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Ambassador Noreén of Sweden meets with Speaker Figir

PALIKIR, POHNPEI (FSM Congress): February 18, 2009 - Among the issues discussed was the area of fisheries to which Speaker Figir shared with the Ambassador concerns that certain fishing practices may not be agreeable to the economy and future lives of the FSM.

Another issue raised was developments in the private sector, an area Ambassador Noreén touched on during his last visit in the Spring of 2007. Speaker Figir relayed that it remains an area of continuing challenges for the FSM and that it still need assistance and consultation. The Ambassador floated the idea of Foreign Direct Investment as something that could be beneficial to businesses in the FSM and could stimulate the economy. He commended the expansion of the Pohnpei runway in that it would accommodate larger aircrafts and enable further means of aiding the economy.

The discussions also touched on the World Maritime University in Sweden, where years ago some FSM citizens received training and the possibility of re-establishing this network to enable the participation of interested FSM citizens.

An issue of mutual concern to both nations is the matter of climate change. Speaker Figir first and foremost, thanked Ambassador Noreén for the European Union (EU) assistance in the areas of renewable energy, especially in the donation and installation of solar panels.

The Speaker underscored the realities of climate change, especially rising sea levels, and its effects on the FSM which is comprised mostly of low-lying islands. He explained that for people living on these low-lying islands, these realities have cause relocation of families because of flooding and salt-water intrusion and damages to daily subsistence. Ambassador Noreen agreed that awareness of climate change is critical and he encouraged the island nations to remain active by keeping their voices heard.

Speaker Figir applauded the EU for taking the lead in the issue of climate change and for its position on Renewable & Alternative Energy. He commended Sweden for taking a stance and making Climate Change an issue of priority when they assume the Presidency of the European Union.

With both sides reaffirming their shared interest and commitment to climate change, the visit concluded with Speaker thanking Ambassador Noreén for his visits to the FSM. Accompanying the Ambassador on the courtesy visit to the Speaker's office was Mrs. Grazyna Noreén and staff from the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Kingdom of Sweden and the FSM established diplomatic ties on August 17, 1992, with Japan as the Embassy station for which the Swedish Ambassador to the FSM is based.