Prime Minister, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, received a courtesy call from the non-resident Ambassador of the State of Israel to Fiji, His Excellency Roi Rosenblit, at the Parliament complex yesterday (05/04/22).
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama congratulated Ambassador Rosenblit on his new role and conveyed assurances of the Fijian Government to enhance diplomatic relations, which were established in 1970 and are based on the values of respect for sovereignty and mutual priorities.
The Prime Minister acknowledged collective efforts in the advancement of global peace and security, notably through Fiji’s contributions to peacekeeping operations in the Middle East.
The two nations’ cooperation in agriculture, defence, disaster resilience, and security cooperation were recognised, with Fiji’s appreciation conveyed to Israel for its assistance rendered in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Winston.
The Prime Minister said that the multilateral partnership established in 2020, through the first-ever Summit between Israel-Pacific Islands, speaks to the shared aspirations to build a greener, bluer, and resilient societies for regional and global prosperity.
The Prime Minister extended the Fijian Government’s best wishes to Ambassador Rosenblit as he assumes his new role and expressed confidence that during his tenure, relations between Fiji and Israel would elevate to new heights.
Ambassador Rosenblit said that he is grateful to Prime Minister Bainimarama for the opportunity to meet in person and the discussions they had will pave the way forward to strengthen collaboration between the two nations.
“I commend the Prime Minister, Bainimarama, for his exemplary leadership in advancing the interests of Fiji and the region. Israel reaffirms its solidarity with Fiji and the Pacific in rebuilding the economy from the impacts of the pandemic and climate change, building peace and security, resilient healthcare, promote tourism, renewable energy and technology, small and medium enterprises.”
“Israel and Fiji relations is very special and deep-rooted; Fiji is a reliable partner and friend of Israel. Israel thanks the Fijian troops for their unprecedented commitment in peacekeeping operations through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).
He highlighted that the Israel-Pacific Food Security Alliance was signed during the Israel–Pacific Leaders’ Summit, hence food security and agricultural development is an important area of partnership.
He mentioned that with further discussions, Israel hopes to explore an initiative that will enable 30 Fijian interns to travel to Israel in the summer of 2022, for a one year 'learning by doing' programme, where they will study the newest agro–technologies, while earning salaries, and upon their return to Fiji, they will implement those techniques.
Ambassador Rosenblit said, “I thank the Fijian Government for the kind hospitality accorded to me during my first official visit to Fiji and the Pacific. Vinaka Vakalevu to Fiji for the warm welcome.”
“During my tenure, I hope to create opportunities for High-Level visits between the two countries and build on the momentum of our cooperation with Fiji and the Pacific.”
“Prime Minister, Bainimarama, visited Israel in 2018, and likewise, former president of Israel, Mr Reuven Rivlin, visited Fiji in 2020. We look forward to host the Fijian President, Prime Minister Bainimarama, and Fijian Government officials in Israel in the near future. We also hope to see the Israel’s President and Prime Minister visit Fiji and the Pacific in the coming years.”