Israel Joins Pacific Islands Forum as Partner Nation
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Israel has been approved as a partner nation by the Pacific Islands Forum, following a decision by member state leaders in Palau. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the development, which will see Israel cooperate on water, agriculture, and innovation. The forum's representatives held an initial development aid briefing with Israeli officials, including Ambassador Maya Yaron and Mashav head Einat Shlein. Three Pacific island nations have opened embassies in Jerusalem in recent years.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel officially joins the Pacific Islands Forum as a partner nation after approval by member state leaders.
- The partnership will focus on cooperation in water management, agriculture, innovation, and climate change adaptation.
- Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the decision following a meeting with Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa.
- An initial development aid briefing was held between forum representatives and Israeli officials in Suva, Fiji.
- Three Pacific island nations have established embassies in Jerusalem in recent years.
Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum have approved Israel's request to join as a partner nation, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced. The decision was made during a summit of the forum's member states in Palau. Saar had previously met with Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa in Fiji in June, presenting Israel's bid for partnership.
Under this new status, Israel will collaborate with the region's countries on water management, desalination, agriculture, climate change adaptation, innovation, and sustainable development. A joint action plan will be developed to define practical areas of cooperation and monitor implementation. This partnership is seen as a strategic asset for the United States, according to Saar.
Following the decision, forum representatives held their first briefing with Israel on development aid at the organization's headquarters in Suva, Fiji. The meeting included Ambassador Maya Yaron, who heads Israel's embassy in Fiji and is also responsible for nine other island nations in the region, and Ambassador Einat Shlein, head of Mashav, the Foreign Ministry's international aid agency. Discussions focused on technical assistance, training, and water security. Yaron emphasized that the partnership should begin by listening to the region's countries and their priorities.
In recent years, three Pacific island nations, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Nauru, have opened embassies in Jerusalem. Nauru inaugurated its embassy in September, with Saar attending the ceremony.
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