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FSM Embassy meets with Secretary General of the Philatelic Association of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Beijing, China (FSM Embassy): March 25, 2009 - In anticipation of the 20^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Federated States of Micronesia and the People's Republic of China on 11 September 2009, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Mr. Carl D. Apis met with Mr. Ma Xiaoling, Secretary General of the Philatelic Association of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. The meeting with the Secretary General discussed the Embassy's initiative and proposal to work side by side with the Chinese Government in issuing a stamp to commemorate this pinnacle year of the FSM-China Model Relationship.

Mr. Ma Xiaoling explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in support of the initiative and that he would work closely with his Ministry and his Embassy in Palikir to ensure that this program is a success. The two sides have discussed several ideas of the stamp and have also contemplated on the idea of doing a simultaneous stamp issuance ceremony in Palikir and Beijing when the stamp is completed. The FSM Embassy will be working closely with the Chinese Philatelic Association as well as the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs and the FSM Postal Services to ensure timely issuance of the commemorative stamp of the 20^th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between FSM and China.

Present in the meeting were First Secretary Vincent Sivas, Mr. Xiao Ming and Mr. Xu Gang (Franco).

For further information, contact the FSM Embassy in Beijing at Ph: (86) 1065324708 or e-mail address: embassy@fsmembassy.cn.