Palikir, Pohnpei, FSM – On April 29, 2024, Her Excellency Jennifer Grant Curnow presented her credentials to His Excellency President Wesley W. Simina, as the new resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Australia to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), succeeding Ambassador Joanne P. Cowley.
The ceremony was held at the President Office in Palikir and was attended by the Acting Chief of Justice, Dean and members of the Diplomatic Corps, cabinet members, members of the International and Regional Organizations, and other national officials.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Curnow delivered her remarks and conveyed that she was honored to be making her home for the coming years in the beautiful State of Pohnpei, FSM. The
Ambassador confirmed that the FSM and Australia have a strong relationship based on trust, respect and shared values. The Ambassador reaffirmed Australia’s commitment in partnering with the FSM in critical infrastructure and connectivity as well as FSM’s maritime security which has demonstrated through the support of two Guardian-Class Patrol Boats namely FSS Tosiwo Nakayama and FSS Bethwel Henry. The Ambassador also stated that Australia is responding to the nation’s priorities in supporting family protection and women/girls’ health and providing scholarship for young people in the FSM to study in Australia and in the region.
Ambassador Curnow concluded her remarks in commending the friendly and rewarding diplomatic relationship that Australia and FSM have enjoyed for over decades, and Australia is pleased that the FSM will be opening a mission in Canberra.
In his statement, President Wesley W. Simina warmly welcomed Ambassador Curnow and expressed his appreciation to the Australian Government for her speedy appointment, which indicated the mutual desire to advance the strong and substantive relations enjoyed between FSM and Australia. He acknowledged and recognized over thirty years of diplomatic relations between FSM and Australia which has grown, matured and prospered at all levels for the mutual benefits of the two countries.
President Simina highlighted the opportunities for enhanced development cooperation between the two countries, particularly through Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, with the support of two Guardian-Class Patrol Boats namely FSS Tosiwo Nakayama and FSS Bethwel Henry, to defend and protect the nation’s prestigious territory from Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing activities, human-trafficking, disaster relief efforts and emerging maritime threats. He commended the strong and substantive relations between FSM and Australia and express hope for continued cooperation to the on-going projects and programs as well as others in the pipeline.
In closing, President Simina congratulated Ambassador Curnow and emphasized the importance of this milestone in strengthening the friendly and cooperative partnership between the FSM and Australia.
The ceremony and subsequent courtesy call concluded with an exchange of well wishes and cultural gifts, reaffirming the friendly and cooperative diplomatic relations between FSM and Australia.
