President Simina & Vice President Palik Receive Ambassador Michael Ketchen

Palikir Pohnpei, — On July 27th, His Excellency Welsey W. Simina—President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Honorable Aren B. Palik, Vice President of the FSM, received His Excellency Michael Ketchen, Ambassador of New Zealand to the FSM, accompanied by Mr. Matthew Broome, Second Secretary, for a courtesy call. Ambassador Ketchen is accredited the entire North Pacific, including the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of Kiribati and the Republic of Nauru.   During the courtesy call, President Simina welcomed Ambassador Ketchen to the FSM and thanked him for joining the celebration of the new leadership of the FSM. The President acknowledged with appreciation the existing 35 years of diplomatic relations between the FSM and New Zealand, and renewed sincere appreciation for the Government of New Zealand generous financial supports to national development priorities.   Ambassador Ketchen responded by congratulating and thanking both President Simina and Vice President Palik for the opportunity. Topics of discussion included regional security, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), priorities of the Simina-Palik administration and climate change. Noting climate change as an existential threat in the region, Ambassador Ketchen stated that the Government of New Zealand will continue provide support to address issues regarding climate change as well as capacity in accessing climate finance.