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Ambassador Alik Presents Credentials to Emperor of Japan

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): May 5, 1998 Another page in the history of the bilateral relations between the FSM and Japan was turned on April 27^th, by his Excellency Alik L. Alik, presented his credentials to the Emperor of Japan as the FSM Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan, says a release from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Taking place at the Akasaka Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the presentation of credential ceremony was attended by several officials of the Japanese Government and the Imperial Household Agency. Witnessing the ceremony on behalf of the FSM were Minister James A. Naich and First Secretary John Fritz.

Government-to-government relations between the FSM and Japan were formalized in 1988. The two countries also have historic ties dating back to the turn of the century. Economically speaking, Japan is a major donor country to the FSM and an important partner in the FSM's development and economic reforms.

Prior to his appointment to Japan, Alik previously served as FSM resident Ambassador to Fiji and other countries, mainly in the South Pacific. He joined the FSM foreign service in 1984. The second FSM Ambassador to Japan, Ambassador Alik succeeded Ambassador Masao Nakayama, presently FSM representative to the United Nations.

Ambassador Alik was born in 1953 in Kosrae, where he completed his primary and secondary education. He began his college studies at the United States International University at Maui, Hawaii, and earned his undergraduate degree from Graceland College in Iowa. Prior to joining the FSM foreign service, he participated in a two-year paralegal training program at the University of Hawaii Law School. After joining the FSM foreign service, he also attended diplomatic training programs conducted by the Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Department of State.