A supporter of Israel holds an Israeli flag in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, on 8 October. Photo: JULIA NIKHINSON / AFP
Israel has announced an official visit to Pacific Island states.
In a statement on X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that the Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has instructed his deputy, Sharren Haskel, to lead a delegation for discussions aimed at "deepening and advancing Israel-Pacific relations in a wide range of bilateral, multilateral, and strategic fields".
"The Pacific Island states constitute an important focus of support for Israel across various international frameworks," the post stated.
"This support is expressed bilaterally-most notably through the establishment of official embassies in Jerusalem, Israel's capital, as exemplified by Papua New Guinea in 2023 and as additional states intend to pursue in the near future-as well as multilaterally, including through significant backing of Israel within the United Nations."
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The Ministry said the region "has been one of Israel's strategic development partners", through numerous projects and training programs led by Israel's International Development Agency (MASHAV)
It stated that the visit, and the broader diplomatic effort accompanying it, reflects Israel's profound appreciation for the Pacific Island states and underscores Israel's commitment to strengthening cooperation with them.
"Israel seeks to broaden these partnerships into new, substantial areas while identifying additional strategic and bilateral interests that will serve to further advance the mutual interests of all parties."
