Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Congress Approves Akillino Susaia to be FSM Ambassador to China

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): February 18, 2010 - On Saturday, February 13, 2010, the 16th FSM Congress passed a Resolution approving President Mori's nomination of Mr. Akillino Susaia to be the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federated States of Micronesia to the Government of the People's Republic of China. The vote during the secret ballot totaled 10-4, the minimum number of votes needed to confirm the nomination.

Presently, Mr. Susaia is the Consul General of the FSM in Hawaii. He has served in this position since April 3, 2008, when the 15th FSM Congress approved his nomination from President Mori. Previous to being Consul General, Mr. Susaia had also served as the FSM Secretary of TC&I, the FSM Secretary of Resources & Development, and according to the Resolution (CR No. 16-71), Mr Susaia "is qualified for this position based on, among other things, his outstanding educational achievements coupled with his vast experience in public service, his membership in a series of professional organizations, and numerous other outstanding credentials."

After 20 years of diplomatic relations with China, Mr. Susaia will be the first resident FSM Ambassador to China. Previously, the FSM Ambassador to Japan served as the non-resident Ambassador cross-accredited to China from Japan.

Currently in China, Mr. Carl Apis has been serving as the Minister & Charge d'Affaires, a.i., at the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia in Beijing, along with Mr. Vincent Sivas as the First Secretary. Mr. Susaia has a tentative schedule to be in China on March 27th, 2010, just one month before the opening ceremony for the Shanghi World Expo, on May 1st.