PALIKIR, Pohnpei – December 02, 2025 – On December 01, 2025, His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), received the official credentials of Her Excellency Răduţa Dana Matache as the first non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the FSM, with residence in Manila, Philippines.
President Simina warmly welcomed all attendees, including representatives from national and state governments, the diplomatic corps, and regional and international organizations based in Pohnpei. He expressed his gratitude for their presence during the presentation of the “letter of credence” and noted that such ceremonies embody both formal diplomatic protocol and the spirit of mutual respect.
President Simina underscored the significance of the moment, reflecting on the foundations of the diplomatic relationship established between the two countries on February 05, 2019, grounded in a shared commitment to the principles of the United Nations, international peace and security, equality among states, and respect for international law.
Looking ahead, President Simina expressed potential areas of collaboration, stating: “I am confident that we can collaborate in multiple areas of shared values and interest which, among many other includes climate action, global peace and security, opportunities to for high education program, people-to-people exchanges as well as opportunities to support small scale development at the community level.”
President Simina also highlighted the historical significance of the occasion, noting that the ceremony coincided with Romania’s National Day on December 01. He emphasized that this meaningful alignment added depth to the moment, symbolizing not only the formal strengthening of diplomatic ties but also the shared respect between the two nations.
Ambassador Matache expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to advancing the bilateral relationship. She emphasized the shared global challenges faced by both nations, stating: “Climate change is a common challenge for us… We have admired your leadership in the United Nations and in other forums. We have also done our part, and we are going to be with you in this important fight that we have to fight together.”
President Simina congratulated Ambassador Matache on her appointment and extended best wishes for Romania’s National Day. He reaffirmed the FSM’s and Romania’s shared values, notably mutual solidarity with Ukraine in light of Russia’s aggression and confirmed that the FSM’s support for Ukraine remains a firm commitment.
In closing, President Simina expressed his confidence in meaningful future progress under Ambassador Matache’s leadership, anticipating strengthened bilateral relations and tangible outcomes through upcoming diplomatic engagements.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Mr. Constantin Matache, spouse of the Ambassador; the Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Honorable Aren B. Palik; the Acting Chief Justice of the FSM Supreme Court, the Honorable Beauleen Carl-Worswick; and the Governor of Pohnpei State, the Honorable Stevenson A. Joseph. Also in attendance were Cabinet members of the FSM National Government, the Dean and members of the diplomatic corps—among them His Excellency Wu Wei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China; Her Excellency Jennifer L. Johnson, Ambassador of the United States of America; and His Excellency Nobuo Kagomiya, Ambassador of Japan. Representatives of international and regional organizations based in Pohnpei, along with staff from the Office of the President and other national and state departments, were also present.
Following the ceremony, a courtesy call was held with President Simina and Vice President Palik, with supporting staff provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
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