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German Ambassador Presents Credentials

Palikir, Pohnpei (Dept. of Foreign Affairs): October 31, 2008 - President Manny Mori recently accepted credentials from the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Christian-Ludwig Weber Lortsch, in a presentation of credentials ceremony in the President's Cabinet Room.

In remarks made during the credential ceremony, Ambassador Weber Lortsch took note of the longstanding historical and cultural contacts between Germany and the FSM. The Ambassador stated that the Government of Germany hopes for continued cooperation with the FSM on the environment and various other issues of mutual concern. He underscored the potential for growth in the FSM, indicating that he would be honored to make contributions to ecological advances in the area of tourism. Taking note of the presence of the recently accredited Spanish Ambassador to the FSM, Ambassador Weber Lortsch affirmed the commitment of the European Union to promoting interests in the North Pacific.

President Mori congratulated and welcomed Ambassador Webert Lortsch in a responding statement, assuring him of the FSM's strong desire and commitment to advancing shared values and interests at all levels with Germany. President Mori referenced the historical bond between Germany and the FSM, many remnants of which still remain today.

On a bilateral level, President Mori expressed appreciation for German assistance in areas such as agriculture, forestry and education, making particular reference to the German Embassy's collaboration with the Micronesian Seminar in making German historical documents from the region available for research.

"Such assistance bodes well with my administration's establishment of a new office responsible for keeping and preserving our culture and history. This is of course important to our heritage as a people."

President Mori noted that these areas of cooperation complement priority development efforts. He also referenced the range of interests between Germany and the FSM, including shared global efforts to protect and manage the environment, ensure the right to development and guarantee for a safe and peaceful world.

"Today, we find ourselves faced with added challenges that have significant impacts on our efforts for progress such as the rising cost of fuel, the food crisis and the fury of Mother Nature. Some are within our control while others are not."

President Mori went on to acknowledge Germany's contribution to the European Union funds, which has direct impact on the FSM's future in renewable energy.

Attendance at the Credential ceremony included Vice President Alik L. Alik, Lt. Governor Churchill Edward of Pohnpei, the diplomatic corps and the President's cabinet.

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