Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM/Japan ties strengthen during President's meeting with Japan PM Koizumi

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): February 1, 2002 - President Leo A. Falcam and the First Lady, accompanied by a delegation of FSM officials, visited Japan from January 22 to 29, 2002.

The visit is intended to further strengthen the long-standing bonds of friendship and cooperation between FSM and Japan, especially with the new leadership of the Government of Japan. The President and his delegation also visited Okinawa where they attended a ceremony of a "Change of Command," involving the President's son, Lieutenant Colonel Leo A. Falcam Jr.

During their stay in Japan, the President and his delegation held meetings with the Prime Minister, H.E. Junichiro Koizumi, the former prime minister, Honorable Yoshiro Mori, members of the Japan/FSM Parliamentarian Friendship League, Commanding General of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarter in Okinawa, Lieutenant General Wallace C. Gregson and the Commanding General of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Headquarters, Major General James E. Cartwright.

The meeting with Prime Minister Koizumi, held at his official residence, was the first between the two leaders after Koizumi took over from Mori last year. Mori also attended the meeting in which they expressed the importance of the working partnership between FSM and Japan on regional and international issues of mutual interest to both countries, including economic cooperation and environment matters. Mori also stressed the importance of both countries working together in implementing the objectives set in the Miyazaki Declaration which was adopted by the Japan/Forum Leaders (PALM 2000) meeting held in Japan two years ago.

In a separate meeting with Mori and member of the Japan/FSM Parliamentarian Friendship League, Mori reiterated his commitment to working closely with President Falcam in promoting friendly ties between Japan and FSM. He has initiated for the Government of Japan to host a symposium on Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Micronesia which will be held on March 24-28, 2002 with participants from FSM. Mori also initiated a Youth Exchange Program that will be implemented this summer. The program will exchange students from both countries. President Falcam took the opportunity to invite parliamentarian members to visit FSM.

The President's delegation included the First Lady, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Ieske K. Iehsi, Deputy Assistant Secretary Carl D. Apis, PIO Eliesar Rospel, and Marilyn P. Jack, Secretary to the President.