(PRESS SECRETARIAT); It’s not a question of why anymore but a question of when as Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi today gave his official endorsement for Samoa to be granted visa entry to Israel.
In recent months, officials from the State of Israel and Government have been engaged in negotiations for Samoans to be granted free visitor’s visa access to the Holy Land.
And the Prime Minister has given the green light for local officials to “execute the necessary documents for visa free entry for Samoans to enter Israel,” says Tuilaepa.
Continued the Prime Minister;
“It’s a must considering Samoa is a Christian Country founded on God as prescribed by our constitution.
‘As a God fearing nation, it is also most fitting that every opportunity is afforded to our people to visit Israel which is the birth place and the roots of Christianity.
“Government is also mindful of the benefit to our tourism sector.
“As we all know, tourism is the mainstream of our economy and we must take advantage of every opportunity to attract new tourists to our shores.
“New tourists translate to fresh revenues for the sector with our accommodation providers, transport sector, taxi and bus drivers and even farmers reaping the benefits from tourism dollars.
“Then there is also the issue of attracting new investors from the Holy Land with Israeli tourists spreading the word of Samoa’s natural beauty not to mention our political stability as a haven for investment.”
Tuilaepa has already assured the Israeli Ambassador to Samoa based in Wellington New Zealand, Dr Itzhak Gerberg that the visa issue is a done deal subject to official endorsement.
“Samoans visiting Israel has increased slowly but surely in recent months,” says Dr. Gerberg in the country last week to finalise details of a training next October in Samoa as well as to negotiate future activities which includes a State Visit by Prime Minister Tuilaepa to Israel and Celebrating Israel’s National (Independence Day) in Samoa next year.
“I can understand that security is an issue which is discouraging Samoans to come to Israel but rest assured measures are in place to ensure the safety and the wellbeing of all visitors including Samoans are in place,” he added.
Currently, Samoans needing a visitor’s visa must obtain the visa from the Israeli Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand.
