FSM Information Services
Press Release
Ambassador Horie Pays Final Courtesy Call on President Panuelo, Vice President George
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On June 10th, 2019, His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Honorable Yosiwo P. George, Vice President of the FSM, received His Excellency Ryochie Horie, Ambassador of Japan, in a courtesy call. The purpose of the meeting was for Ambassador Horie to formally say farewell to President Panuelo and the FSM before he departs for his next assignment.
“We’ve known each other for a long time and you’ve…become a member of our family here in Pohnpei and the FSM,” said President Panuelo. “You’re an Ambassador that really integrated into [the FSM], getting involved in community activities—you even have a traditional title from the Nahnmwarki of Madolenihmw. We really express our appreciation to you…you’ve worked from your heart, and when we do from the heart, it makes more meaning.”
Ambassador Horie’s title is Aron Kiroun Nan Douwas.
President Panuelo, Vice President George, and Ambassador Horie expressed the profound and unbreakable strength of the FSM-Japan bilateral relationship by exchanging memories and experiences important to each of them and the Nation at large.
“As a Japanese citizen, I thank you for the very warm, generous, and beautiful culture of this country,” Ambassador Horie said, citing examples ranging from Chuukese mothers unconditionally accepting adopted children as their own to Kosraeans expressing themselves through joyous songs.
“I know we will continue that sense of Kizuna,” said President Panuelo. “We will sadly accept your farewell, because it is sad to get to know you and then you must go…. I know serving in countries is never permanent, but what is permanent are our memories of friendship.”
“I will keep my attachment to the FSM,” replied Ambasador Horie, “And [after I retire]…I will be coming back.”
Other outcomes of the meeting included discussion on ongoing and forthcoming development cooperation projects, including the future replacement of the MV Caroline Voyager, the arrival of additional Japan International Cooperation Association (JICA) Volunteers near the end of 2019, and other matters of mutual interest to the people and Governments of the FSM and Japan, such as Japan’s increased emphasis on overseas development assistance.
The FSM is dedicated towards producing positive and peaceful relationships with all countries and peoples throughout the world. Though the FSM and Japan celebrated their 30th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations on November 2nd, 2018, the history between the FSM and Japan stretches more than 100 years, and the FSM National Government will endeavor to ensure that the relationship between the FSM and Japan always remains close, friendly, and supportive in the spirit of “Kizuna” a Japanese word meaning “a very close bond.”
