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Ambassador of China Hosted Farewell Reception

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 1, 1997 - The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Chen Yongcheng hosted a farewell dinner on August 24, 1997, as he prepares to return home after nearly four years as his country's Ambassador to FSM.

In a farewell speech Ambassador Chen expressed his pleasure in getting together the President and FSM national Government Officials, the Governor and Pohnpei State Government Officials and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, and other officials before he and Mrs. Chen return home, adding, "my wife and I wish to thank you all for joining us this evening."

Commenting on his tour of duty, "I have been the representative of China to the Federated States of Micronesia for three and half years. In this period of time, thanks to the joint efforts made by the two sides, the newly born relation between China and the FSM has been further strengthened and developed. I believe there is still potential, both bilateral and multilateral, for our two countries to work together, and both of us will be benefitted by making our relation even better."

"Now I wish to thank the FSM Government, the state governments and all our friends for the cooperation and courtesy we have received which makes my tenure of office here unforgettable. I believe my successor will enjoy your assistance and cooperation too. My appreciation also goes to my diplomatic colleagues who have assisted me one way or another."

"Now we are leaving for home very soon and we will take memories and friendship with us forever. I don't think this is our last get-together. I believe we will meet again somewhere in the future."

The ambassador then proposed a toast for the good health of the President, the Vice President and all who attended the reception.

Secretary of the Department of External Affairs Epel K. Ilon responded on behalf of President Nena by expressing the FSM's gratitudes to the Ambassador for his country's numerous programs of assistance including trainings, official tours and the friendly and cooperative atmosphere that promotes mutual and beneficial relationship between the FSM and the People's Republic of China. Secretary Ilon reciprocated by proposing a toast to the good health of President Jimen and the people (of) his country.

The invited guests included FSM President Jacob Nena; Vice President Leo A. Falcam and Mrs. Falcam; the U.S. Charge d'Affaires ad interim Honorable Cheryl Martin; Charge d'Affaires of Japan, the Honorable Takeo Yoshikawa, First Secretary Suzumu Nakazawa, First Secretary Miss Kayo Tsusaka, First Secretary of the Australian Embassy Mr. John Janssen, the Governor of the State of Pohnpei the Honorable Del Pangelinan, the FSM Cabinet Secretaries, officials of the National and Pohnpei state governments and other invited guests.