TOKYO, Japan – His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), successfully concluded an official working visit to Japan from March 14 to 20, 2025, during which he met with Prime Minister Ishiba and key Japanese leaders, deepening the strong partnership between the two nations.

At the heart of the visit was a high-level bilateral meeting and working dinner with the Prime Minister of Japan, His Excellency Shigeru Ishiba. The two leaders discussed shared priorities including infrastructure development, regional security, maritime cooperation, and people-centered development. President Simina congratulated Prime Minister Ishiba on his appointment and reaffirmed FSM’s support for Japan’s leadership in regional and global affairs, including its aspiration for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

“Our nations share a profound ‘KIZUNA’ – a special bond nurtured through history, mutual respect, and shared values,” said President Simina. “I look forward to deepening our collaboration in support of peace, stability, and sustainable development across the Pacific.”

A highlight of the working dinner was the exchange of notes for a cable landing station project which aims to strengthen the FSM’s digital communications by adding to the cable system through connecting a new subsea cable to Chuuk State.

Representing the FSM, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S. Robert signed the Exchange of Notes, while Japan was represented by His Excellency Ambassador Nobuo Kagomiya. The ceremonial exchange took place during the bilateral dinner at the Prime Minister’s Office in the presence of President Simina and Prime Minister Ishiba.

The President also met with other key figures, including Chairman Yohei Sasakawa of the Nippon Foundation, President Toshiro Shirasu of the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation (OFCF), and members of the FSM-Japan Parliamentarian Friendship League led by Hon. Keiji Furuya. These engagements underscored the FSM’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in maritime security, fisheries, education, and people-to-people exchange.

A major highlight of the visit was the President’s tour of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which provided firsthand insight into the decommissioning process and safety protocols surrounding the ALPS-treated water discharge. The visit also included engagements with local leaders and residents in Namie Town and a courtesy call on the Governor of Fukushima Prefecture.

“The visit to Fukushima underscores the FSM’s deep trust in the Government of Japan,” said President Simina. “We remain confident in Japan’s ability to manage the ALPS-treated water responsibly and transparently and in close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”

Throughout the visit, President Simina expressed his appreciation for Japan’s continued development assistance to the FSM, including ongoing projects such as the Pohnpei State Port Expansion and grassroots technical cooperation programs supported by JICA and other Japanese institutions.

President Simina’s visit to Japan marks a new chapter in the FSM-Japan relationship, which has been characterized by over a century of historical and cultural ties and more than three decades of formal diplomatic relations. The visit also builds on commitments made at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) and sets the tone for enhanced collaboration ahead of Expo 2025 in Osaka, where the FSM will be proudly participating.