Israel becomes Pacific Islands Forum partner

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 05:02 · Archive

Israel has been approved as a dialogue partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, according to Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

Israel has become a Pacific Islands Forum dialogue partner, according to Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. PIF Secretary-General Baron Divavesi Waqa informed Sa'ar that Pacific leaders approved Israel's application at their meeting in Palau. Israel submitted its request during Sa'ar's visit to Fiji in June, when the country opened an embassy in Suva that also serves nine other Pacific island countries.

The Pacific Islands Forum previously had 21 dialogue partners, including the United States, China, Japan and the European Union. Dialogue partners are countries and organisations outside the Pacific region with significant interests in the islands that contribute to regional development and security discussions.

Under the new arrangement, Israel will participate in cooperation on water management, desalination, agriculture, climate change, innovation and sustainable development. Israel and the PIF will prepare a joint action plan and establish a mechanism to monitor its implementation. Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Nauru have opened embassies in Jerusalem since the current Israeli government took office, Sa'ar said.

The move comes as Israel seeks deeper diplomatic support amid mounting international pressure over its conduct of the war in Gaza. Several Pacific island states have voted with Israel or against UN resolutions it opposed. The Pacific Islands Forum has not publicly confirmed Israel's status.

How it is being reported

• Israel accepted as a Pacific Islands Forum partnerAfter opening an embassy in Fiji, Israel says it's further strengthening its ties with Pacific Island nations by becoming a Pacific Islands Forum partner.Perth Now · 21 Oct, 04:45
• Israel accepted as a Pacific Islands Forum partnerAfter opening an embassy in Fiji, Israel says it's further strengthening its ties with Pacific Island nations by becoming a Pacific Islands Forum partner.The West Australian · 21 Oct, 04:45

In this story: Israel · Pacific Islands Forum · Gideon Sa'ar · Fiji · Papua New Guinea · Nauru

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem