Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Israel extends visa waiver for FSM

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): June 4, 2001 - The Department of Foreign Affairs has announced Israel's decision to exempt the Federated States of Micronesia from the requirements of visa prior to entry into Israel.

The information released on by the Department stated: Effective March 26, 2001, FSM citizens will receive entry visa upon arrival in the State of Israel.

The waiver is one of the two agreements signed during President Leo A. Falcam's State Visit to Israel in September of last year. During the President's visit, a "Summary of Discussions" between the two Governments was signed on September 14, 2001, which signifies the important relationship that Israel and FSM have and the willingness for both countries to work together.

According to Herman Semes Jr. of the Department of Foreign Affairs, included in the Summary of Discussions was an agreement of "reciprocity, where both countries agreed that in the near future they would consider waiving visas or entry permits for their respective citizens upon arrival in both countries."

As a result of the President's visit, the Minister of the Interior of the State of Israel has signed a decree, exempting citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia from the requirement to obtain an entry visa prior to their arrival in Israel.

The other agreement was the Economic and Technical Support Agreement between the two nations. The Agreement is undergoing a review process in the Israel Government.

From the day the FSM and Israel signed diplomatic relations, the FSM continues to benefit from the Center for International Cooperation (MASHAV) in areas of agriculture, education, community and rural development, and health.

For example,

  • March 1992, an Israeli Consultant led a survey on poultry development;

  • May 1994, an Israel Soccer Coach was sent for a period of two months to train the Micronesia Soccer Team based in Yap State;

  • June 1994, an Israel Agriculture consultant led short-term mission to the FSM on the subject of vegetable crops;

  • May 1999, two experts from the National Water Company of Israel-MEKOROT conducted an on-the-spot courses in Water Resources Management.

The medical facilities on all four states have benefited from the Israeli doctors continuous missions, trainings and donations. The most recent visit by Dr. Yossi Baratz donated, on behalf of the Israeli Government, medical equipments to medical facilities in Pohnpei.

In respect to the assistance, Pohnpei State Legislature has proposed a Resolution recognizing the contributions and donations from the State of Israel.

The FSM and the State of Israel established diplomatic relations on 23 November 1988. The accredited Ambassador of Israel to the FSM is H.E. Gabby Levy based in Canberra, Australia.