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FSM bids farewell to H.E. Ambassador Miriam K. Hughes

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 3, 2009 - A farewell dinner reception was held on August 28, 2009 for Her Excellency Miriam K. Hughes, as she prepares to return home after two years as Ambassador of the United States to the Federated States of Micronesia.

Having successfully completed her two year tour of duty in the FSM, H.E. Ambassador Miriam K. Hughes will be leaving on September 14, 2009. She is the seventh U.S. Ambassador to the FSM and currently the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. She has made her farewell calls on Governor Anefal and Weilbacher, and is scheduled to pay her farewell call on Governor Ehsa soon before leaving. On September 3, she is booked to leave for Chuuk to bid farewell to Governor Simina, and at the same time participate in the USAID & HARRT mission to Chuuk where the Department of Defense will demonstrate its capability to erect a mobile hospital to augment delivery of medical services during a disaster/crisis.

In brief remarks, President Mori expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for proposing ways for both governments to always 'think outside the box'. He expressed his wish that "Ambassador Hughes' tenure in the FSM was rewarding and enjoyable, and wish that she continues to be the FSM Ambassador to the American people whether in her official or private capacity".

The Ambassador, in her responding remarks, expressed her "appreciation and privilege to serve the FSM in the past two years. She stated that she will keep trying to ensure that the U.S. policies and operations in Micronesia are based on well informed assessments from those of us on the ground". She also mentioned that the relationship between the United States and the FSM "goes beyond such self-congratulatory generalities as 'good' and 'excellent', and would rather characterize the relationship as 'profound'".

Present at the reception were the FSM Leadership and staff of the U.S. Embassy and U.S Federal Agencies level in the FSM.