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Schumacher Presented His Credentials to Nena

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM INFORMATION SERVICE): June 5, 1998 - The Ambassador-designate of Canada Brian Schumacher, presented his letter of Credence to President Jacob Nena, as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the FSM, in a ceremony held in the President's Cabinet Room, Wednesday morning, June 3^rd.

Schumacher is Canada's first Ambassador to the FSM who resides in Canberra, Australia.

In his remarks for the ceremony, Schumacher expressed his delight for being the first Canadian Ambassador to the FSM which he considers an historic moment for him. He looks forward to returning for the South Pacific Forum scheduled for August this year.

He stated that in some ways his is the easiest job since he is starting from scratch that potentially will grow and expand in the future.

"My objectives are to seek out opportunities for Canadian business link in the Federated States of Micronesia," said Schumacher, adding, "I will encourage them to trade and invest here."

He expressed hopes that the FSM will look at Canadian as an untapped market and an entry point into the North American Free Trade Market with its 450 million consumers.

He said Canada has expertise in areas well match with what the FSM can offer, such as in land and offshore mining, development of specialized approaches to their industry that can be proven useful here in FSM's own industries.

As dialogue partner of the South Pacific Forum and observer to the South Pacific Commission, these meeting provide better opportunity for officials of these countries to meet, he said.

Schumacher recalled that Canada and FSM are both members of the United Nations and many other global organizations and with these relationships solutions to mutual problems and challenges on environment and disarmament can be cooperatively sought.

"The Canadian Government looks forward to many years of strong, friendly relations with the people of the FSM and hopes to contribute to their future welfare and prosperity," he concluded.

President Nena, in accepting Schumacher's Letter of Credence, expressed his pleasure in welcoming him to the FSM Capital. He stated that the occasion marks a new phase in the relationship between FSM and Canada which established diplomatic relations on March 3, 1998.

Relationships between FSM and Canada existed primarily through regional and international cooperation, but not on a bilateral basis, Nena stated, adding that it gives him great pleasure to receive Schumacher as Canada's first ambassador to the FSM.

Nena assured Schumacher of his strong desire for a closer working relationship in the advancement of matters of mutual interests.

Nena attributed his optimism on Canada's reputations on issues relating to environments, fisheries and other sectors the FSM value, "I have no doubt Mr. Ambassador that you have these interests close to our two countries and peoples desire."

"I, therefore, look forward to working with you and your government in advancing these great potentials in our relationship," Nena concluded.

Attending the presentation ceremony were Vice President Leo Falcam, Congress Speaker Jack Fritz, members of Cabinet, Pohnpei Acting Governor Dion G. Neth, members of the Diplomatic Corps and invited guests.

Ambassador Schumacher was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Manitoba in 1964, and a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario in 1968. He did post-graduates in public administration from L'Ecole nationale d'administration in Paris in 1978.

He entered the foreign trade service in 1968, held foreign posts including as a Trade Commissioner; Consul General in Rio de Jenario, Brazil from 1980 to 1984 and as Ambassador to the Republic of Korea from 1988 to 1991. He held several important posts including his appointment 1995 as Canada's High Commissioner to Australia.

Married to the former Denise Boucher, they have two children .