Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Ceremony held for the Official Establishment of Micronesia-China Friendship Association

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): January 24, 2011 - On January 21st, 2011, the Micronesia-China Friendship Association (MCFA) held its official establishment ceremony at the China Star Restaurant in the State of Pohnpei, FSM. The ceremony was attended by hundreds, including: Ambassador Zhang Weidong, Secretary Robert of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Lt. Governor Edward of the State of Pohnpei, Pohnpei State Chief Justice Rodriguez, Assistant Secretary Elieisar of the Department of Foreign Affairs, national government officials, members of legislature of the State of Pohnpei, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as Chinese citizens in Pohnpei and local friends.

Ambassador Zhang expressed the warmest congratulations on the founding of the MCFA and thanked First Lady Emma Nelson-Mori, the Honorary President of the MCFA, John Haglelgam, the President of MCFA, and their team for their strong amicable approach and very diligent work in making this special organization a reality. He said that the founding of the MCFA is another milestone in the bilateral relations of the People's Republic of China and the FSM.

He pointed out that the MCFA was born at the right time, when China and the FSM both have made moderate progress on their path of development after experiencing the hardship of the global financial crisis. Also, at a time when both countries are making greater efforts for a better life for their people, when both countries have enjoyed 21 years of unswerving friendly relations, and both countries are seeing the increasing benefits from more and profound mutual exchanges and cooperation in all fields.

He expressed that he was deeply touched and greatly inspired by the august objectives of the MCFA: aiming to promote friendship, understanding and goodwill between the people of the FSM and China, to foster mutual exchanges in all fields and particularly in culture and education. Undoubtedly, these tasks are pragmatic and glorious and, at the same time, need arduous efforts to fulfill. Zhang wished the MCFA great success, stating that the Chinese Embassy in the FSM would like to give its support to the MCFA.

A congratulatory message was made by Madame Li Xiaolin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the China-Oceania Friendship Association (COFA); she said she hoped both sides will cooperate and learn from each other.

Secretary Robert, on behalf of President Mori and the National Government, expressed congratulations to the MCFA. He stated that the founding of the MCFA will greatly promote the friendship between the citizens of the FSM and China. He emphasized that this is the first time an association is established by the people, for the people in the FSM, which is valuable in promoting the government to government relations. Robert stressed that the FSM Government had made the right choice in establishing diplomatic relations with China, as it has been a fruitful relationship.

Secretary Robert said that even though FSM and China are geographically far apart, "we are friends and good partners to each other; we respect, help and support each other." Secretary Robert said that he believed the MCFA will gain full support from the government and people of the FSM and that the good relations between the FSM and China will last for many generations.

First Lady Nelson-Mori and John Haglelgam delivered welcoming remarks and introduced the Charter of the MCFA. They unanimously expressed, on behalf of the MCFA, that they will make contributions to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries and the people of FSM and China.

The MCFA is a non-governmental and non-profit organization, established on November 18th, 2010. According to the Charter, the objectives of the MCFA are "to promote friendship, understanding and goodwill between the peoples of the FSM and China through visits and exchanges of ideas, information and culture; to promote the Chinese culture and education; to foster interest in and promote the study of China, its history, culture, and past and present political and social structures; to assist visiting students, teachers, and cultural groups from China." The Association will seek to achieve these objectives by sponsoring lectures and cultural exchange activities; organizing meetings and distributing and disseminating information about China to students, teachers, and the general public.