FSM Information Services
Press Release
His Excellency Hidenobu Sobashima, Ambassador of Japan, Presents his Credentials to President Panuelo and Promises to Strengthen and Cherish FSM-Japan ‘Kizuna’
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On October 18th 2019, His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), received His Excellency Hidenobu Sobashima, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Japan, who presented his credentials. Following the presentation of credentials was a courtesy call which explored how the FSM and Japan can strengthen their ‘kizuna’, or special bond.
“It is my great honor and privilege to have presented to Your Excellency the letter of my credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary to the FSM,” Ambassador Sobashima began. “His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, instructed me to convey to Your Excellency His Majesty’s wish to witness the friendly and cordial relationship existing between Japan and the FSM to be further strengthened and enhanced.”
“For this purpose, as Ambassador of Japan to the FSM, I am determined to do my best,” Ambassador Sobashima continued, who described building the bond between FSM and Japan in political, economic, and cultural arenas, among others.
President Panuelo began by reiterating the Nation’s heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the people and Government of Japan in the aftermath of Typhoon Hagibis, and then noted that he will be departing for Japan soon to witness the Enthronement of His Majesty, the Emperor. “I look forward to [the Enthronement of His Majesty]…it’s a very high level ceremony which is important to Japan, and so it’s important to us,” President Panuelo said.
Ambassador Sobashima described his commitment, and Japan’s commitment, to strengthening the kizuna between our two countries. “Thank you very much for the very encouraging remarks on our bilateral relations,” the Ambassador said. “I read the records of the meetings of the Japanese senior officials with Your Excellency, and I noted that you repeatedly said ‘Kizuna!’—the strong bonds between [the people and Government of the FSM and the people and Government of Japan]. I would like to cherish kizuna between our two countries.”
The President spoke at length on how the FSM deeply enjoys and benefits from its relationship with the people and Government of Japan, citing examples such as the upcoming extension of the Pohnpei State Port facilities, including its commercial and fishing docks, and the ongoing support from the Japanese International Cooperation Association (JICA) Volunteers. “I know that your assistance to the FSM is one that comes with a full heart,” President Panuelo said.
“Ambassador, I know it’s your first day…but please know that you can talk like we’re family,” President Panuelo continued. “That’s how we want to keep it, and work with you in many areas of cooperation. We consider [Japan] as a very close friend and ally…the Office of the President will always stand ready to cooperate with you and with your leadership.”
The partnership between the FSM and Japan is impermeable. It is the hope of the FSM National Government that the kizuna between our two countries is continuously strengthened and reinforced, and the Government has confidence that Ambassador Sobashima will brilliantly succeed in his new role.
