8th Micronesian Presidential Summit Took Place in Pohnpei

Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

8^th Micronesian Presidential Summit Took Place in Pohnpei

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): November 21, 2008 - The 8^th Micronesian Presidential Summit was officially opened on November 19, 2008 at the Pacific Missionary Aviation (PMA) Auditorium in Ninseitamw, Pohnpei. FSM President Emanuel Mori, Palau President Tommy E. Remengsau, and RMI Foreign Minister, the Hon. Tony deBrum, who sat on behalf of the President of RMI were the key Principals that opened the Summit.

The opening prayer was given by Father Francis Hezel and the welcoming remark was delivered by the Pohnpei State Governor, Hon. John Ehsa.

In his welcoming remark Governor Ehsa said, "I welcome all of you to our humble State and to the 1^st Micronesia Chief Executive Conference which combines the Western Micronesia Chief Executive Conference and the Micronesia President Summit. Pohnpei is deeply honored and proud to be the first host of this combined Summit, bringing Micronesia together once again."

The three Principals gave opening remarks that shared one common theme; that their shared history began with attending Xavier H.S. in Chuuk and that their collaboration is based on this bond of friendship, which transcends their government positions and allows them to work more closely together to solve their common challenges.

After the Opening Ceremony the Principals went to Nahlap Island Resort for a Summit Retreat where they went over their issues of concerns.

A few presentations were given at the retreat on these issues: Quarantine Standardization, The Micronesia Challenge, Fuel (Bulk Procurement of Petroleum), Extradition Treaties and Laws, Labor and Immigration, Airport Improvement Program (AIP), The Pacific Plan, Maritime Surveillance Operation ( Patrol Boat Program), Trans Pacific Fiber Optic Cable, Regional and International Trade Related Issues, Micronesia public safety Training (Micronesia Police Academy), SPC/Northern Regional Office, Micronesian Village, Micronesia Center for Sustainable Development, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (Regional Coast Guard Project), Reform of PNA Fisheries Management, Framework for Economic Cooperation with Japan and Post-Kyoto Protocol.

More detail on the issues will be available after the Joint Communique is signed by all principals.