Israel joins Pacific Islands Forum as a dialogue partner, with cooperation planned on water, agriculture, climate and sustainable development

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that Israel had been admitted as a partner to the Pacific Islands Forum, saying the move was part of efforts to expand the country’s ties with the region. Saar said Forum Secretary-General Baron Divavesi Waqa told him Pacific leaders approved Israel’s application at a meeting in Palau. Israel submitted its request during Saar’s visit to Fiji in June.

Before Israel’s admission, the Forum had 21 dialogue partners, including the United States, China, Japan and the European Union. The partners are countries and organizations outside the Blue Pacific region that have significant interests in the islands and contribute to regional development and security initiatives.

Under the partnership, Israel will work with the Forum on water management, desalination, agriculture, climate change, innovation and sustainable development, Saar said. The two sides will also prepare a joint action plan and establish a mechanism to monitor its implementation.

Israel opened an embassy in Fiji earlier this year; it also serves nine other Pacific island countries. Saar added that Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Nauru had opened embassies in Jerusalem since the current Israeli government took office.