Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Ambassador Akillino H. Susaia Assumes his Post in Beijing, China

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Embassy, Beijing): April 9, 2010 - His Excellency, Akillino H. Susaia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People's Republic of China arrived at post in Beijing on April 4, 2010. Ambassador Susaia is the first resident Ambassador to be posted in Beijing since the FSM Embassy opened its doors in the heart of China in April 2007.

Ambassador Susaia comes to Beijing with a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enable him to carry out his diplomatic duties to the fullest in China. Ambassador Susaia's educational background includes: Xavier High School, Kapiolani Community College, the University of the South Pacific-Suva, University of Hawaii-Manoa, and University of Oregon. Ambassador Susaia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Public Administration both from the University of Oregon. His long illustrious career in public service dates back to 1979 when Mr. Susaia first entered the work force at the Pohnpei State Legislature. He has since then held various high profile posts both at the State and National governments. Before joining the national government as the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure (TC&I) under then President Leo A. Falcam, Mr. Susaia was the General Manager of the Pohnpei Port Authority. During President Joseph Urusemal's administration (2003-2007), Mr. Susaia was re-appointed as the Secretary of TC&I until his service was needed at the Department of Economic Affairs (currently R&D). Mr. Susaia would serve out his term under President Jospeh J. Urusemal as the Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs. In 2008, under the current administration, President Emanuel (Manny) Mori appointed Mr. Susaia as the Consul General in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he has served for the past two years working closely in coordination with the FSM Embassy in Washington DC to carry out the consulate's work with the US Government, specifically with the Hawaii State Government, the Consular Corps in Hawaii, and with FSM citizens residing in Hawaii and mainland USA.

In searching for a candidate to advance the relationship between the FSM and China, President Mori again summoned Mr. Susaia to take on a new mission as the first resident Ambassador of the FSM to the People's Republic of China. Mr. Susaia was confirmed by the FSM National Congress to the post of Ambassador on February 13, 2010 and took the Oath of Office administered by President Mori on March 26, 2010. Ambassador Susaia's posting to Beijing is a testament of the FSM Government's commitment to the FSM-China relationship. The posting of the first resident Ambassador in Beijing marks a new chapter to the twenty year relationship between the FSM and China, a relationship that continues to be referenced to as a "Model Relationship."

His residency in China may be an altogether new experience for Ambassador Susaia, however, the Ambassador has engaged the Chinese Government on many occasions during his long career in the FSM government. Aside from his experience with negotiating Aid projects on the bilateral front, he has also interacted with the Chinese and other Asian governments on regional and multilateral fronts.

Ambassador Susaia comes on board to lead the Beijing Mission forward and to solidify the FSM's presence and foundation in Beijing. Ambassador Susaia and his team, under the guidance of Secretary Lorin S. Robert of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the leadership of H.E. President Emanuel Mori, will work diligently to ensure that the FSM's foreign policy towards China is carried out. Ambassador Susaia is staffed by Deputy Chief of Mission Carlson D. Apis and First Secretary Vincent K. Sivas.

The Embassy is currently working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to schedule a date for Ambassador Susaia to present his credentials to His Excellency Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China. A Press Release shall be issued by the Embassy when the Presentation of Credentials ceremony is completed.