Samoan Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt has tendered an apology after a 2007 video of him performing a Nazi salute and singing the chorus of ‘Heil Hitler’ at a family reunion surfaced online.

The 60-year-old politician could be seen in the seven-minute video leading around a dozen people in the demonstration of the Nazi-affiliated salute, saying “Raise your right hand, Heil Hitler.”

In a statement on Monday, Mr Schmidt acknowledged the video’s authenticity, saying the footage was from a private family gathering almost two decades ago and was not intended for public release.

“I have been made aware of historical video footage reported in the media relating to a private family gathering in Savali in 2007. The footage shows me using the words ‘Heil Hitler’ and participating in a gesture associated with Nazi Germany in a private family gathering—not intended for the public,” the statement said.

The prime minister, however, stated that he understood the criticism of his actions in the footage. He said the clip did not reflect his beliefs, citing his opposition to all forms of discrimination.

“Whatever the context or intention at that gathering twenty years ago, I recognise that those words and gestures were inappropriate and capable of causing offence and hurt, and I apologise for using them.

“I reject Nazism, antisemitism, racism and all forms of political extremism. They do not reflect my personal beliefs, nor the values of the government or people of Samoa as in the public record of statements I made since becoming prime minister,” Mr Samoan stated.

He further stressed that Samoa was founded on constitutional democracy that respects the rights and dignity of human beings.