Israel-Samoa Relations

Israel and Samoa established diplomatic relations in 1977, laying the groundwork for a cooperative relationship despite the geographic distance between them. Since then, bilateral ties have developed primarily through Israel’s international development assistance and Samoa’s generally supportive diplomatic posture toward Israel in multilateral forums, including the United Nations.

From the early years of the relationship, Israel focused its engagement with Samoa on development cooperation through MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation. Joint efforts addressed challenges common to Pacific Island states, including sustainable development, food security, public health, climate resilience, and poverty reduction. Over time, this cooperation became the backbone of Israel–Samoa relations.

Health-sector assistance emerged as an early and sustained area of collaboration. Beginning in 2011, Israel provided insulin and diabetes-related medical supplies to Samoa through the Insulin for Life charity, improving access for patients unable to afford or obtain treatment. That same year, Israel donated a portable General Electric Vscan ultrasound device, enhancing diagnostic capabilities in Samoan medical facilities. Israel later extended financial support to the Samoan Victim Support Group, including targeted assistance following the devastation caused by Cyclone Evan in 2013.

Throughout the 2010s and early 2020s, cooperation expanded into agriculture, education, and training. Samoan officials and professionals participated in regional agricultural training programs organized by MASHAV as part of the Israel–Pacific Food Security Alliance Program, focusing on modern irrigation, fertigation, and agricultural extension methods. Additional collaboration included educational exchanges and a 2012 donation of sports equipment to the Samoan football federation.

Diplomatic engagement deepened further in the 2020s. In 2023, Israel and Samoa reaffirmed a mutual visa waiver agreement, facilitating travel and official exchanges. During this period, Israeli officials repeatedly cited Samoa’s consistent and supportive voting record at the United Nations as a key element of the bilateral relationship.

In January 2026, Samoan Prime Minister Laʻauli Leuatea Schmidt informed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar that Samoa intended to open an embassy in Jerusalem later that year. Sa’ar welcomed the announcement, thanked Samoa for its longstanding support for Israel in international forums, and invited Schmidt and senior Samoan officials to visit Israel to advance preparations. The decision positioned Samoa among a small group of countries with embassies in Jerusalem and marked a symbolic elevation of the bilateral relationship, while building on decades of prior cooperation rather than redefining it.