President Wesley W. Simina receives Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium His Excellency Michel Parys for a courtesy call

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSMIS) — On August 24, 2023, His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) received His Excellency Michel Parys, non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium cross-accredited to the Federated States of Micronesia with residence in Manila, Philippines, for a courtesy call. The courtesy call marked Ambassador Parys’s first in-person courtesy call on the new administration as well as his first official visit to the FSM since the reopening of the FSM’s borders. Accompanying Ambassador Parys was Madam Chiemi Miyahisa, spouse of the Ambassador.   During the courtesy call, President Simina and Ambassador Parys immediately exchanged welcoming pleasantries including sentiments of appreciation for the healthy cooperative relationship that the Federated States of Micronesia and the Kingdom of Belgium have had since the establishment of diplomatic ties on October 28, 1996 — relationship that is based on shared interest and values, such as individual freedom and liberty.   Subsequently, President Simina and Ambassador Parys also exchanged comments on issues of mutual interest, including working more closely together to address climate change, the crisis in Ukraine, ocean protection efforts around the 30×30 initiative, air transportation, and the FSM’s plans to open an Embassy in Geneva which would hopefully facilitate and strengthen cooperation with Europe and members of the European Union.   Additionally, given that the European Union does not have a physical presence in the north Pacific region, President Simina also re-affirmed to the Ambassador the FSM’s long-standing interest to host a mission of the EU in the FSM, and sought support from the Ambassador on this important matter given that the Kingdom of Belgium is the host country of the European Union’s headquarters. President Simina reiterated that this initiative would definitely enhance the EU partnerships in the north Pacific region.   President Simina also noted the presence of the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium in the FSM, Mrs. Yvonne Adams Hawkins, and submitted the desire to establish an FSM Honorary Consul in Brussels, as a way to amplify and elevate the FSM/Kingdom of Belgium relationship.   President Simina concluded by thanking the Ambassador for the visit and conveyed his wish for a cooperative working relationship during Ambassador’s tenure. Attending the courtesy call were Acting Secretary Berlino Martin, staff from the Office of the President as well as staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs.   The Ambassador’s program of visit included meetings with National Government Officials namely, Acting Secretary Berlino Martin of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Acting Secretary Cindy Ehmes of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management, Acting Secretary Florian J. Yatilman of the Department of Resources and Development, Acting Secretary Dionisio E. Saimon of the Department of Health and Social Affairs, Director Augustine Kohler of the Historic Preservation Office as well as Consultant Gardenia Aisek of the Department of Education.