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European Commission Ambassador Present Credentials

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): November 22, 2005 - A Credential ceremony was held in Palikir November 17, 2005, for his Excellency Robert Ridolfi, new European Commission Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia and Head of the European Commission to the Pacific and to sign the Cotonou Agreement.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Ridolfi presented a letter of recall for his predecessor, Ambassador Frans Baan, and his letter of credence to President Joseph J. Urusemal.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Ambassador Ridolfi referred to FSM's signing of the Cotonou Agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries as the beginning of "privileged relations" between the FSM and EU. He referred to the Cotonou Agreement as a partnership to include all actors from the government and non-government sectors, addressing many areas including the environment and the ocean. Ambassador Ridolfi assured that he would do his best to further strengthen the relations between the FSM and the EU.

In his responding remarks, President Urusemal congratulated Ambassador Ridolfi for his accreditation and expressed appreciation for the bilateral and regional assistance by the European Commission. He alluded to the targeted Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) for donor countries as critical if the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will be achieved. On that note he expressed appreciation for the efforts of the EU and its member states in trying to meet the target goal of the ODA by the year 2015. President Urusemal also expressed his reassurance and desire to further strengthen the relations between the FSM and the EU.

Present at the ceremony to witness the presentation of credentials were the Honorable Vice President Redley Killion, the Honorable Governor Johnny P. David, of the State of Pohnpei, members of the Diplomatic and Honorary Corp and Cabinet members.