PALIKIR, Pohnpei — April 20, 2026 — The Honorable Aren B. Palik, Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), welcomed Her Excellency Ambassador Véronique Roger Lacan of France on a courtesy call on April 10, 2026, reaffirming the growing partnership between FSM and France.

The discussions highlighted shared priorities across the Pacific, including air connectivity, climate action, maritime security, and people-to-people ties. Vice President Palik emphasized that improved connectivity remains vital for FSM as an ocean state and welcomed France’s continued leadership on global climate efforts.

Both sides exchanged views on pressing regional and global challenges, including supply chain resilience, energy security, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, while underscoring the importance of joint efforts to strengthen coastal resilience and respond to sea level rise.

France reaffirmed its commitment to the Pacific through sustained investments in capacity building, maritime security, and education and training, while both sides acknowledged opportunities to expand cooperation in aviation and fisheries development.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to deepen engagement, advance sustainable development, and strengthen collaboration within the Pacific Islands Forum.

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