Samoa to Establish Embassy in Jerusalem by Year-End

Samoa is poised to become the third Pacific nation to establish an embassy in Jerusalem, according to Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt. During a recent event attended by the Samoa branch of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, Schmidt announced that he has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate the process of opening the embassy, with a goal to have it operational by the end of this year.

This decision follows the establishment of Fiji’s embassy in Jerusalem in 2022 and Papua New Guinea’s embassy, which opened earlier this year. Only a limited number of countries recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, which remains a contested area between Israelis and Palestinians.

In his address, Schmidt reflected on Samoa’s historical ties with Israel. He recalled a meeting with Sharren Haskel, Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, while receiving medical treatment in New Zealand last year. “I am very grateful when the [Deputy] Minister of Foreign Affairs came all the way from Jerusalem to visit me when I was sick in New Zealand,” he said. “It was a blessing for me to know that Israel has also had an eye on Samoa, because we had a lot of connection in many ways.”

Haskel made a brief visit to New Zealand in November following trips to Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The announcement of Fiji’s embassy in September 2022 received mixed reactions. The coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, stating he was “not on the right side of history.” Nevertheless, the Fijian government labeled the embassy as “a strategic step” to foster cooperation with Israel, while reaffirming its commitment to a peaceful two-state solution that guarantees dignity and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Samoa’s forthcoming embassy adds another layer to the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding Jerusalem. As the international community continues to grapple with the implications of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Samoa’s decision underscores its desire to strengthen bilateral relations with Israel while navigating the broader geopolitical context in the region.