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President Emmanuel Mori receives the new Ambassador of Australia to the Federated States of Micronesia

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): January 22, 2014 - On Friday, January 17, 2014, President Manny Mori of the Federated States of Micronesia received the Letter of Recall and Letter of Credence of His Excellency Terence Beven, ambassador of Australia to the FSM, in an official ceremony held at the President's conference room in Palikir. Ambassador Beven is also cross-accredited to the Republic of Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau, and Consul-General to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.

During the ceremony, President Mori welcomed Ambassador Beven to the Federated States of Micronesia, and congratulated him on his new posting. He further expressed his deep gratitude to the Government of Australia for the many assistance provided to the FSM, particularly the Patrol Boat Program, providing us the capacity and capabilities to perform security operations in our 200 mile EEZ, the technical assistance provided through the FSM-Australia Partnership for Development in Tax Reform supporting Budgetary and Economic Self-Reliance, Development Coordination, Environment Management and Primary Education in English and Math, with highlighted recognition of the ODA policy that was approved by Congress in December 2013. He also thanked Australia for its continued leadership role at the Pacific Islands Forum.

Ambassador Beven at the outset thanked the President for the hospitalities extended to him and his wife since their arrival in Pohnpei. He further thanked the President for accepting his letter of credence. Ambassador also commended the great work and cooperation that exist under our partnership and stated that "the Patrol Boat Program is the shining light of our relationship". He also acknowledged the work of the Micronesia Trans National Crime Unit (MTCU). He further recognized the hard work and dedication of the staff and Pacific Technical Assistance Mechanism (PACTAM) advisers working in areas of our development cooperation. Ambassador reaffirmed Australia's commitment to continue strengthening our relations and his personal desire to work with the FSM in moving forward.

Attending the ceremony were Vice President Alik L. Alik, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S. Robert, Secretary of Finance Kensley Ikosia, Director of SBOC Evelyn Adolph, Chief of Staff Leo Falcam Jr., and a few staff members from the Department of Foreign Affairs and OEEM.