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Second Exchange of Note signing ceremony in 2013: Japan provides approximately $1.9 million non-project grant for FSM

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): December 27, 2013 - On December 26, 2013, the Government of Japan and the FSM Government held an Exchange of Note signing ceremony at the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs for a Non-Project Grant Aid that will enable the Provision of Industrial Products. This is the second Exchange of Notes signing ceremony this year. The first one took place in August, and it marked the Project for the Improvement of Domestic Shipping Services in the FSM.

The new project in the amount of two hundred million Japanese Yen (about $1.9 million U.S.) will be utilized to purchase industrial products manufactured by the disaster-affected areas caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake that struck Japan in 2011. This Non-Project Grant is intended to support and facilitate the FSM's efforts to improve its infrastructure and persevere towards boosting its economy. This ceremony marks the third Non-Project Grant Aid the FSM government has received from Japan.

In his remarks, Japan Ambassador Eiichi Suzuki highlighted the uniqueness of the ceremony as it marks the first time that two Exchange of Notes take place within one year. He said that the event speaks of the continued fortification of the ties between the FSM and Japan.

On the receiving end, FSM Foreign Affairs Secretary Lorin Robert thanked the Government of Japan for their continuous support and friendship with the FSM and remarked that the signing ceremony is special as the receiving of the grant coincides with the merriment of the Holiday Season.

Secretary Robert and Ambassador Suzuki were joined at the ceremony by various staff of the Department and the Embassy of Japan.