Nauru officially inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, becoming the ninth country to establish an embassy in the Israeli capital.
The opening ceremony was attended by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Nauru’s vice president and foreign minister, Lionel Aingimea. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the move reflected the close relationship between the two countries and Nauru’s commitment to expanding bilateral ties.
“Nauru is one of Israel’s most loyal and steadfast friends in the international community,” Sa’ar said. “You have recognized what we all know to be the truth — Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.”
Sa’ar also praised Nauru for consistently supporting Israel at the United Nations and for backing it during proceedings at the International Court of Justice.
Aingimea said the decision followed a conversation with Sa’ar when the two met in Fiji. He described support for Israel as deeply rooted in Nauru’s religious values and pledged that his country would align itself more closely with Israel in future UN votes.
“Our motto is ‘God first,’ and Israel has always held a special place in our hearts,” Aingimea said. “We believe with all our hearts that supporting Israel brings us God’s blessing.”
According to Aingimea, Nauru has voted with Israel at the UN 71% of the time. “Mark my words: That 71% will rise in the very near future,” he said.
The opening is part of an Israeli diplomatic campaign to increase international recognition of Jerusalem as its capital and encourage more countries to establish missions in the city. Most foreign embassies remain in the Tel Aviv area because Jerusalem’s status is among the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Paraguay, Somaliland, Papua New Guinea and Fiji also maintain embassies in Jerusalem. It added that more countries are expected to follow.
Israel’s Pacific diplomacy: Nauru to become 10th country with embassy in Jerusalem
Israel and Nauru plan to expand cooperation in areas including health, agriculture, water management, innovation and climate resilience, the ministry said.