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Ambassador Seth of India accredited to FSM

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): June 21, 2001 - On June 12, 2001, Ambassador Aftab Seth of the Republic of India presented his credentials to President Leo A. Falcam as India's Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia.

The Republic of India established diplomatic ties with the FSM on November 29 1996 with the accredited Ambassador stationed at India's Embassy in Tokyo.

Seth is India's second ambassador to the FSM replacing former Ambassador Siddarth Singh.

President Falcam accepted the Ambassador's credentials and welcomed him and wife Nilima to the FSM stating that the Ambassador's appointment would further the two countries relationship into a "much more concrete and enduring co-operation."

Ambassador Seth in his remarks referred to the relationship between the two countries as, one based on the common interest of Democracy. A relationship he said, "naturally, established friction free, tension free. A perfect foundation for building a more meaningful and mutually beneficial relationship."

The Ambassador said India has always believed countries are "sovereign, and must work together in the spirit of international cooperation."

In the 'spirit of international cooperation,' India has extended to numerous developing countries its cooperation in the form of technical assistances. Along with their technological breakthroughs, India is also recognized worldwide for their progress in agriculture and industry as the worlds 10th largest industrial country producing among others things: food grain, milk and sugar cane.

President Falcam noted that since the inception of diplomatic ties between the two nations, FSM has benefited from India's progress through its technical and economic cooperation programs.

The President commended India on its active role on the international stage regarding the issues concerning developing nation, he said this "demonstrates your willingness to engage in mutual cooperation among developing countries.

"In this regard, your government's role as a pioneer investor State in seabed resources and its cooperation with the international seabed authority, is of great interest to the Federated States of Micronesia."

President Falcam further said that, "human resources development, institutional building and the preservation and protection of our natural environment are important areas that deserve our mutual consideration, and cooperation."

The ceremony was attended by the President; Speaker of FSM Congress, Jack Fritz; members of the Diplomatic Corps and Cabinet members.