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H.E. MR. Alexis Maino Received as Roving Ambassador of PNG to FSM

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): November 21, 2012 - FSM Information Services (November 21, 2012): President Manny Mori received Ambassador Alexis Maino of Papua New Guinea (PNG) as the Roving Ambassador of PNG to the Federated States of Micronesia.

Upon accepting Ambassador Maino's credentials, President Mori welcomed him to the FSM and spoke of the strong and friendly ties between FSM and PNG in regional affairs, especially in the fisheries sector as significant owners of active Exclusive Economic Zones.

President Mori conveyed his compliments to Prime Minister O'Neill through the Ambassador, praising his willingness and leadership in hosting the special meeting of Pacific ACP Leaders this month and indicated his desire to attend. He also thanked the Ambassador for his country's role in progressing amenable terms in the multilateral fisheries treaty between Pacific Island Countries and the United States.

In responding to President Mori, Ambassador Maino expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended to his delegation. He also thanked the President for accepting him as the Roving Ambassador of the Government of PNG to the FSM.

Like President Mori, Ambassador Maino noted the cordial relationship between the two countries ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties at ambassadorial level in September of 1989 and indicated strong will in furthering such bilateral relations through continued partnerships in regional fora.

Ambassador Maino also commented on ongoing strong collaborations that the countries exhibit at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) in terms of agreed actions in the management of their fisheries sectors.

Mr. Maino also made mention of his country's view that regional trade and collaborations have the potential to boost the various sectors and economies within the region.

"PNG believes in trade liberalization and regional economic integration as the catalyst for achieving economic development in the region", Mr. Maino said.

In closing, Ambassador Maino underscored that current economic growth, sustained by aspirations in the extractive mining of minerals and other viable industries, has provided a conducive climate for PNG to pursue economic development agenda with the FSM on mutually beneficial arrangements.

Mr. Maino has served similar roles in other Pacific nations namely Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu, and is currently serving at home office as the Deputy Secretary of Operations at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

For information, contact the Department of Foreign at 320-2641.