The presidents, ministers of foreign affairs and ambassadors of the Pacific Island nations of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Nauru arrived in Israel today for a week-long visit to expand ties between the long-standing allies.

During the visit, Mr. Emanuel Mori, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, and Mr. Marcus Stephen, President of the Republic of Nauru, will meet with Israeli leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman.

In addition to discussing issues of global and strategic importance, both island states are expected to sign Memorandums of Understanding expanding agreements on a number of consular matters, and to expand ties on issues such as healthcare, solar energy, water, clean technologies and other areas of importance to the Pacific Island nations in which Israel is a world leader.

The delegation will also tour Jerusalem, visit the town of Sderot, tour Christian sites and meet directors of organizations promoting Arab-Jewish coexistence and youth leadership.

President Shimon Peres officially invited the delegation, which is being hosted under the auspices of Project Interchange, a non-profit institute of the American Jewish Committee, in collaboration with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.