Palikir, Pohnpei –– On April 22, 2024, The Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Honorable Aren B. Palik, received a courtesy call from Dr. Stuart Minchin, the Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) at the Office of the President Conference Room.
Ding the courtesy call, Vice President Palik welcomed Dr. Minchin to the Office of the President at the Capital of the FSM in Palikir. He mentioned the long-standing relationship that the FSM Government and SPC have shared for many years and his hopes for many more years to come as attested by the presence of an SPC Regional Office here on Pohnpei FSM since 2006. Vice President Palik went further to mention how he and President Simina are both grateful for all the services/support that SPC has given to the FSM and the Micronesia Region, some of which are in the areas of technical advice, project assistance, training, and research. Among others, these services cover diverse activities such as agriculture, marine resources, environment management, rural development, rural technology, community health, statistics, economics, demography, women’s program, community education training, media, conservation and exchange.
There is a good working synergy between the FSM Government and SPC facilitated by the latter’s presence on the ground, and Vice President Palik indicated his desire to keep that going and even further strengthened in the coming future. On the other hand, Dr. Minchin informed Vice President Palik that SPC remains steadfast in responding to the needs of its members like the FSM including following through with the services provided and also future services. Dr. Minchin also expressed that he is happy and grateful for the working relationship between the FSM Government and SPC.
Both Vice President Palik and Dr. Minchin also exchanged views on the impending convening of the Pacific Festival of Arts and both mentioned that they are looking forward to the upcoming Pacific Festival of Arts to be held in Hawaii this year. Dr. Minchin stated that he is hopeful to meet up again with either President Simina or Vice President Palik should one of them find time to attend. They both exchanged farewells and thanks, with Vice President Palik conveying his gratitude to Dr. Minchin for making the time to meet. He also wished the Director-General of SPC a successful and pleasant journey to Chuuk and safe journey back home.
