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FSM Establishes Historic Relations With Egypt

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Permanent Mission to the United Nations): September 25, 2010 - A significant page in the diplomatic history of the Federated States of Micronesia was written on September 25, 2010, in the City of New York, when FSM Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S. Robert and his Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit, affixed their signatures to a Joint Communique that formalized the relations between the FSM and the Arab Republic of Egypt. Secretary Robert and Minister Gheit were in New York to participate in the proceedings of the 65^th UN General Assembly.

The new relations between the two countries are established at Ambassadorial level, non-resident, and are founded on the principles and norms of the United Nations Charter and international law. The Joint Communique further states that the two countries "are fully convinced that the establishment of diplomatic relations corresponds to the interests of both States and will strengthen international peace and stability."

The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries is historic insofar as Egypt is the first Arab country with which the FSM formalizes its relations. Given its place in history and the fact that it is the most populous country in the Arab world, Egypt is a key player in the affairs of the Middle East region. For instance, it was following the dramatic visit of President Anwar Sadat to Jerusalem, in November 1977, that Egypt, considered comparatively more moderate than its neighboring Arab countries, broke ranks with the other Arab states and established friendly relations with the State of Israel.

Concurrent with the signing of the Joint Communique, the Permanent Representatives of the two countries to the UN, FSM Ambassador Masao Nakayama and Egypt Ambassador Maged A. Abdelaziz, informed UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon about the consummation of the relations and requested that all UN Member States be likewise informed. The two governments will determine as to where they will accredit their respective non-resident ambassadors.

The establishment of relations was witnessed by various officials of the Egyptian government. Also on hand to witness the ceremony, on the FSM side, were Mr Ricky Carl and DCM James A. Naich, who were members of the FSM Delegation to the 65^th UN General Assembly.