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Binhua new PROC Ambassador to the FSM

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): April 30, 2002 - Ambassador Zhang Binhua, presented his credentials to President Leo A. Falcam on April 18, as the new Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Federated States of Micronesia.

Witnesses to the credential ceremony in the President's Cabinet room included; the President's Cabinet, Speaker Feliciano Perman, of the Pohnpei State Legislature and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Binhua replaced former Ambassador Xu Jun, who had served as the Dean of Diplomatic Corps until his tenure ended in March.

Ambassador Binhua presented his credentials to the President Falcam and expressed his Government's commitment to expand the mutually beneficial relationship of cooperation between the two nations as based on the "Principles of Peaceful Coexistence [...]"

According to the Ambassador, since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1989, the relationship has grown to a fruitful exchange of cooperation in the economic, cultural and educational fields. He said his Government attaches "great importance to the relations with Micronesia and stands ready to work together to enhance our mutual understanding and friendship [...]"

The Ambassador referred to the President's travel to China in March 2000 as a successful trip that contributed to the development of good "Sino-Micronesia friendly relations and cooperation." Ambassador Binhua pledged to further strengthen relations and cooperation during his tenure.

On the receiving end, President Falcam accepted the Ambassador's Letters of Credence and welcomed him to the FSM. He expressed the significance of the Ambassadors accreditation as a "testament to the mutual desire of our countries to further strengthen the friendly and good relations that we now enjoy."

The President echoed the Ambassador's sentiment that since the establishment of bilateral ties, the relationship has developed into one that is "healthy, prosperous and productive," despite the vast differences between the two countries.

President Falcam noted the continuous assistance the Government of the People's Republic of China has extended for the economic and social development of the FSM. The assistance, according to the President, will continue to "play a major role" in the future developments of the FSM. He referred to the recently opened FSM-China Friendship Sports Center as a testament to "good relations" and "true friendship" mutually shared between the two countries.

Both countries reaffirmed their mutual goal of strengthening the bilateral relations on the platforms of economic and social development.