PALIKIR, Pohnpei – November 19, 2025 – The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) honored the life and legacy of the late Secretary of Foreign Affairs, The Honorable Lorin S. Robert, through solemn memorial and state funeral services, as well as Pohnpeian traditional burial ceremonies, reflecting the Nation’s profound respect for his decades of exemplary public service.

On November 17, 2025, President Wesley W. Simina, Vice President Aren B. Palik, Cabinet members, Speaker of the 24th Congress Esmond B. Moses and Members of Congress, senior national government officials, and members of the community gathered at St. Peter’s Church in Sokehs for the combined memorial and state funeral service.

The service also brought together state officials and foreign dignitaries, including Acting Governor of Pohnpei State the Hon. Herolyn S. Movick, Yap State Governor the Hon. Francis Itimai, former Governor of Pohnpei Reed B. Oliver, former President Emmanuel “Manny” Mori, U.S. Ambassador Jennifer L. Johnson, Japan Ambassador Nobuo Kagomiya, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy Li Hu, Chargé d’Affaires of the Australian Embassy Sarah McCarthy, Chuuk delegation led by Special Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Roger Mori, and other diplomatic partners.

During the memorial and state funeral service, President Simina delivered the state remarks, describing Secretary Robert as a man whose “quiet strength, humility, and service touched our nation in ways that words can scarcely capture,” and honoring him as “a humble island man” of deep faith, principle, and unwavering commitment to public service.

The President further highlighted Secretary Robert’s distinction as the longest serving diplomat in FSM history, noting that “diplomacy was not simply his profession; it was his calling and, in many ways, his gift to our Nation.” He emphasized Secretary Robert’s lifelong dedication to national priorities central to the FSM’s identity, including responsible stewardship of our limited resources—values deeply rooted in the life he lived.

“He was one of my closest advisers—someone I could trust for honest counsel and sound judgment. But beyond all of that, he was my friend.” the President stated.

Following the conclusion of his remarks, President Simina presented the Presidential Proclamation honoring Secretary Robert’s distinguished service to his younger brother, Stampson Ropich.

Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and close companion, Mr. Asterio R. Takesy, and Chief of Staff Yolanda Joab Mori delivered the eulogy, reflecting on the extraordinary leader and person Secretary Robert was.

In his remarks, Mr. Takesy highlighted Secretary Robert’s exceptional character and intellect, recalling that even as a young man he possessed “a disciplined mind, humble with refined manners,” and was “an avid and intellectual reader” whose deep understanding of world affairs helped elevate the FSM foreign service to “a world-class status.” He described Secretary Robert as “the embodiment of a statesman,” a loyal public servant whose leadership, integrity, and respect for others shaped the Nation’s diplomacy for more than forty years. Mr. Takesy concluded by honoring Secretary Robert’s devotion to his family, noting that “it is my belief that Lorin Sikaret Robert would like to be remembered most as a good family man.”

Chief of Staff Yolanda Joab Mori recalled Secretary Robert’s trademark humility and humor and reflected on the deep respect he commanded across generations, noting that “where others witnessed his achievements as history in the making, we experienced them as stories, as lessons, and as mentorship,” and that today’s rising public servants “owe Secretary Robert a debt of gratitude.” She emphasized that “Secretary Robert was such a man that his influence transcends time and reaches into the future,” describing him as “an oxymoron in the sense that such greatness and such humility could co-exist in one person.” Remembered affectionately as ‘Supreme’, he treated the next generation “not as mere observers but as partners,” guiding them with a Socratic approach that “tested not what we knew, but how we thought.” To many, he was a mentor, guide, and father figure, and as the Chief of Staff affirmed, “the future of FSM’s diplomacy and indeed governance carries his fingerprints—Secretary Robert helped shape our history, but he will also shape our future. From my generation to him — thank you.”

Secretary Robert’s younger brother, Stampson Ropich, delivered heartfelt remarks on behalf of the family, expressing their deep gratitude to the Nation: “Thank you all for this memorable event…for making this possible as we are celebrating the life of a father, uncle, husband, and of course a brother.” He shared personal moments that painted a picture of a devoted brother, father, and uncle, offering a moving reminder that beyond his public achievements, Lorin was a man deeply cherished by those closest to him.

On November 18, 2025, the burial and Pohnpei traditional services were held at the family residence in Palikir, Sokehs, where Secretary Robert was laid to rest with full national honors. President Simina and Vice President Aren B. Palik were also in attendance, paying their respects to the family, the people of Sokehs, and the community where the late Secretary Robert resided.

The Acting Governor of Pohnpei, Herolyn S. Movick, also attended, delivering the Pohnpei State Proclamation honoring Secretary Robert’s distinguished service, which she presented to President Simina. The FSM National Police Honor Guard rendered a 25-gun salute in recognition of his service. In a solemn and moving gesture, President Simina presented the folded FSM National Flag to Secretary Robert’s eldest son, Lorin Robert Jr., in tribute to his father’s enduring devotion to the Nation.

Also in attendance at the burial were his coworkers at the National Department of Foreign Affairs, the President’s Cabinet members, FSM Ambassadors to Foreign Missions, senior government officials, Speaker Moses and Members of the 24th FSM Congress, U.S. Ambassador Jennifer L. Johnson and her delegation, Japan Ambassador Nobuo Kagomiya, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy Li Hu, Pohnpei State Senator Isaac Artui, and traditional leaders, all gathered to pay their final respects.

The Office of the President extends its gratitude to the Governments of Pohnpei, Yap, Kosrae, and Chuuk for their proclamations and condolences, reflecting the respect and support of the Nation during this solemn occasion.

The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia extends its deepest condolences and heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Ignacia Robert—who was by his side until the end—and to their children Edmond Taro Robert, Judy Robert John, Joanna Robert, and Lorin Robert Jr., as well as the entire Robert family. For decades, they shared with the Nation a husband, father, and brother whose lifelong service helped shape the course of our country. The FSM honors their sacrifice and offers its deepest gratitude for supporting Secretary Robert while he devoted his life to the people and country he so faithfully served.

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