Samoa opens an embassy in Jerusalem: a diplomatic move from the Pacific that will be noticed at the UN

The state of Samoa announced preparations to open an embassy in Jerusalem, and the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that the process of agreements and preparations is already underway. The statement came from the leadership of Samoa at a meeting with representatives of pro-Israel Christian organizations — in Oceania, such structures often become channels of support for Israel in symbolically sensitive areas.

For Israel, this is important news not only because of the fact of opening a diplomatic mission but also because of the location. Jerusalem remains a subject of international disputes, so each new embassy in the city is perceived as a political signal: who is ready to confirm relations not only with words but also with the geography of their diplomacy.

According to Israeli media reports, Samoa will become the third Pacific state to decide to open an embassy in Jerusalem — after Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Previously, embassies in Jerusalem were opened by the USA, several Latin American countries, and Kosovo.

Samoa — what kind of country is it and where is it located

Samoa is a small island nation in Polynesia, in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean. The country consists of two main islands — Upolu and Savai’i — and several smaller islands. The capital is Apia, where the main government institutions and business life are concentrated.

Samoa is often confused with American Samoa, but these are different entities. American Samoa is a US territory located to the east. The independent state of Samoa is located to the west; until 1997, it was officially called “Western Samoa,” and then changed its name to “Samoa,” establishing it internationally.

Population, languages, religion

About 200,000 people live in Samoa — this is a state “the size of a large city.” The official languages are Samoan and English.

Religion plays a significant role in public life: Samoa is predominantly a Christian country, and religious organizations there have an influence on the public agenda, including foreign policy symbolic gestures.

How governance is structured

Samoa is a parliamentary democracy, but with an important feature: alongside the modern model of power, there is a strong traditional system of matai — an institution of chiefs and titles that influences the structure of communities, decision-making, and public authority.

The Prime Minister is formed through parliament, and the head of state in Samoa performs mainly representative functions. The political culture there is largely tied to communities and traditional leaders, so decisions involving foreign policy are often accompanied by internal consultations and public explanations.

History: briefly, but to the point

The history of Samoa is a journey through colonial divisions and external governance to independence. At the end of the 19th century, the archipelago was effectively divided: the eastern part became an American territory, and the western part came under European influence and then under the administration of New Zealand.

After World War I, the administration of the western part was assigned to New Zealand first as a mandate territory, then as a territory under UN trusteeship. Samoa gained independence in 1962 — one of the first among the island nations of the Pacific Ocean.

The renaming in 1997 from “Western Samoa” to “Samoa” became an element of national identity and the establishment of its name on the international stage, even despite the contentious issue for American Samoa.

Geography and vulnerability: why foreign policy for Samoa is also about survival

Samoa is an island country with a tropical climate and vulnerability to natural disasters: cyclones, storms, and coastal erosion are constant risks. Logistics, imports, energy, and food prices are always “with politics” here — any disruption by sea quickly becomes a social problem.

Therefore, Samoa, like many Oceania states, conducts foreign policy pragmatically: targeted partnerships where support programs, education, infrastructure assistance, and international projects are important.

Why Samoa has few embassies — and why Jerusalem stands out

Samoa has a small diplomatic network: the country physically cannot maintain dozens of embassies, so it focuses on key directions and often combines the functions of missions.

Against this backdrop, the decision to open an embassy specifically in Jerusalem looks like a politically conscious step: it involves costs and inevitable external reactions, but at the same time — a demonstration of a line that Samoa is ready to support.

What this gives Israel

For Israel, such decisions strengthen the international position on the status of Jerusalem and expand the circle of states ready for public gestures of support.

There is also a practical level: Pacific countries, despite their size, have a voice in the UN and international structures. In certain votes and diplomatic coalitions, even one vote can be significant, especially when it comes to resolutions and symbolic initiatives.

If the Samoan embassy in Jerusalem indeed opens soon, it will become another point on the map where Israel’s alliance is confirmed not only by statements but also by a real diplomatic address. NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency