Region: Widening reach of Pacific diplomacy

On 1 October, Ambassador Henry Mokono presented his credentials as the Papua New Guinea Representative to Israel. During the week of 23 September, Tonga and Lithuania established formal diplomatic relations with each other. 

Assessment: Most Pacific states are seeking economic opportunities and development assistance with the newly established connections. The Solomon Islands stated greater labour mobility was a key goal. In return, Pacific states support these countries politically in international forums. Lithuania praised Tonga’s anti-Russian stance, while seven Pacific countries voted against a UN resolution drafted Palestine calling for an immediate end to Israeli hostilities (3 Pacific states also abstained while the resolution passed comfortably with 124 votes in support). While the influence of non-traditional partners has increased in recent years, it remains small and targeted when compared to traditional partners – PNG is only the second Pacific state to open an Embassy in Israel the other is Australia.