Samoa’s head of state Afioga Tui’malealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa (La’auli) Leuatea Schmidt joined a parade in Apia over the weekend in support of Israel.<\/p>\n
The “March for Israel” was organised by the Samoa for Israel group and attended by various churches and organisations.<\/p>\n
Photos of the event shared by the Samoan government showed people carrying and wrapped in Israeli flags in front of the Government Building, where the event took place.<\/p>\n
According to the Samoa Observer, La’auli broke down in tears at the pro-Israel gathering.<\/p>\n
“Visibly emotional, La’aulialemalietoa linked his support for Israel to his Christian faith, recalling the sacrifices made before independence,” the newspaper reported.<\/p>\n
“La’aulialemalietoa said the time had come to declare Samoa’s position, rather than remain undecided about supporting what he described as ‘God’s government’.”<\/p>\n
La’auli is among the most staunch supporters of Israel in the region. He also confirmed that preparations for Samoa’s embassy in Jerusalem were continuing despite opposition.<\/p>\n
The event was held following an announcement by the Israeli Foreign Ministry last month that the country had been accepted into the Pacific Islands Forum as a sectoral partner – a move that has split the region<\/a>.<\/p>\n