TOKYO, Japan – March 15, 2026 – At the invitation of Secretary Doug Burgum of the United States Department of the Interior, the President of the Federated States of Micronesia, H.E. Wesley W. Simina, attended the 1st Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum held in Tokyo, Japan from March 14–15, 2026. Co-hosted by the Government of Japan, the Forum provided opportunities for President Simina to participate in a series of engagements with senior officials of the United States of America and Japan to advance cooperation on critical issues, including infrastructure development, energy security, and environmental sustainability.
In addition to participating in a series of panel sessions on energy security in the Indo-Pacific region, President Simina held bilateral talks with Secretary Burgum, of the United States Department of the Interior, and discussed bilateral issues critical to progressing efficient and effective Compact implementation. During the meeting, the President raised matters related to progressing infrastructure development, ongoing efforts for veterans affairs to realize the extension of full benefits for FSM citizens who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as issues affecting FSM citizens residing in the United States. Overall, the President reaffirmed the FSM’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the United States to ensure that initiatives under the Compact continue to support the long-term prosperity and stability of the FSM.
President Simina also met with Mr. Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to exchange views on areas of cooperation related to environmental protection, including ways to address the leakage of oil remnants in Chuuk Lagoon. The President also had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Ryosei Akazawa, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan to discuss the many cooperative initiatives between the FSM and Japan.
During an engagement hosted by Ambassador John Fritz at the FSM Embassy in Japan, the President also met with Japanese officials with close ties to the FSM and its people, including Mr. Horii Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
On the final day of the Forum, President Simina also met with H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of Palau, and H.E. Hilda C. Heine, President of the Marshall Islands, to discuss issues of shared interest. During the meeting, the three leaders signed a joint letter addressed to Mr. Sean Duffy, Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation, regarding the continued eligibility of their citizens for Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs).
President Simina’s participation in the Forum highlights the FSM’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with key international partners and advancing initiatives that support sustainable development, economic resilience, and energy security for the people of the FSM.
With the support of Ambassador Fritz and the FSM Embassy in Japan, the President was accompanied by Mr. Leo A. Falcam Jr., Chief Advisor on Compact Implementation; Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ricky F. Cantero; and Deputy Assistant Secretary Kalvin Ehmes.
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