 President Mori Welcomes Assistant Secretary Babauta to the FSMPalikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): August 3, 2010 - On July 26th, President Mori, along with Vice-President Alik, and various members of his cabinet, received and welcomed a meeting with the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Interior for Insular Affairs, Mr. Anthony M. Babauta. Mr. Babauta is visiting the FSM for the first time in his capacity as the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Interior. The primary purpose of the visit is to undertake general discussions with the FSM leadership on the overall economic relationship between the Federated States of Micronesia and the United States of America, as well as, to discuss the ongoing process, challenges and successes, associated with compact project implementation. After Pohnpei, Mr. Babauta will also be visiting Chuuk State to undertake visits to Compact project sites. He will be accompanied by Mr. Nikolao Pula, Director of the Office of Insular Affairs, and two advisors from the Department of Interior. On this occasion of the visit, President Mori hosted a reception at the scenic Coco Marina Bar and Grill cafe on the evening of the 26th in honor of Assistant Secretary Babauta and his delegation, where he took the opportunity to congratulate Mr. Babauta, for being the first Micronesian to assume the important post of Assistant Secretary of the Department of Interior. The President also echoed the unique and special relationship that exists between the two sovereign nations. Toward the end, the President and Assistant Secretary Babauta seized the opportunity to endorse and signed two grants earmarked to support the Micronesian Center for Sustainable Future, and the Linemen Training Exercise for Yap State Utilities. Among other guests, local dignitaries from Pohnpei State Government in attendance of the reception were Governor of Pohnpei State John Ehsa, and Vice-Speaker Bernie Martin of Pohnpei State Legislature. |