Samoa to Establish Embassy in Jerusalem by Year’s End

Samoa will soon establish its embassy in Jerusalem, making it the third Pacific nation to do so. This announcement was made by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt during an event held by the Samoa branch of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem on Tuesday. The Prime Minister instructed the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to commence preparations for the embassy’s opening within the current year.

The decision follows similar moves by other Pacific nations, with Fiji opening its embassy in Jerusalem in 2022 and Papua New Guinea establishing its presence in the city earlier in 2023. Currently, only a limited number of countries recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a city that remains a point of contention between Israelis and Palestinians.

In addressing the audience, Laaulialemalietoa reflected on his connections with Israel, specifically mentioning a meeting with Sharren Haskel, Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, whom he met while receiving medical treatment in New Zealand last year. Laaulialemalietoa expressed gratitude for Haskel’s visit, stating, “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. 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’s trip to New Zealand occurred in November 2022, following visits to Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The establishment of embassies in Jerusalem by Pacific nations has sparked varying reactions. For instance, Fiji’s embassy opening was met with criticism from local activists, such as the coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, who argued that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was “not on the right side of history.”

In contrast, Fiji’s government defended its decision as a “strategic step” aimed at enhancing cooperation with Israel. The government also reiterated its commitment to supporting a peaceful two-state solution, emphasizing the importance of dignity and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. The statement highlighted Fiji’s long-standing diplomatic relations with Israel while also acknowledging the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.

Samoa’s upcoming embassy is expected to deepen its diplomatic ties with Israel, aligning with the trends set by its Pacific neighbors while navigating the complexities surrounding Jerusalem’s status on the international stage.