture, and Kava, as well as upcoming work on trade facilitation, trade in services, and trade and environment.

A key focus was how GESI can be better integrated across all Pacific Aid for Trade initiatives to deliver more inclusive outcomes for all Pacific peoples.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of Pacific Islands Forum Members to work collaboratively to advance inclusive, resilient and sustainable trade, underscoring the value of a unified Pacific approach in regional cooperation.

-ends-

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS FOR THE STATE OF ISRAEL HONOURS FALLEN FIJIAN PEACEKEEPERS

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Honourable Gideon Sa’ar, yesterday (03.06.2026) laid a wreath at the National War Memorial Grounds in Veiuto, Suva, paying solemn tribute to the Fijian serviceman and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in their line of duties.

The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Major General (Maj Gen) Jone Kalouniwai, Permanent Secretary for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Mr. Mason Smith; Fiji’s Ambassador to Israel, His Excellency Jesoni Vitusagavulu; RFMF Veterans; and Senior Military Officers.

In honouring the Fijian soldiers, Honourable Sa’ar acknowledged not only their sacrifice but also Fiji’s unwavering commitment to global peacekeeping and its vital role in supporting international peace and security efforts.

The visit provided an opportunity for Honourable Sa’ar to meet with retired veterans, recognising their years of dedicated service and their remarkable contributions to international peacekeeping operations.

The wreath-laying ceremony underscored the deepening partnership between Fiji and Israel, anchored in shared values of peace, security, mutual respect, and multilateral cooperation. It also reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening collaboration, including within international security frameworks and peacekeeping efforts.

As Fiji continues to play a prominent role in global peacekeeping, yesterday's tribute stands as a powerful recognition of the nation’s service, sacrifice, and leadership on the world stage, particularly
in the Middle East. Fijian troops have served in the Golan Heights under United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

FIJI AND ISRAEL STRENGTHEN BILATERAL RELATIONS THROUGH THE SIGNING OF TWO COOPERATION INSTRUMENTS

Fiji and Israel yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Diplomatic Training and Declaration of Intent (DOI) in the Field of National Security - signifying the strengthening of practical cooperation between our two nations.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka and the Minister for Policing and Communications Honourable Ioane Naivalurua presided at the official signing ceremony with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Honourable Gideon Sa’ar.

Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Ditoka highlighted the MOU on Diplomatic Training between the respective foreign ministries will create valuable opportunities for professional exchanges, knowledge sharing, and the strengthening of diplomatic capacity in both our countries.

He said the DOI on Cooperation in the Field of National Security establishes a practical framework for cooperation to exchange technical expertise, policy insights, and modern training methodologies across core public safety sectors.

In addition, he said it would explicitly target areas of vital importance to our communities, including law enforcement capability building, correctional rehabilitation models, drug prevention programs, and natural disaster and water rescue operations.

In conclusion, Hon. Ditoka thanked the Government of Israel for its continued friendship and steadfast commitment to strengthening relations with Fiji and the wider Pacific region.

“We look forward to further expanding cooperation with Israel across a range of mutually beneficial areas in the near future, guided by our shared values, common interests, and collective aspiration for peace, resilience, innovation, and prosperity,” Hon. Ditoka said.

Hon. Sa’ar welcomed the signing of the two instruments, noting that they provide practical avenues for meaningful collaboration in diplomatic capacity-building and national security.

“The inauguration of our Embassy in Fiji is demonstrating our intent to strengthen relations for the next generations. We believe that with the Embassy of Fiji in Jerusalem and our Embassy in Suva, we will be able to more easily and effectively work on those issues which can be beneficial for both the nations. I am optimistic about the future, that this day will be meaningful in the history of our bilateral relations,” Hon. Sa’ar said.

OPENING OF ISRAELI EMBASSY IN SUVA HERALDS NEW ERA IN FIJI–ISRAEL RELATIONS

Fiji and Israel relations is built on shared faith, mutual respect and meaningful cooperation – this message was conveyed last night during a Dinner hosted by Israel to celebrate the inauguration of the resident Embassy of the State of Israel here in Suva.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Honourable Gideon Sa’ar, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka; and it also included cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and invited guests.

In his remarks, Hon. Ditoka acknowledged the meaningful cooperation between the two nations, stating that the establishment of a permanent diplomatic mission of Israel in Suva adds an important new dimension to our partnership.

Hon. Ditoka said the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Diplomatic Training and Declaration of Intent (DOI) in the Field of National Security – sets a strong foundation upon which broader cooperation will continue to grow.

