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President Mori receives the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): May 4, 2011 - On April 26, 2011, President Emanuel Mori received the Letter of Credence for His Excellency Ivo Sieber, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to the Federated States of Micronesia. Ambassador Sieber is the 3^rd Ambassador of Switzerland to be accredited to the FSM since establishment of relations between the two countries in April 2003. He is cross-accredited from Manila, Philippines.

During the Presentation of Credentials, Ambassador Sieber expressed deepest gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to present his Letter of Credence as the Ambassador to the FSM and confirmed that the Swiss Confederation attaches special priority to the relationship. The Ambassador went further to highlight some areas of interest for bilateral cooperation with the FSM, namely in environmental protection and sustainable development, the eradication of poverty, non-proliferation and disarmament and the promotion of human security. He also conveyed his personal utmost effort in the continuing strengthening of a friendly and fruitful relations between Switzerland and the Federated States of Micronesia.

In responding to the Ambassador's remarks, President Mori conveyed his congratulation to Ambassador Sieber for his accreditation and affirmed that, despite wide geographical separation, both countries share a common desire for establishing strong relations. The President also assured the Ambassador that the FSM values this relationship as evident by his acceptance of the presented Letter of Credence. President Mori also mentioned Switzerland's continuing support with regards issues of importance to Small Island Developing States at the international scene, particularly Climate Change and other environmental issues, which are critical to the many vulnerable Island States. Furthermore, the President commented on the many global challenges that continue to torment the international community and pointed out that only through genuine collaboration by the international community could these challenges be meaningfully addressed. In concluding his remarks, President Mori encouraged Ambassador Sieber to make time, either during this trip or the next, to visit the other States of the Federation to have of fuller grasp of the nation and its dynamics -- the environment, the people, and their various cultures.

In attendance of the ceremony were Honorable John Ehsa, Governor of Pohnpei State, Associate Justice Beuleen Worswick, FSM Supreme Court, members of the diplomatic corps, and members of the President's Cabinet.