Fiji is set to formalise a new partnership with Israel on diplomatic training, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be signed alongside the opening of Israel’s embassy in Suva.
The agreement, recently endorsed by Cabinet, will focus on training opportunities and the exchange of information between the two countries’ diplomatic services, aimed at strengthening capacity building and professional development.
The development was confirmed in Parliament by Minister for Foreign Affairs Sakiasi Ditoka in response to a question from Opposition MP Inosi Kuridrani, who sought an update on the proposed arrangement.
Ditoka highlighted that Fiji’s engagement with Israel is part of its broader foreign policy approach, grounded in national interest, sovereignty, mutual respect and adherence to international law.
Ditoka says assurances have been given that the MOU would not alter Fiji’s independent positions in multilateral forums such as the United Nations.
He says the agreement is a capacity-building initiative rather than a political alignment, with Fiji continuing to maintain relationships with a wide range of global partners including Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Meanwhile, concerns were raised by Opposition MP Jone Usamate regarding the implications of engaging in diplomatic training with Israel, given ongoing global conflicts, including in Gaza and southern Lebanon.
In response, Ditoka says exposure to complex geopolitical environments could strengthen the diplomatic skills and experience of Fijian officials.
He also confirmed that Fiji is exploring similar diplomatic training partnerships with other countries, including the United Kingdom and Singapore, as part of a broader effort to enhance its diplomatic capacity.
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