---

President Mori receives the New Ambassador of the Republic of Slovakia

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): August 1, 2012 - On July 24, 2012, His Excellency Drahomir Stos Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Slovakia to the Federated States of Micronesia presented his credentials to President Mori at the conference room. The Philippines-based ambassador was the first Slovak ambassador to be accredited to the Federated States of Micronesia strengthening the diplomatic relations formed by the two countries in September of 2006.

President Mori congratulated Ambassador Stos on his new appointment and welcomed him to the FSM, expressing his gratitude for the occasion and sharing his hope that the two countries cooperate and capitalize on issues of mutual interests from the newly formed friendship. He spoke of FSM's support of the Republic of Slovakia's candidature for the International Court of Justice, an indication of cooperation at the multilateral level.

President Mori and the Ambassador exchanged views and comments over a number of possible areas of cooperation and assistance with emphasis in climate change, fishing industry, alternative energy (windmill and solar energy) and tourism.

Among the issues discussed, President Mori raised the issue of looking into the options of using windmill and/or solar energy as alternatives to using fossil fuel. He also discussed with the Ambassador about climate change as an ongoing challenge for the FSM especially for the low-lying atolls and would welcome any assistance from the Republic of Slovakia. In response, Ambassador Stos reiterated that the European Union which the Republic of Slovakia is a member has been an active supporter of the Pacific Islands on the issue of climate change and has provided assistance to the region.

Ambassador Stos thanked President Mori for accepting his Letter of Credence and look forward to working together with the FSM.