Naoero, formerly known as Nauru, has opened its embassy in Jerusalem, becoming the third Pacific Island nation to do so.
Naoero’s Vice-President Lionel Aingimea said it sends a message to the world about where the island nation stands.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Israel has committed to sending Naoero medical equipment and water purification systems.
Aingimea said opening an embassy in Jerusalem was a “major political decision”.
“We see opening an embassy here in Jerusalem not only as a strengthening of our ties with Israel, but also as a message to the world of where we stand,” he was quoted as saying in a statement released by the Israeli government.
“There was never a thought in the minds and hearts of Naoero that we would open an embassy here in Jerusalem this year. What changed it? It was born in discussions between myself and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Fiji. I took it to Cabinet, and Cabinet endorsed it. It was an easy decision to make.”
He added that Naoero’s support for Israel had been “unwvering”.
“Naoero is historically one of Israel’s most reliable and consistent diplomatic allies at the United Nations.
“The United States stands at 93% of its votes supporting Israel, the Federated States of Micronesia at 88%, and Naoero at 71%. Mark my words: that 71% will increase very quickly.
“True friends stay consistent through both good times and hard trials, and that is who Naoero is to Israel.”
