17 May 2012

Samoa PM accepts Israel prime minister's invitation for a state visit

8:19 am on 17 May 2012

Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has invited Samoa's prime minister, Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi for a state visit to his country.

The invitation offer was made by Israel's ambassador to Samoa, Shewi Tzur, at celebrations last night marking 64 years of Israeli independence.

Mr Tzur says his government is hoping for a state visit to Israel by the prime minister.

He says the two countries share a friendly relationship and in cooperate in the international arena.

Israeli is happy to share with Samoa their experience and knowledge in the fields of agriculture, water, health energy, education and sport.

As part of the celebration Mr Tzur handed over a donation of diabetes medical supplies to the Health Ministry, and also sports gear worth over 100,000 US dollars to the Samoa Football Soccer Federation.

Tuilaepa says a state visit to Israel will be sometime towards the end of the year.