Jerusalem Embassy Recognition: Nauru Joins Nine Nations

The Republic of Nauru formally inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, with Vice President and Foreign Minister Lionel Rouwen Aingimea presiding over the ceremony. The move makes Nauru the ninth country to establish a diplomatic mission in Israel's capital.

During the event, Aingimea explained that the decision to relocate the embassy to Jerusalem followed a conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar during a meeting in Fiji. "Our motto is 'G-d first,' and Israel always holds a special place in our hearts," Aingimea said. "We believe wholeheartedly that supporting Israel brings us G-d's blessing. In Nauru itself, there is tremendous appreciation for Israel."

Putting a mezuzah on the new embassy (Photo: GPO)

In his remarks, Sa'ar praised the Pacific nation's steadfast friendship. "Nauru is one of Israel's most loyal and steadfast friends in the international community," Sa'ar said. "You recognized what we all know to be the truth --- Jerusalem is Israel's capital. You have stood by our side consistently at the UN. And when Israel faced a political campaign at the International Court of Justice, Nauru stood with Israel and with the truth." Aingimea also highlighted Nauru's voting record at the United Nations, noting that while the United States votes with Israel 93% of the time and the Federated States of Micronesia 88%, Nauru's rate stands at 71%. "Remember my words: that 71% will rise very soon," he pledged.

Opening the new embassy (Shlomi Amsalem / GPO)

The opening of Nauru's embassy adds to a growing list of nations maintaining diplomatic representation in Israel's capital. In recent years, several countries have opened or relocated their embassies to Jerusalem, including the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Paraguay, Somaliland, and Pacific nations Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Last month, Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo announced plans to move their embassies to Jerusalem in the coming months. Israel and Nauru maintain close diplomatic ties, and the embassy opening is expected to strengthen cooperation in areas including health, innovation, agriculture, water management, and climate change adaptation.