PALIKIR, Pohnpei – January 23, 2026 — The Office of the President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) officially marked the countdown to service the East Micronesia Cable (EMC) Project on January 22, 2026, a transformative initiative that will, for the first time in the nation’s history, connect all four FSM states through a submarine fiber-optic cable system.

His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, joined by Vice President Aren B. Palik, welcomed key international partners and distinguished guests, including the Honorable Michael George DeSombre, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to the FSM, Her Excellency Jennifer S. Johnson; Her Excellency Jenny Grant, Ambassador of Australia to the FSM; and His Excellency Nobuo Kagomiya, Ambassador of Japan to the FSM. The presence of the Governor of Kosrae, the Honorable Tulensru Palik, underscored the significance of this milestone for the State of Kosrae and the nation.

In his remarks, President Simina said, “This project stands as a landmark achievement in two profound ways. First, it reflects an unprecedented level of multilateral cooperation—three development partners and three regional partners working in unity toward shared national and regional goals. Second, it marks the first time in our history that all four states of the FSM are connected by submarine cable, advancing our enduring principle that no island, and no community, should ever be left behind.”

The East Micronesia Cable (EMC) Project is a multinational submarine fiber-optic cable system that will connect Kosrae (FSM), Nauru, and Tarawa (Kiribati) to high-capacity international communications networks—significantly enhancing internet capacity, reliability, and resilience across the nation. Supported through partnerships with the governments of the United States, Australia, and Japan, the EMC Project is expected to improve access to education, healthcare, government services, and economic opportunities, while strengthening the FSM’s connectivity to the global digital economy. This project represents a decisive step toward a more connected, resilient, and inclusive future for both the FSM and the wider Pacific region.

“For a remote island nation like the FSM, this connectivity is a lifeline—linking people to opportunities, communities to essential services, and the nation to the global economy,” President Simina added.

Assistant Secretary DeSombre stated, “Having reliable cable-based high-speed internet will boost Kosrae and thus the FSM’s economy with greater opportunities and resilience.” He concluded by extending appreciation to Australia, Japan, and the FSM, stating, “We did it together.”

His Excellency Nobuo Kagomiya underscored Japan’s commitment to cooperation across Micronesia and the Pacific, stating, “Japan, Australia, and the United States are friendly and like‑minded countries… We are willing to support the economic development of the FSM and other Pacific Island Countries.”

Her Excellency Jenny Grant emphasized Australia’s continued support for digital infrastructure across the Pacific region, remarking, “This is not just about technology. It’s about opportunity… It will support better availability of digital government services, including health and education, and increase trade and employment opportunities.”

President Simina expressed his sincere appreciation to the governments of the United States, Australia, and Japan for their partnership and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the EMC Project delivers lasting benefits for the people of the FSM.

###