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Outgoing French Ambassador Pays Farewell Visit to FSM

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (Dept. of Foreign Affairs): July 29, 2008 - French Ambassador to the FSM, His Excellency Gerard Chesnel, is paying a farewell visit to the FSM to mark the end of his tour as the French Republic's nonresident ambassador to the FSM.

Ambassador Chesnel visited Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk respectively, paying courtesy calls on National and State Government officials, including a farewell call on President Mori.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in February 1993, France has provided assistance to the FSM in the areas of fisheries surveillance, economic and technical assistance for renewable energy, marine resource projects and several scholarship and training opportunities. At the international level, France has been supportive of FSM's membership in various international organizations and has indicated an interest in contributing to efforts to place Pohnpei's Nan Madol on the World Heritage List under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which is headquartered in Paris.

Until the accreditation of the next French Ambassador, France will continue to utilize the services of its resident Honorary Consul, Mrs. Mae Adams, based in Pohnpei State. The French Republic is a founding member of the European Union and currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU.

For further information contact the Subdivision of European Affairs in the Department of Foreign Affairs, (691) 320-2613.