Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Korea donates surplus vessels to FSM

KOREA (FSM Embassy in Japan/FSMIS): January 7, 2003 - The Government of the Republic of Korea recently donated seven surplus fishing vessels to the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed last month in Seoul by representative of the two governments to officially hand over the fishing vessels to the FSM, who will shoulder the responsibility and process of taking over the vessels.

Signing on behalf of the FSM Government was Ambassador Alik L. Alik, FSM Ambassador to Korea and Yoo Jing-Suk, Vice Minister of Maritime Affairs and Trades, signed on behalf of the Government of Korea.

According to Vice Minister Yoo, the Korean Government takes note of the friendly relations that have existed between the two countries and the occasion signifies his government's commitment to further strengthen the friendly and cooperative relations with the FSM Government.

Ambassador Alik expressed his government's deep appreciation to the Korean Government for the donated vessels and added that the generous offer is a true testimony to the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries.

The Ambassador took the occasion of the ceremony to further strengthen the two nations ties by meeting with officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He also met with Shin Jung-Seung, Director General for Asia and Pacific Affairs Bureau. The Director General expressed his appreciation for the support and cooperation extended to his Government by the FSM on the international platform. He further seek the FSM Government's support in Korea's upcoming bid for the non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.

The Director General went on and congratulated the FSM for being selected to the host the permanent secretariat for the Tuna Commission for the Western and Central Pacific.

Other witnesses to the MOU signing included: Shelton Neth - Director of Pohnpei State Economic Development Authority and Renster Andrew - First Secretary of the FSM Embassy in Tokyo.