---

Ambassador Yogendra Kumar Accredited as Ambassador of India to the FSM

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): June 18, 2010 - Following the accreditation ceremony of Ambassador Kaiwai of New Zealand to the FSM, another accreditation ceremony was held in the afternoon of June 14, 2010, during which Ambassador Yogendra Kumar of India presented his Letter of Credence to President Mori.

Kumar praised FSM's achievements in political stability with established democratic traditions. He noted that "in this era of globalization, FSM has been able to preserve its unique cultural heritage, which is a testimony to the wisdom of its leaders." Kumar also emphasized India's admiration of FSM's leadership role at the international level in highlighting the dangers of climate change in the region.

Kumar expressed his government's gratefulness for FSM's support of India's candidature for both a permanent seat and a non-permanent seat in the proposed restructuring of the UN Security Council. President Mori elaborated that one of the key factors in FSM's support of India's membership bids to the UN Security Council was "India's leadership role as a developing country in terms of South-South Cooperation," as well as the influence and respect garnered by India in the developed world.

Mori drew attention to the fact that financial assistance provided by the government of India had enabled the FSM Coconut Development Authority (CDA) to purchase equipment to improve the production of an assortment of coconut-related products.

After the ceremony and delivery of their respective speeches, Mori and Kumar held a brief private meeting. During this meeting, Kumar underlined that pursuant to the India Technical and Economic Cooperation Programs, training slots and scholarships were currently available for FSM mid-level officials. He further spotlighted that a portion of the grant given to the CDA had not been fully utilized and that India would be willing to potentially increase the grant for specific projects.

Mori thanked Kumar for the government of India's grant to CDA and added that any additional funds available could be used to pre-plant young coconut trees, as well as jumpstart cottage industries such as developing the commercialization of coconut oil to replace diesel fuel. This brought Mori to underscore FSM's need for assistance in the areas of training for small business entrepreneurs. Kumar confirmed that India will be able to assist FSM in these areas.

Later that evening, in order to celebrate this historic milestone, Kumar held a reception at Ocean View Plaza Hotel, attended by government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.