Activities of the FSM Delegation in China

Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Activities of the FSM Delegation in China

Beijing, China (FSM Information Services): November 4, 2009 - Vice President Alik L. Alik arrived in China with his delegation on Wednesday, November 4^th in advance of the celebration scheduled for Friday, November 6^th, 2009 on the FSM's 23^rd National Day and the 20^th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China. The delegation was met by Ambassador Wang Yongqiu, Special Envoy of China-Pacific Island countries, Charge' d' Affaires Carl Apis and First Secretary Vincent Sivas. A brief meeting between the delegation and Ambassador Wang took place at the airport.

The following day, the delegation was taken to the Great Wall at Badaling of China and the Forbidden City where experienced guides provided historical information which was meant to give the delegates a further understanding and appreciation of the history of China.

The Vice President met with the Director General of the Department of North America and Oceania Affairs Mr. Zheng Zeguang, and both sides expressed their appreciation for the strong relationship that has developed between the two countries. This development has stemmed from people-to-people exchanges, FSM's consistent stance on issues of mutual interest, such as the One China Policy, and on China's cooperation for economic development in the FSM. Both officials pointed towards the further strengthening of this relationship in bilateral, regional and international arenas. During the meeting, Vice President Alik informed the Director General that because of the importance that FSM attaches to its relationship with China, he and President Mori felt the need for a high level presence during the upcoming celebration. Vice President Alik's second visit this year is a reiteration to the continued commitment to the future relationship between FSM and China. Vice President Alik paid an official visit to China earlier this year in July at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Vice President Xi Jinping.

On Friday, November 6^th, the Vice President and delegation met with Ambassador Wang for a handing over ceremony of specially issued postal stamps commemorating the 20^th anniversary of relations between the FSM and the People's Republic of China at the FSM Embassy in Beijing. There are eight different 44¢ stamps in the set, which contains one depiction of a scene or item from each of the four FSM states and a corresponding representation from China. In all, the Chinese Government has donated 100,000 pieces of stamps, plus 5,000 souvenir sheets worth a total value of $54,000. These commemorative stamps will be handed over to the FSM Post Master General and will be for sale to the general public shortly.

Tonight (Nov. 6^th), the FSM Embassy in China will host the joint celebration of the FSM's 23^rd National Day and the 20^th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China. Prior to the celebration, the Honorable He Yafei, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Vice President Alik.