Israel has been accepted as a partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, in a diplomatic boost for Jerusalem as it seeks to strengthen ties with countries in the region.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the decision on Tuesday, saying the forum’s secretary-general, Baron Divavesi Waqa, had informed him that Pacific leaders approved Israel’s application at a meeting in Palau.
Israel submitted its request during Sa’ar’s visit to Fiji in June. The partnership will enable Israel to participate in regional cooperation on water management, desalination, agriculture, climate change adaptation, innovation and sustainable development.
Israel and the forum will also develop a joint action plan and establish a mechanism to monitor its implementation, Sa’ar said.
Before Israel’s inclusion, the forum had 21 dialogue partners, including the United States, China, Japan and the European Union. The partners are countries and organisations outside the Pacific region that contribute to discussions on regional development and security.
The announcement follows growing diplomatic engagement between Israel and Pacific island nations. Israel opened an embassy in Fiji this year, while Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Nauru have opened embassies in Jerusalem.
Several Pacific nations have also supported Israel or opposed resolutions critical of it at the United Nations.
The move comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure over the war in Gaza and seeks to broaden its diplomatic support.
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