Republic of Korea Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Ties with the FSM

Palikir, Pohnpei, October 20, 2023 – In his third official visit to the FSM in the last four months, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Federated States of Micronesia, H.E. Young-kyu Park, paid a courtesy call to H.E. President Wesley W. Simina and T.H. Vice President Aren B. Palik yesterday at the Office of the President.

Ambassador Park also personally delivered a letter on behalf of President Yoon Suk Yeol, and expressed the Republic of Korea\’s sincere commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Federated States of Micronesia in various fields, including through the support of special grant assistance to the FSM government for this year.
 
A primary focus of the discussions was Korea\’s bid to host the World Expo 2030, a global event that serves as an international platform that gathers under a specific theme to showcase innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, promote cultural exchange, economic opportunities and garner international cooperation. Hosting the World Expo is considered a prestigious opportunity for a country as it attracts up to millions of visitors. As the FSM is a recent member of the BIE (Bureau International des Expositions), the intergovernmental organization that is responsible for organizing World Expos that serves as the secretariat, the South Korean government has requested the valuable support of the FSM for its bid to host the World Expo 2030.
 
President Simina welcomed the Ambassador\’s visit and expressed the FSM’s appreciation for the longstanding friendship between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties over 32 years ago. President Simina also expressed his appreciation to President Yoon Suk Yeol and Ambassador Park for personally delivering the letter to convey Korea’s commitment to strengthening ties with the FSM, signifying its level of importance.
 
President Simina assured Ambassador Park that the FSM will carefully consider Korea\’s bid for the 2030 World Expo, recognizing the potential benefits it can bring to the region and global community. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides reiterating their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties and exploring opportunities for mutual growth.