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Ceremony launches FSM-China stamp

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): December 30, 2004 - On December 29 2004, a ceremony was held in Palikir to launch the First Day of Issue for the Federated States of Micronesia and People's Republic of China commemorative stamps.

The two stamps depict the close and friendly relations between the FSM and China. The FSM-China Friendship Sports Center is portrayed on one stamp, while the Seals or Emblems of each nation is portrayed side by side on the other.

Ambassador Yang Qiang of the PROC Embassy in FSM, on behalf of his government, presented to the Government of the FSM 200,000 stamps sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ambassador thanked the Department of Foreign Affairs and the FSM Philatelic Bureau for their invaluable assistance in the process.

Ambassador Yang referred to the idea and creation of the stamps as the two nation's "beautiful envoys to deliver the message of China-FSM friendly relations [...] " throughout the nation.

A sentiment echoed by Deputy Secretary Lorin S. Robert of the Department of Foreign Affairs who referred to the stamps as "small in size, but will be the best ambassador for the FSM and China, traveling the longest distance, all across the globe [...]"

"It will inform the world that China and the FSM have shared a strong bond of friendship for the last 15 years, and will continue in the years to come" said the Deputy Secretary Robert.

Diplomatic relations between the two nations was established on September 11, 1989 and since then China has maintained its support of the FSM in its economic and social developments.