The Republic of Nauru, one of the world’s smallest nations, has formally opened its first embassy in Israel, choosing Jerusalem as the location for its diplomatic mission.
The embassy was inaugurated on Monday, September 7, in a ceremony attended by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Nauru’s Vice President and Foreign Minister Lionel Rouwen Aingimea.
The move represents a further strengthening of relations between Israel and the Pacific island nation, which has a population of roughly 12,000 people and has consistently supported Israel in international forums.
NAURU REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Aingimea said establishing the embassy in Jerusalem was not simply about strengthening bilateral relations but also represented “a message to the world of where we stand.”
He highlighted Nauru’s voting record at the United Nations, saying the country votes alongside Israel approximately 71% of the time and suggesting that figure would rise further.
Sa’ar described Nauru as “one of Israel’s greatest friends”, praising the Pacific nation for its consistent diplomatic support.
The opening follows an agreement reached between Sa’ar and Aingimea during a meeting in Fiji in June 2025.
JERUSALEM DIPLOMATIC PRESENCE EXPANDS
Nauru’s decision comes as Israel seeks to strengthen Jerusalem’s international diplomatic standing and encourage more countries to establish or relocate embassies in the city.
Nauru had already recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2019. Before Monday’s inauguration, Israel had announced that Nauru would become the tenth foreign country to establish an embassy in Jerusalem.
Other countries with embassies or diplomatic missions in Jerusalem include the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Somaliland.
Israel has also said that Colombia is expected to open an embassy in Jerusalem, while the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced plans to move its embassy there. Argentina has also indicated an intention to relocate its embassy to the city.
COOPERATION EXTENDS BEYOND DIPLOMACY
The relationship between Israel and Nauru is not limited to political support.
Israel has maintained development cooperation with the Pacific nation through MASHAV, the country’s international development cooperation programme.
According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, planned cooperation includes assistance with medical capabilities, medical equipment, cardiac ultrasound equipment and water-purification systems capable of producing tens of thousands of litres of clean water each day.
The cooperation reflects Israel’s broader engagement with Pacific island nations in areas including healthcare, agriculture, water management and development.
A SMALL NATION WITH A SIGNIFICANT DIPLOMATIC VOICE
Despite its small population and geographic size, Nauru has developed a notable diplomatic relationship with Israel.
The Pacific nation has been among Israel’s consistent supporters at the United Nations and previously submitted a written statement supporting Israel in proceedings against the country at the International Court of Justice.
For Israel, the embassy opening represents another diplomatic gain at a time when Jerusalem is seeking to strengthen relationships with countries across the Pacific, Africa, Asia and Latin America.
For Nauru, the move provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation with Israel while establishing a permanent diplomatic presence in Jerusalem.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MOVE
The status of Jerusalem remains one of the most sensitive issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital, while most countries do not recognize Israel’s sovereignty over all parts of the city and maintain their embassies in or around Tel Aviv.
Nauru’s decision to establish its embassy in Jerusalem therefore carries significance beyond the size of the Pacific nation itself.
The opening signals Nauru’s continued alignment with Israel and adds another country to the growing group choosing to maintain diplomatic representation in Jerusalem.
As bilateral cooperation expands, the two countries are expected to continue working together in areas ranging from diplomacy and international forums to healthcare, water and development.
