The first Israeli-Pacific leaders summit was hosted by the Government of Fiji at the Pullman resort from the 20-21 February. The summit was attended by the prime ministers of Fiji Hon Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Samoa; Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and Papua New Guinea Hon James Marape, Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga Hon Vuna Fa’ofusia; Deputy Prime Minister of Tuvalu Hon Minute Alapeti Taupo and ministers from the Solomon Islands, Hon Jeremiah Manele and Hon Andrew Napuat of Vanuatu as well as the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia in Fiji. The Israeli delegation was led by the President of the State of Israel HE Reuven Rivlin.
An Outcomes Statement was endorsed by all countries which focused on the key areas for which Israel is willing to provide support to the pacific and for which it has demonstrable comparative advantage and innovation: These are namely agriculture and food security. water resources management, public health, disaster preparedness and climate change among others. The Israel-Pacific Food Security Alliance was also launched for further development and implementation in the months to come.
The Leaders also agreed to strengthen efforts towards the facilitation of further engagement of the private sector from Israel in projects for the sustainable development of Pacific countries.
Israel also offered 100 agriculture scholarship awards for the Pacific for a one year study and work program at the Agriculture International Centre for Agricultural Training in the Negev Southern Israel.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa in his country statement reaffirmed the areas for Israeli support to Samoa in the key areas of agriculture development, the use of ICT technology programs and related capacity building, public health and water resources management. Israel’s assistance through the provision of a medical team during the measles epidemic was also acknowledged.
Assurances by Israel of the early endorsement of the signed visa waiver with israel by the Knesset was made and that they had taken note of the importance of genuine and durable partnerships for consolidated engagement with the Pacific in order to reaffirm the bonds of friendship and solidarity between Israel and the Pacific countries..
The Israeli-Pacific Summit will be a continuing process on a regular basis.
