Vice President of Nauru in an exclusive interview with "Hayom": "Israel is at the heart of our people"
Lionel Rouwen Aingimea, Vice President of Nauru and Minister of Foreign Affairs, arrived in Jerusalem for the opening ceremony of his country's embassy, the tenth in the capital. In an exclusive interview with "Hayom," he spoke about the religious and moral connection of his people to Israel, Nauru's consistent support on the international stage, and the need for Israeli technological and agricultural assistance. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the move.
Lionel Rouwen Aingimea, Vice President of Nauru and Minister of Foreign Affairs, arrived in Jerusalem for the opening ceremony of his country's embassy, the tenth embassy operating in Israel's capital. In an exclusive interview with "Hayom," he described the deep connection between the peoples: the Christian population on the island prays for Israel's well-being, the Israeli flag flies in churches, and Nauru consistently stands by Israel at the UN — ranking third in the number of votes in its favor, after the US and Micronesia. Aingimea also came to establish economic, commercial, and technological ties. He noted that Israel already assists in desalination and wastewater treatment, and now assistance is needed in agriculture, fishing, and entrepreneurship. At the inauguration ceremony, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that Nauru is one of Israel's most loyal friends and stood by it even at the International Court of Justice. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a condemnation and threatened consequences.