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Japan's Minister of State Kutsukake visits FSM

Palikir, POHNPEI (Department of Foreign Affairs): August 15, 2006 - On August 9, the Honorable Tetsuo Kutsukake, Special Envoy/ Minister of State, Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission, Minister of State for Disaster Management, Minister of State for National Emergency Legislation, paid courtesy call on President Joseph J. Urusemal with Vice President Killion, and Lorin S. Robert, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

During the Minister of State's courtesy call with Acting Secretary Robert, the two discussed various bilateral and multilateral issues. A particular bilateral issue discussed concerned Pohnpei State's technical assistance request for the Airport Runway Expansion and Rehabilitation project. On the multilateral level, issues focused on Japan's bid for UN Security Council permanent seat, North Korea's missile testing and the six-party talks, and the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

After the courtesy call, Acting Secretary Robert and Japanese Ambassador to the FSM, His Excellency Masashi Namekawa signed on behalf of their respective governments, the exchange of notes for the Chuuk Weno Harbor Project with Government of Japan's assistance amounting to US $ 7.5 Million.

In his remarks, Acting Secretary Robert thanked the Japanese government's continuing technical and financial assistance to the FSM, not only for the Chuuk State Weno Harbor project but for all other projects provided by the Government of Japan.

During the courtesy call on President Urusemal and Vice President Killion in the President's Cabinet room, Minister Kutsukake presented a letter to President Urusemal from Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. They discussed issues of similar importance to the region and also issues relating to the relationship between the two countries. President Urusemal reiterated FSM's commitment to supporting Japan's bid for the UN Security Council permanent seat and further stressed the need for both countries to continue to have closer relations especially between the people and especially the youth of both countries.

The Minister of State departed for Chuuk State the next day - on Thursday, August 10, 2006 to meet with Chuuk officials and also to make an inspection tour at the Weno Harbor, site of the upcoming Japanese aide project.

The Minister and his delegation will leave Chuuk State on Saturday on their way back to Japan.