Israel has been accepted as a dialogue partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced.

Pacific leaders approved Israel’s application at their meeting in Palau, Reuters reported.

The status gives Israel a formal channel to engage with the 18-member forum, the region’s main policy body.

Cooperation will focus on water, desalination, agriculture and climate change.

Desalination could help secure drinking water for atolls threatened by saltwater intrusion.

Israel has spent years building ties across the Pacific, offering development aid and technical expertise.

Officials say detailed project discussions will begin in the coming months.

Read the full article for more details on Israel’s Pacific Islands Forum status.