Israel has joined the Pacific Islands Forum, the region's principal political organisation, as a partner.
The country, which has a deep-rooted affection from Pacific communities, confirmed the decision in a press release on Tuesday (Wednesday NZDT).
Israel has stepped up its diplomatic focus on the Pacific over the last few years, winning the dedication of numerous Pacific Islands countries in the process.
As a PIF partner, Israel will participate in the Forum's Sectoral Partnership Stream, engaging actively with the region on development priorities. The PIF has more than two dozen external dialogue partners, including the United States, China, the United Kingdom, France and the European Union.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said that this will be along the lines of water management, desalination, agriculture and climate change adaptation.
"The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Divavesi Waqa, informed Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar that Israel has been accepted as a Forum Partner. The decision was made at a meeting of the leaders of the Forum's member states, held in Palau," the ministry said.
"The announcement follows Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's visit to Fiji in June of this year, during which he met with the Forum's Secretary General and formally presented Israel's request to join."
PIG secretary-general Baron Waqa welcomed Israel’s Ambassador to Fiji and Pacific Island Countries Maya Yaron in Suva this week.
Pacific Islands Forum
The PIF will also draw up a new agreement with Israel that identifies shared priorities and a means to measure their progress.
Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Naoero have all opened embassies in Jerusalem as a show of solidarity. Samoa has also announced it plans to do the same.
The PIF Secretariat has yet to issue an official statement regarding Israel's partner status announcement.
RNZ Pacific has contacted New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters for comment.
More to come...