FSM Information Services
Press Release
The Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Cuba Meet in Tuvalu
FUNAFUTI, Tuvalu—Within the margins of regional and international venues like the Pacific Islands Forum and the United Nations, countries frequently try to engage in as many bilateral meetings as possible on issues of import. On August 14th 2019 His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), met with His Excellency Emilio Lozada, Special Envoy and Director General of Bilateral Affairs in the Republic of Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Government Complex in Funafuti. The primary outcomes of the meeting included the strengthening of the FSM-Cuba relationship in the form of increased advocacy for Cuba’s offering of medical training services.
When His Excellency Carlos Manuel Rojas Lago, Ambassador of Cuba, presented his credentials to former President Peter M. Christian on February 25th 2019, the Ambassador advised the FSM that Cuba is keen to offer medical training programs to augment the Nation’s supply of qualified medical experts. Special Envoy Lozada happily informed the President of updates in this regard.
“We have very good news,” said Special Envoy Lozada, noting that the first student of the FSM will be arriving in Cuba soon. “It’s a very nice news because it’s a sign of the good health of our bilateral relations. …Thank you for the opportunity of meeting you—we are ready to collaborate in sports, and in health, in order to enhance bilateral relations between our two countries.”
Special Envoy Lozada advised President Panuelo that he is formally invited to Havana, the capital of the Republic of Cuba, for an official visit. “Any time you are ready to go, we are ready to prepare a good visit for you.”
“Thank you, Deputy Director General, Ambassador Lago, and your delegation. It gives me great pleasure to be able to meet you here. You know, meetings like this bilateral with friends is so important, so I thank you for being friends of the FSM. Having established diplomatic relations is a testimony of…our countries wanting to work together.”
President Panuelo is no stranger to Cuba, having befriended Pedro Russo—a Cuban dignitary—when he was assigned to the FSM’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
“[Russo] always came to me and said Mr. David!—our countries are the same, we’re islands!,” President Panuelo said. “We have to work together! And I told him that someday it will become like this, so I realize that our relationship has grown. And of course Cuba has many things to offer that we can learn from.”
“And we are ready to share with you,” said Special Envoy Lozada.
Special Envoy thanked the President for the FSM’s vote in favor of removing the economic blockade/embargo on Cuba in 2015, and requested on behalf of Cuba that the FSM continue to support the removal of economic sanctions which disproportionately hurt families and otherwise innocent citizens. Would the FSM be able to vote again, in support of Cuba, in November?
“Our country respects your sovereignty,” said President Panuelo. “And we respect human rights. And doing this, to vote in your favor, is respecting human rights: the right YOU have to develop.” The President reassured the Special Envoy that the FSM will continue to support and closely cooperate with Cuba in the international level at the United Nations.
In return, Special Envoy Lozada noted that Cuba is ready to work together with the FSM in combating the existential threat of climate change. “We have to work together to face these threats of climate change: and we are ready to share this problem with you,” Special Envoy Lozada said.
“We look forward to Cuba supporting the outcomes of this PIF…thank you again for the scholarship for our first student getting the opportunity [to receive medical training in Cuba],” President Panuelo said.
“The first but not the last!” said Special Envoy Lozada.
“It won’t be the last!” replied President Panuelo.
The FSM is committed to extending to other nations what it seeks from them: peace, friendship, cooperation, and love in our common humanity. The FSM National Government looks forward to deepening its relations with the people and Government of the Republic of Cuba for the common and mutual benefits of the Nation’s citizens.
