FSM Information Services
Press Release
President Panuelo Receives Australia’s Minister of International Development & the Pacific
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On July 28th 2019, His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), received the Honorable Alexander G. Hawke, Australia’s Minister for International Development & the Pacific in a courtesy call.
“Thank you for coming to the FSM,” the President began, referencing his past service in the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs and his diplomatic training in Australia. “Our two countries have cooperated for many years…because we share the same values.”
President Panuelo and Minister Hawke spent much of their conversation on regional security, including the development of new patrol boats, which are scheduled for the FSM’s receipt in 2022, and the FSM’s ongoing request that it host the Pacific Fusion Center. Additionally, the President reiterated that he intends to revive the Micronesian Transnational Crimes Unit and ensure that the FSM formally become a member of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and welcomes Australian assistance and support on these matters.
The President thanked Minister Hawke and the Australian people for being a reliable development partner and ally, and then discussed how the FSM can demonstrate its friendship back to Australia.
“Australia has been such a good friend of our people and Nation in so many ways,” the President said.
Minister Hawke visited the FSM to attend the Joint Inauguration Ceremony, and the FSM National Government extends its appreciation to him and the people and Government of Australia for their ongoing friendship and support.
