Representatives from the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Government of Australia held their annual bilateral Development Cooperation Talks (DC) on March 21st, at the Department of Foreign Affairs Conference Room in Palikir. The objective of the dialogue is to continue to review the FSM-Australia bilateral and development partnership and also provide an opportunity to discuss key regional and global developments.With the ongoing efforts of the Simina-Palik Administration for the prosperity of the FSM, Vice President Aren B. Palik, for the first time in lieu of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs as the usual practice, opened the Talks with high emphasis on the FSM’s relations with Australia and the aim to deepen and strengthen cooperation.
In his introductory remarks, Vice President Palik welcomed the Australian Delegation headed by Deputy Secretary Elizabeth Peak and delegation members who were tuning in from Canberra as well as Ambassador Joann Cowley who was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission Matthew Holloway, Second Secretary Rachelle Woods and LCDR Nigel Williams. Vice President Palik reiterated the FSM’s appreciation to Australian Government for its continued commitments in supporting FSM’s development priorities in all areas.
In her response, Ms. Peak thanked the Vice President for honoring this year’s Talks with his presence and for heading a delegation that included Vice Speaker of Congress, T.H. Robson Romolow and family members of the late Bethwel Henry to Australia to participate in the hand-over of FSS Betwel Henry. She further regarded the FSM as a good friend and an important partner and expressed that Australia is ready to advance the cooperation that already exists.
This year’s dialogue commemorated the launching of the Australia-FSM partnership logo with a cake cutting ceremony by Vice President Palik and Deputy Secretary Elizabeth Peak during the event. With the exiting of Vice President Palik, Deputy Secretary Ricky F. Cantero co-chaired the Talks with Ms. Elizabeth Peak. In the dialogue both countries shared views and ideas on regional leadership and priorities. With that, both the FSM and Australia reaffirmed their commitments to the ongoing efforts and collaborations on regional and global issues.
The Talks concluded with a closing and farewell reception at the Cliff Rainbow Restaurant to close-off the productive Talks and to also bid farewell to Ambassador Jo Cowley who has completed her post as Australia’s Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. The FSM thanks Ambassador Cowley for her years of dedicated service in the FSM and productive tenure, which has ultimately strengthened the FSM and Australia’s long friendship.
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