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Vice President Alik meets with Leader of Pacific Partnership 2011 Mission

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): January 18, 2011 - On January 14, 2011, Vice President Alik met with U.S. Navy Captain Jesse Wilson, U.S Navy Lieutenant David Burkett, Ambassador Prahar of the US Embassy in FSM and Lynn Pangelinan, Political and Military Affairs Assistant, also with the US Embassy, to discuss the upcoming Pacific Partnership 2011 mission.

Pacific Partnership 2011 is the name given for the U.S. mission arriving onboard the USS Cleveland to the FSM, from July 2-15, to provide assistance for humanitarian and civil action projects. The mission team is comprised of members of the U.S. Navy; volunteers from World Vets, an NGO providing veterinary aid across the globe, as well as aid for human health issues impacted by zoonotic diseases in developing countries; and volunteers from other partner nations and NGOs.

The USS Cleveland will be covering all four States within the Federated States of Micronesia. Ambassador Prahar stressed that one of his top priorities was to ensure "over-arching coverage" of the mission's efforts. Captain Wilson outlined that a 17 member pre-deployment team will arrive in FSM on January 24, to plan logistical needs for the mission.

Vice President Alik, on behalf of President Mori, the National Government and the people of FSM, thanked Ambassador Prahar and the U.S. Navy for their visit. "We appreciate the continued assistance from the U.S. and we are looking forward to the mission's visit in July," said Alik. In assessing the needs of the local communities, the Vice President asked the team to keep in mind the country's concerns regarding climate change, as it affects food security, as well as the country's transportation and communications needs.