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President Urusemal receives South Africa's first Ambassador to FSM

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): February 10, 2006 - President Joseph J. Urusemal has welcomed a new addition to FSM's growing diplomatic family.

On January 24 2006, the Ambassador from the Republic of South Africa - Anthony Le Clerk Kgwadu Mongalo, presented to the President his credentials as South Africa's representative to the Federated States of Micronesia.

Ambassador Mongalo is South Africa's first Ambassador to the FSM since the two nations' established diplomatic ties in December 1996. The Ambassador tributes the presentation of credentials as a solid foundation on which the two countries can build and further strengthen their relationships.

As developing nations, Ambassador Mongalo said "we share similar challenges in relation to managing our soci-economic development in a sustainable manner." He noted the importance of working together to "ensure a higher level of international support" for all developing nations.

Mongalo's background is diversely rich as it is extensive. Born in Pretoria, South Africa, the Ambassador received his formal education at Rhodes University in Fort Hare with a Degree Chemical Engineering Degree from the USSR.

Ambassador Mongalo's professional background is equally diverse, beginning his diplomatic career in 1970s' with postings in Africa, Europe and Middle East. He has prominently represented South Africa in various organizations of the United Nations.

The Ambassador is married with two children.