Israeli ambassador to New Zealand travels to the small island country to sign joint communique establishing diplomatic ties. “It’s official: Israel loves Niue!”
By Ben Rappaport, United with Israel
Israel last week established diplomatic ties with the island country of Niue in the South Pacific Ocean.
Israeli Ambassador to New Zealand Ran Yaakoby last Monday traveled to Niue, where he signed a joint communique with Premier Dalton Tagelagi officially establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, local website BCN News reported.
“The State of Israel welcomes our new partner in diplomacy as we come together to pave the way for a promising future of friendship, understanding and cooperation between the two nations,” Yaakoby said in a statement.
“This agreement not only strengthens our ties but also reflects our shared commitment to global peace and security to promote innovation, economic growth, and people-to-people connections for the benefit of both our societies,” Yaakoby continued.
Tagelagi said “We open the doors to a future of shared opportunities in areas such as technology, trade, education and cultural exchange,” according to BCN News.
In a tweet, Yaakoby said that he was “proud to be the 1st Israeli official who has ever visited the small but beautiful and friendly island – state of Niue.”
“From now on, it is official: Israel [heart emoji] Niue!” he added.
Aside from his New Zealand posting Yaakoby also serves Non-Resident Ambassador to the Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga.
Niue is about 1,500 miles northeast of New Zealand .About 101 square miles in size, it is located in a triangle between Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands.
With a population of about 1,600, the island is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, and New Zealand handles most of its diplomatic relations. Niueans also hold New Zealand citizenship.