FSM Information Services
Press Release
“Thank You, Our First & Foremost Ally, the United States of America!”, President Panuelo Says; Through the Defense Provisions of the Compact of Free Association, as Amended, the United States Provides the FSM Personal Protective Equipment & Supplies
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On April 8th, 2020, the Honorable Eugene Amor, Secretary of the Federated States of Micronesia’s (FSM) Department of Finance & Administration, and acting in his capacity as Vice Chair of the FSM COVID-19 Task Force, met Her Excellency Carmen G. Cantor, Ambassador of the United States of America to the FSM, at a National Government warehouse so as to formally receive on behalf of the Nation a shipment of medical supplies, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Through the Defense Provisions of the Compact of Free Association, as Amended, the United States is responsible for the FSM’s security; for the purpose of the COVID-19 Pandemic, this translates into generous and deeply appreciated assistance for the procurement of PPE, and in the coming weeks will include the provisioning of COVID-19 testing capabilities in all four FSM States as well as necessary equipment such as ventilators.
“When my Cabinet and I saw the photos of the [medical supplies], we couldn’t help but smile,” His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the FSM, said in a statement. “Our Enduring Partnership with the United States of America is founded upon shared values, such as dedication to public service, respect for the rule of law, the advancement of human rights, the pronouncement of science over superstition, integrity and accountability, and empowerment for individuals and communities to seek and achieve happiness, peace, unity, and liberty.”
“I take this opportunity to thank His Excellency Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, Her Excellency Carmen G. Cantor, Ambassador of the United States to the FSM, my very good friends the Honorable Michael ‘Mike’ Pompeo, Secretary of the U.S. Department of State, and the Honorable Robert L. Wilkie, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as the Honorable Mark T. Esper, Secretary of the Department of Defense, the Honorable Alex Azar, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the Honorable Robert R. Redfield, Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, among so many others, for showing that a commitment from America to its allies is a demonstration of taking actions today for our Nation’s prosperity tomorrow.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity,” the President continued, “to encourage the people of the United States that the people of the FSM stand with you in solidarity during this time of global crisis. These are extraordinary times, but it is in crises such as these that societies and Governments are tested. I am confident that if you maintain your American spirit of community, your American spirit of optimism, and your American spirit of love for your fellow man, you WILL rise above this Pandemic. There may be days where you find yourself discomforted by your circumstances and wishing for the routines of yesterday—I implore you all to know deep in your hearts and your minds that the people and the Government of the FSM have faith in you to overcome this crisis and emerge stronger for it. Our Partnership is Enduring, and we stand with you as one together.”
“Thank you, our first and foremost ally, the United States of America—of all the 327 million Americans, each and every one of you are our friends, allies, brothers, and sisters.”