---

Honorable He Qinglong, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Wushu Association Met President Mori

Palikir, Pohnpei (Department of Foreign Affairs): August 30, 2011 - The Chinese Martial Arts (Wushu) delegation, headed by the Honorable He Qinglong, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Wushu Association called on President Emanuel Mori on August 25, 2011. The delegation chose the FSM as the first country to showcase their martial arts soon after performing in the United States and the United Nations Assembly. The performance at the United Nations was the first time for the Wushu Association to showcase their martial arts movement; therefore, the delegation brought twenty top athletes. There are now one hundred forty three members of Wushu Association throughout the world.

During the call, President Mori welcomed the delegation to the FSM and thanked them for accepting the invitation by the Chinese Embassy in the FSM to give two free goodwill performances in Pohnpei. President Mori assured the delegation that the visit by the Wushu Association truly demonstrates excellent people-to-people relations between China and FSM, and hopes that FSM becomes the one hundred forty-fourth member of the Wushu Association.

In responding to the President, the Honorable He Qinglong expressed his gratitude to President Mori for the warm welcome and hospitality. He reiterated that the performances will provide for the people of the FSM more understanding of the Chinese culture and its people. He stated that martial art is not only for physical fitness but for mental education as well.

In attendance during the courtesy call were Chief of Staff, Mr. Kasio Mida and Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kandhi A. Elieisar among others.

For further information on this release, please contact Department of Foreign Affairs, APAMA Division.