Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM President Accepts Credentials of France Envoy

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): June 25, 1997 - The Ambassador-designate of France to the FSM presented his letter of credence and the letter of recall of his predecessor to FSM President Jacob Nena in a ceremony held on June 16, 1997, in the President's Cabinet room attended by FSM, Pohnpei State Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps in Pohnpei.

Ambassador-designate Michel Jolivet told FSM President Nena his appointment by President Jacques Chirac as his country's Ambassador to the FSM is a real personal pleasure and a great honor because he never deemed about visiting the FSM which is very far from his homeland of France. But this was possible by the progress in the FSM during this 20th century.

"[...] France and the FSM enjoyed friendly relations even before the end of the Trusteeship regime. France has supported your will to access to full political sovereignty, as well as your admission to the United Nations," Jolivet said.

The French Envoy stated he shall be glad, during his first stay in Pohnpei, to gather information so that he could consider providing the FSM with more program assistance. In the recent past France has provided the FSM with solar energy projects, satellite bathymetric mapping and scholarships.

"France would be honored to contribute to any international effort which would be decided, in order to help this unique and prestigious site (Nan Madol) to take (the) place it deserve in the world heritage," the Ambassador said.

"President Chirac asked me to convey to Your Excellency with his personal message of friendship, that the interest of France for Pacific Island as well as his own attachment to them, have never been so strong. Within international organizations, France also intends to remain the same convinced advocate of a strong commitment in favor of the development of newly emerging nations," adding, his country's association with new Caledonia and Tahiti and Wallis and Fotuna are further assurance of France's willingness to keep the same very close links with the people, the governments and the international organizations of the Pacific.

In accepting the letter of credence for Ambassador-designate Michel Jolivet of France from President Jacques Chirac which accredited Jolivet as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to the Federated States of Micronesia in a ceremony held in the President's Cabinet room on June 16, 1997, President Jacob Nena stated that the relations between the two countries remain strong and full of promises since its establishment over four years ago. The strong and cooperative relations has yielded concrete results which the FSM is proud of and forever grateful. Such assistance as scholarships and training; alternative energy and marine resource projects.

The President also was encouraged, he said, by the ongoing discussions on possible access to the French Development Bank in Vanuatu which can help boost FSM in its economic and social development efforts.

Nena praised France for its role in the area of disarmament, sustainable development, promotion of world peace and security, adding that, France has continued to be involved with the countries of the South Pacific by its involvement in institutions including the South Pacific Forum.

Nena concluded his remarks by extending a very warm welcome to Ambassador and Mrs. Jolivet to FSM and requested the Ambassador to extend his best wishes for a good health for France President Jacques Chirac and the people of France.

Ambassador Michel Jolivet was born on September 7, 1942, married with two children. He has a bachelor of Arts from the Institute of Political Studies in Paris. His career with government began as Director of cultural centers in Lubumbashi (Zaire) the Bujumbura (Burundi). He has served in numerous overseas posts, the latest was in 1994 to 1996, as Deputy Assistant Secretary in Humanities, Social Science and Archeology (Direction of Scientific and technical cooperation) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He heads his country's Diplomatic Mission in Suva, Fiji.

Ambassador Jolivet paid courtesy calls on President Nena, Vice President Falcam and other FSM, Pohnpei State and Diplomatic Missions in Pohnpei before proceeding to his other destinations.