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Ambassador Of Spain Presents Credentials

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): October 30, 2008 - The Kingdom of Spain Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, His Excellency Luis Arias Romero, presented his credentials to President Manny Mori in a brief ceremony held October 28, 2008 in the President's Cabinet Room.

During the credentials ceremony, the Ambassador remarked on the close relationship of the two countries since establishment of diplomatic relations on May 11, 1992.

"We did not start from zero," the Ambassador noted, referencing the reunion between two nations that have known each other and shared historical and cultural ties for over 500 years.

"The Spanish presence in Micronesia has remained all through these years. Many Spanish words have found their way into the languages spoken in your country, while tangible evidence like monuments and the remains of walls, church cemeteries, even a harbour, attest to the fact that our nations have known each other for so many years."

Ambassador Arias also made reference to the Spanish Program for Cultural Cooperation (SPCC), a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture of Spain and the Insituto Cervantes in Manila. The FSM joined the SPCC in 1999 after its November 1997 establishment in Manila. As a way of strengthening the close historical and cultural ties between Spain and the region, Ambassador Arias confirmed his intention to promote the aim of the program, to study, understand and preserve our common heritage.

In his responding remarks, President Manny Mori reiterated the historical ties that the FSM and the Kingdom of Spain share, many of which have shaped the identity of Micronesians today, including the introduction of Christianity to the region by Spanish Missionaries during the Spanish era in the 1500's.

On the multilateral setting, the President assured Ambassador Arias that the FSM as a small island developing nation holds the issues of environment and sustainable development with great importance. President Mori asserted that the FSM would welcome any assistance from Spain at the bilateral level, as well as through the European Development Fund (EDF).

Attendance at the Credential ceremony included Lt. Governor Churchill Edward of Pohnpei, the diplomatic corps, Instituto Cervantes Director Jose Rodriquez, Sister Maria Perez Caballeio and the President's cabinet.

For further information contact the Subdivision of European Affairs in the Department of Foreign Affairs, (691) 320-2613.