President’s visit signals deepened Fiji-Israeli ties
We can expect new areas of co-operation and diplomacy after President Rivlin’s visit.
The first visit of a high-level Israeli official to Fiji later this month is expected to further bolster relations between the two countries. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will arrive in Fiji on Thursday February 20 on a one-day visit. He travels to Australia the following day.
Fiji and Israel have a special relationship.
Since 1978, Fiji has maintained its commitment to United Nations
Peacekeeping efforts in the region.
Fiji’s service men and women continue to serve in peacekeeping operations on the
Israeli-Syrian border, Lebanon,
Golan Heights,
Egypt and Iraq.
Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu when he last met with his Fijian counterpart Voreqe Bainimarama in 2018 had expressed how grateful he was for Fiji’s contribution towards peace.
But the bond between Fiji and Israel has evolved. Co-operation efforts in agriculture, disaster relief and water technology have further deepened relations.
In Agriculture, Israel offered Fiji tailored solutions to farming and crop production.
Nine students are currently on an eleven months training stint at the Arava International Centre for Agricultural Training (AICAT).
They return home in June armed with modern concepts that will contribute towards Fiji’s economy.
In 2016, after severe Tropical Cyclone Winston swept across Fiji, Israel sent a team of experts in a number of areas including water, shelter, livelihood and psychosocial specialists.
While the bilateral relations with Israel continue to grow, people to people diplomacy has grown even more.
This is despite some misunderstanding in the past which resulted in the sudden cancellation of Mr Netanyahu’s planned trip to Fiji in 2017.
But Israel’s commitment to Fiji remains.
Another area of co-operation that may soon kick off is through sporting diplomacy.
A number of rugby players have found their calling in Israel.
Christians here also see Israel as a Biblical time clock. Hundreds travel to the Holy Land every year to celebrate Jewish festivals or simply to walk where Jesus walked.
We can expect new areas of co-operation and diplomacy after President Rivlin’s visit.
Of course Fiji will continue to advocate for Israel’s support in our global climate action on the international stage.