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Vice Speaker Fredrico Primo leads FSM delegation to the Closing Ceremony of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo

Beijing, China (FSM Embassy, Beijing): October 31, 2010 - At the invitation of the Chinese Government, the Honorable Fredrico Primo, Vice Speaker of the FSM Congress lead a delegation to Shanghai, China to participate in the closing ceremony of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Vice Speaker Primo was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Rita Primo, the Honorable Dion G. Neth, FSM Congress Senator, Mr. Suda Rayel, FSM Congress Director of Administration, and Mr. Brendy Carl, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asian Affairs, FSM Department of Foreign Affairs.

While in Shanghai, Vice Speaker Primo attended the morning session of the Expo 2010 Shanghai China Summit Forum on October 31, 2010 and was able to witness the magnificence of the Expo Park through his visits to the China, Pacific, and Kazakhstan Pavilions, along with the theme favorites - the Oil Pavilion and the SAIC GM Pavilion.

The closing ceremony of Shanghai World Expo 2010 was held at the Expo Culture Center in the evening of October 31, 2010. Vice Speaker Primo and his delegation were amongst the dignitaries that came to Shanghai to witness firsthand the closing of the grand spectacle that brought 246 countries and international organizations together in one city, and attracted a record high of over 73 million visitors. The 2010 Expo was declared closed by the Honorable Premiere Wen Jiabao. During the closing ceremony, the Expo flag was lowered and handed over to the Mayor of Milan, Italy, where the next World Expo is scheduled to be held in 2015.

Vice Speaker Primo's participation in the closing ceremony in Shanghai is a testament to the friendly relationship between the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Government of the People's Republic of China. The FSM have been well represented in the Shanghai World Expo. President Emanuel Mori came to Shanghai for the Opening Ceremony of the Expo on May 1, 2010, followed by Vice President Alik for the FSM National Day at the Expo on August 24, 2010.

Through the Shanghai 2010 World Expo, the FSM was able to continue its efforts in promoting itself as an excellent tourism and investment destination through the active participation of its booth in the Pacific Pavilion for the past six months. For the record, the Pacific Pavilion attracted over 7 million visitors and received the Gold Medal award for its creative display at the Expo.

For further information, contact the FSM Embassy in Beijing at Ph: (86)1065324708 or e-mail address: embassy@fsmembassy.cn.