Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

A Historical Visit to the FSM by a Special Envoy from the Republic of Slovenia

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): March 28, 2011 - The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), for the first time in its history was visited by a special envoy from the Republic of Slovenia in the person of Ambassador Matjaz Sinkovec. Ambassador Sinkovec arrived Pohnpei on March 24, 2011 and met with Acting Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kandhi Elieisar on the 25th of March. The main purpose of the visit is Slovenia's candidature to the United Nations Security Council for the period of 2012-2013.

During this historical visit, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Slovenia formally established diplomatic relations through the signing of a Joint Communiqué by the Honorable Secretary Lorin S. Robert and H.E. Ambassador Matjaz Sinkovec where the two met earlier before arriving at FSM. The Joint Communiqué states that the two nation's desire to promote and strengthen ties of friendship and co-operation on the basis of equality, mutual respect for each other's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity as well as non-interference in the internal affairs of each other.

In his short visit, Ambassador Sinkovec also paid courtesy calls on Secretary Vita A. Skilling of the Department of Health & Social Affairs and Secretary Casiano Shoniber of the Department of Education. He also visited some secondary school areas in Pohnpei. In his discussions with the FSM officials, Ambassador Sinkovec expressed desire to explore developmental cooperative initiatives with the FSM through it grassroots projects in the areas of education, health and environment.