Former Prime Minister Mori Made Second Visit to FSM

Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Former Prime Minister Mori Made Second Visit to FSM

Palikir, POHNPEI (Dept. of Foreign Affairs/Office of the President): September 19, 2008 - The Honorable Yoshiro Mori, former Prime Minister and Special Envoy of the Government of Japan, visited the FSM on September 15-17, 2008, with am eight member delegation.

The visit was his second in response to an invitation by President Emanuel Mori, in conjunction with a resolution adopted by the 15^th FSM Congress requesting him to address a session of Congress, on the occasion of the 20^th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the FSM and Japan and installation of the first resident Ambassador of Japan to the FSM.

In Pohnpei, he had courtesy calls on President Mori and later with Speaker Figir on Monday, September 15. During the courtesy calls, both President Mori and Speaker Figir conveyed sincere greetings and warm welcome to the former Prime Minister and members of his delegation, which included resident Ambassador of Japan to the FSM, His Excellency Shoji Sato. Relating to the strong bilateral relations between FSM and Japan, both President Mori and Speaker Figir expressed gratitude and appreciation to Mori Sensei for being a good friend and instrumental in contributing to the solid relationship through the appointment of resident Japanese Ambassador to the FSM, the on-going youth exchange program, the close friendship between parliamentarians from Japan with FSM Congress members through the Japan-FSM Parliamentary Friendship League chaired by Mr. Mori, and the realization of the project for extension of the runway for the Pohnpei International Airport.

A brief ceremony on the signing of the exchange of letters for the Pohnpei International Airport Extension was held at noon on September 16^th, with Secretary Lorin Robert signing on behalf of the FSM Government and Ambassador Shoji Sato on behalf of the Japanese Government. Among those witnessing the event were President Mori, former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, Vice President Alik L. Alik and Governor John Ehsa.

A reception was held at the Cliff Rainbow hotel the evening of Monday, September 15, hosted by the Japanese Embassy to welcome and honor former Prime Minister Mori and his delegation which was well attended by government leaders including President Mori, Speaker Figir, Governor Ehsa, traditional leaders and other officials. During the event the sign and logo for the Japanese Embassy in Pohnpei was unveiled by former Prime Minister Mori and President Mori. The former Prime Minister is considered the prime mover behind approval of the upgrading of Japan's diplomatic representation to the FSM to a full-fledged ambassadorship.

The highlight of the historic visit by the former Prime Minister of Japan was the occasion to address the Session of the 15^th FSM Congress Tuesday morning on September 16^th. Among others, Mr. Mori made mention of the strong bonds of friendship between the peoples of Japan and the FSM but urged continued efforts to develop closer friendship and improved mutual understanding through youth and cultural exchanges. Mr. Mori himself has been instrumental in such exchanges given his personal close attachment with the people of Chuuk State. Mr. Mori's father served in Toleisom, Chuuk, during the Japanese Administration of Micronesia, where he developed close friendship with the local people.

Mr. Mori and members of his entourage left Pohnpei in the afternoon of September 16^th, to visit Chuuk. The former Prime Minister was accompanied to Chuuk by President Mori, key staff and members of Congress.