PALIKIR, Pohnpei – January 21, 2025: The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) proudly welcomed the Honorable Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs of the Republic of India, for a historic visit from January 18 to 21, 2025. This first official visit by an Indian Minister of State to the FSM marks a major milestone in the growing partnership between the two nations.
During the visit, Minister Margherita met with His Excellency President Wesley W. Simina, Vice President Aren B. Palik, and senior government officials. These discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in critical areas such as India’s support for the construction of the One UN House project, the FSM National Diagnostic Center, and a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the FSM and the Republic of India on Development Cooperation in the areas of bilateral trade and investment, education, health and medical technology, labor mobility, maritime technology and services, sea transportation, climate change, environment, water and energy, infrastructure development, technology and cyber security, agriculture and forestry, tourism, and sports. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing mutual priorities of interest aimed to elevate the FSM-India Partnership to greater heights.
President Simina expressed gratitude for Minister Margherita’s visit, underscoring its importance in strengthening ties between the FSM and India. This visit represents a shared vision of sustainability, prosperity, and deeper cooperation, reinforcing the foundation for a lasting partnership.
The visit also highlighted both nations’ shared interest in advancing regional engagement, particularly through the upcoming Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), the Pacific Island Forum in the Solomon Islands, and the United Nations General Assembly in September.
A dinner reception was hosted in honor of the historic visit, celebrating the partnership between the two nations. The event featured remarks by Pohnpei Governor Stevenson A. Joseph, Vice President Aren B. Palik and was attended by the Speaker of the 23rd FSM Congress, the Hon. Esmond Moses, resident Ambassadors in the FSM, and representatives from resident international and regional organizations.
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