Historic Victory: Fiji Officially Opens Embassy in Jerusalem

The Pacific Island Nation becomes the 7th country to do so

By Nosson Shulman: Licensed Tour Guide of VIP Israel Tours & Authentic Virtual Tours (click here to check out his free trailer videos)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka wearing traditional Fijian attire at the opening of the new Fijian embassy in Jerusalem

A Longstanding Friendship

In a landmark moment for Israel and its friends around the world, Fiji has officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem, becoming the seventh country to do so.

Fiji and Israel share a long and friendly history. Diplomatic relations were established in 1970, and the partnership has grown steadily over the decades. A key milestone came on November 7, 2016, when Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama of Fiji visited Israel and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation. Later milestones included Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visiting Fiji in 2020 and Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere visiting Israel in 2022, strengthening ties in technology, agriculture, and food security.

Standing with Israel at the UN

Fiji has long been a reliable supporter of Israel at the United Nations. The Pacific nation almost invariably casts its vote in Israel’s favor (though there have been occasional abstentions), a rarity at the usually hostile, anti-semitic UN General Assembly.

A Celebrated Milestone for the Jewish State

The embassy’s opening was celebrated across Jerusalem as a major diplomatic milestone, following in the footsteps of the United States, Guatemala, Kosovo, Honduras and Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay. Fiji’s government, led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, highlighted that the move reflects shared values, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to closer cooperation between the two nations.

The inauguration included traditional Fijian ceremonies, symbolizing warmth, friendship, and mutual respect. Leaders from both countries emphasized that the embassy represents more than a building—it’s a symbol of enduring partnership and mutual support on the global stage.

A Bold Statement Amid Pressure

This move is particularly significant at a time when many countries, most visibly in Western European, are attempting to isolate Israel diplomatically. Fiji’s decision stands in stark contrast, sending a clear message that Israel’s friends are willing to act boldly, recognize Jerusalem as its capital, and strengthen ties despite international pressure.

Cementing a Global Partnership

Fiji’s embassy opening is part of a broader trend of growing international recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. While only a seven countries have formally opened full embassies in the city, others are taking meaningful steps in that direction. The Czech Republic and Hungary, for example, maintain official diplomatic offices in Jerusalem alongside their embassies in Tel Aviv, and Argentina’s President Javier Milei has pledged to relocate his country’s embassy to Jerusalem by 2026.

Meanwhile, support remains strong among Israel’s Pacific allies. Nations such as Nauru and Vanuatu have also formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, underscoring a shared commitment to Israel’s sovereignty and an expanding circle of international partners willing to stand with the Jewish state.

Nosson Shulman is a journalist and Licensed Tour Guide in Israel specializing in Biblical tours. To allow tourists to experience Israel during the Corona era, he created the new hit Israel tour video series which brings Israel to the home of viewers by simulating actual tours. To check out his free sneak preview tour videos, click here. To view sample tour itineraries or to inquire about private tour opportunities with a personalized itinerary on your next trip to Israel, click here.