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Project Interchange will host FSM delegation to Israel

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): January 18, 2010 - Project Interchange, an institute of the American Jewish Committee, has invited President Mori to attend an intensive, educational program in Israel from January 20-25, 2010 that will advance the relationship between Israel and the FSM in a number of areas and provide a deeper understanding of Israel and this region of the world. This invitation was also extended to the Presidents of Nauru, Palau and the Marshall Islands, but only FSM and Nauru will be attending this program at this time.

Through this proposed exchange, President Mori and the FSM delegation will explore the long term applications of Israel's research in alternative energy sources, water use and reclamation, and aquaculture. The program will highlight practical, results oriented projects that emphasize sustainability and showcase key projects that have the potential for multilateral investment.

In addition to specialized presentations, the FSM delegation will also participate in bilateral meetings with Israeli President Mr. Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and have briefings and discussion with Israeli officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade and Investment. There will be presentations from Members of Knesset, journalists, academics, and religious leaders on Israel's economy, political system, and society and the delegation will travel to noted historical and religious sites as another important feature of this program.

Some of the joint activities that the FSM and Nauru delegations will participate in include the laying of wreaths at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, planting a tree in the Forest of The Nations, touring Jerusalem Holy Sites, visiting Hadassah Hospital to learn about initiatives in diabetes prevention and education, and looking at eco-tourism activities around the Dead Sea to name a few.

This FSM delegation consists of President Mori, the First Lady Emma Mori-Nelson, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert, FSM Ambassador to Israel Yosiwo George, FSM Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Masao Nakayama, and Deputy Chief of Mission of the FSM Embassy in Washington D.C. James Naich.

Founded in 1982, Project Interchange is the only US organization solely dedicated to providing educational seminars in Israel for policy and opinion leaders from around the world. Project Interchange is a private, non-profit and apolitical organization which is funded entirely by donations from private individuals. The FSM delegation's expenses are largely underwritten by Project Interchange and include round-trip business class airfare, hotel accommodation and most meals.