Portugal Ambassador Caetano Da Silva accredited to FSM

Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Portugal Ambassador Caetano Da Silva accredited to FSM

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): January 30, 2004 - Ambassador Joao Gomes Caetano Da Silva of the Republic of Portugal presented his credentials as his Government's representative to the Federated States of Micronesia.

In a credential ceremony at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Caetano Da Silva presented his Letters of Credence to President Joseph J. Urusemal. Stationed in Philippines, Ambassador Caetano Da Dilva succeeds Joao Brito Camara who was appointed to the FSM over two years ago but did not have the opportunity to present his credentials. He is Portugal's first non-resident Ambassador to the FSM.

The two countries had established diplomatic ties in March 1995, but historical ties between the two date back to the early 1500s. Ambassador Caetano Da Silva recounted the contacts of Portuguese navigators in the Pacific Ocean along with Captain Diogo De Rocha's contact with Ulithi atoll in 1525.

The Ambassador expanded on the two countries areas of mutual interests and thanked the FSM for its support of Portugal on the international fora. Underscoring the affinities of the two countries, Ambassador Caetano Da Silva said that he will, during his tenure, "give modest contribution, in the next years, to deepen and develop the relations between [the two nations]."

President Urusemal said the Ambassador's accreditation is "the beginning of that relations." He expressed confidence that Ambassador Caetano Da Silva's tenure will further strengthen the relationship and advance issues of mutual interest to both countries on a bilateral and multilateral level.

The President alluded to the Portuguese navigators as the islands' first outside contact. A historical vein that became officially recognized through the ceremony.

Along with President Urusemal, witnesses to the ceremony included: Vice President Redley Killion, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corp., members of the President's Cabinet and other officials from the national government.