The Israeli government has funded over 15 biogas systems, which were handed over to the Samoan Government through the National Emergency Operations Centre on Friday. 

In addition, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Ale Vena met with Israel’s Ambassador Alon Roth-Snir.

Meanwhile, on Thursday afternoon, the ambassador formally presented his credentials to the Head of State, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, during a ceremony at the Official Residence in Vailele.

The ceremony accredited Roth-Snir as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to Samoa, with residence in Wellington.

The Head of State welcomed the ambassador and thanked Israel for its long-standing support for Samoa’s development, particularly in health, agriculture, food security, and renewable energy. He highlighted Israel’s assistance during the 2019 measles crisis and collaboration under the Israel–Pacific Food Security Alliance.

He also noted Samoa’s plan to open a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem later this year as a key step in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Samoa and Israel have maintained friendly relations since 30 May 1977, collaborating in the UN and other forums on issues like sustainable development, climate change, poverty, human rights, and security.

Ambassador Roth-Snir reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to strengthening the partnership and continuing dialogue and cooperation based on the work started by previous ambassadors.

Roth-Snir joined Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1986. He has served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Brussels, Amman and London, and was Ambassador to Norway from 2018 to 2022. He also served as Deputy Director General and Head of the Strategic Department and Special Coordinator for Kidnapped Persons in 2023.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Tel Aviv University, an MBA from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a Master’s in Security Studies from the University of Haifa.