Diplomatic Achievement: Fiji to Open Embassy in Jerusalem
The Pacific island nation of Fiji will inaugurate a new embassy in Jerusalem on September 17, in the Har Hotzvim neighborhood. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the announcement today (Wednesday).
Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka is expected to attend the opening ceremony. The decision follows an agreement reached between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Rabuka in February during the Munich Security Conference.
Sa’ar welcomed the development, stating: “I congratulate Fiji and its Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Israel’s friend Sitiveni Rabuka, on their decision to open an embassy in Israel, in Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people. We will continue to act for the opening and relocation of more embassies to our capital, Jerusalem.”
Israel and Fiji established diplomatic relations in 1970. Ties have been strengthened over the years through high-level visits, cooperation in agriculture, humanitarian aid, and peacekeeping support. Notably, in 2016 Israel assisted Fiji in rebuilding infrastructure after Cyclone Winston, and in 2017 an Israeli medical mission traveled to the islands. In June 2023, Fiji’s government first announced its intention to open an embassy in Israel, a decision made official earlier this year.
Fiji flag | Photo: Shutterstock
Hungarian Minister Affirms Support for Israel and Samaria
In parallel with developments in Jerusalem, Hungary has reaffirmed its support for Israel. Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, met this week with Hungarian Minister for European Union Affairs János Bóka.
During their meeting, Dagan presented maps and explained the historical and security importance of the Samaria region, particularly in light of the October 7 attacks. He stressed the need to strengthen communities in the area as a response to security threats and reiterated his opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state, amid renewed European diplomatic initiatives.
Minister Bóka declared Hungary’s stance clearly: “Hungary is a strategic partner of Israel. Our relations are growing stronger, even in the most difficult times.”
Dagan responded: “Hungary and Israel share common values and face common enemies — foremost among them radical Islamic terrorism. We greatly appreciate your leadership and your clear stand alongside Israel in these days.”
Minister Gamliel: Israel Supports Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi
Adding to this wave of international alignment, Israeli Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel gave an interview to “Iran International” in which she voiced Israel’s support for Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as an alternative to the current regime in Tehran.
“The choice lies with the Iranian people,” Gamliel said, “but we see that the Iranian people believe in Reza Pahlavi and support him, so we in Israel also support him.”
She added that Israel would stand by the Iranian people if they choose to change their leadership: “I firmly believe that when the Iranian people decide to make a change, we will stand by them with all our strength and love.”
Looking ahead, Gamliel emphasized that Israel envisions a future of cooperation with a free Iran in fields such as agriculture, energy, water, and technology.
A delegation of Iranian-born researchers representing Crown Prince Pahlavi recently visited Israel to attend the “Beyond the Horizon 2025” conference in Jerusalem. The event, organized by the Horizon Directorate, focused on Israel’s strategic planning for 2035 and examined global trends in technology, great-power competition, and artificial intelligence. President Isaac Herzog, Minister Gamliel, and hundreds of experts participated.