“We look forward to an era where our young professionals, our farmers, and our innovators work alongside your experts, not just as students and instructors, but as colleagues solving shared global challenges. By combining the deep, traditional wisdom of the Pacific with the proven resourcefulness and technical ingenuity of Israel, we are creating a unique partnership built for the modern era,” Hon. Ditoka said.

He thanked Minister Sa’ar for his timely visit and also acknowledged the Government of Israel for its commitment to strengthening ties with Fiji and the wider Pacific.

Further, Hon. Ditoka said the assistance provided by the Government of Israel through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Fiji Embassy in Jerusalem during its formative period has been invaluable and reflects the genuine friendship and goodwill that underpin our bilateral relationship.

-ENDS-

THE STATE OF ISRAEL OPENS ITS EMBASSY IN FIJI 🇫🇯🤝🇮🇱

In a significant diplomatic milestone, the State of Israel yesterday officially opened its Embassy in Suva, marking a new chapter in Fiji and Israel relations and further strengthening Israel’s engagement with Fiji and the Pacific region.

The opening of the Embassy is both reciprocal and timely, following Fiji’s establishment of its Embassy in Israel in September last year, by Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and Fiji’s Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka.

In his remarks, PM Sitiveni Rabuka welcomed the opening of the Embassy as a significant development in Fiji–Israel relations.

PM Rabuka expressed appreciation for the assistance Fiji has received from Israel since diplomatic relations began in 1970, focusing on training, technical assistance and capacity building. He added that Fiji looked forward to strengthening cooperation in the future.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Honourable Gideon Sa’ar highlighted the significance of the Embassy’s opening and expressed Israel’s commitment to building stronger cooperation with Fiji and the wider Pacific region.

Israel’s Embassy in Fiji is headed by the newly appointed resident Ambassador to Fiji, Her Excellency Maya Yaron.

The establishment of Israel’s Embassy in Fiji underscores both countries’ shared commitment to deepening cooperation across key priority sectors, including agriculture, technology and innovation, health, climate resilience, defence and security, education, renewable energy, disaster preparedness, and capacity building.

-ends-

TRADITIONAL WELCOMING CEREMONY ACCORDED TO THE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL

The Government of Fiji this morning accorded a Traditional Welcoming Ceremony to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Honourable Gideon Sa’ar, at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka, Cabinet Ministers, senior Government officials, Members of Parliament, and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

As a mark of respect and honour, Honourable Sa’ar was formally received through a traditional veiqaravi vakavanua ceremony, reflecting Fiji’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding traditions of hospitality. The ceremony included the presentation of a tabua (whale’s tooth), a revered symbol of respect, goodwill and friendship in Fijian culture.

In his remarks, Honourable Sa’ar conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Fiji for the warm reception and kind hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

“Thank you Mr. Prime Minister for true friendship, for your hospitality, I came from very far but I feel very close and I feel at home.

“I came to inaugurate the Israeli Embassy in Fiji and the Pacific Islands, in order to strengthen our great bilateral relations for the next generations. It’s an honor to meet your great tradition and heritage and to be accepted here in your distinguished country. Thank you”.

He also underscored the significance of the opening of Israel’s Embassy in Fiji, noting that it marks a new chapter in Fiji–Israel diplomatic relations and cooperation.

The programme for today will also included courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, high-level meeting with the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, bilateral meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka and other senior government officials, and the official opening of Israel’s Embassy in Suva, reaffirming the shared commitment of Fiji and Israel to deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL ARRIVES AT THE NAUSORI AIRPORT
🇫🇯🤝🇮🇱

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Honourable Gideon Sa’ar was welcomed by the Minister for Immigration, Hon. Viliame Naupoto and Fiji’s Ambassador to the State of Israel Embassy His Excellency Jesoni Vitusagavulu, upon his arrival at Nausori Airport this morning.

This marks the commencement of a High-Level Ministerial visit from the State of Israel to Fiji this week from Tuesday 2nd to Wednesday 3rd June 2026.

The Government of Fiji accorded a Traditional Ceremony of Welcome to Hon. Sa’ar this morning at the Grand Pacific Hotel. Following which, Hon. Sa’ar will meet the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and hold high-level meetings with the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, and other senior Government officials to discuss opportunities for enhanced cooperation and mutual development.

The reestablishment of Israel’s Diplomatic Mission and the historic establishment of Fiji’s Embassy in Jerusalem, in the State of Israel, in September, last year, signifies the shared commitment by both countries to building a stronger strategic partnership built on expanded cooperation, mutual respect, and enduring friendship.

-LevelVisit