On August 17, H.E. ZHANG Weidong, Ambassador Extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Federated States of Micronesia presents Letter of Credence to H.E. President Emanuel Mori in Palikir, Pohnpei State. Hon. Lorin Robert, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dr. Vita Skilling, Secretary of Health & Social Affairs, Hon. Maketo Robert, Secretary of Justice, Hon. Fabian Nimea, Director of the Office of Statistics, Budget and Economic Management and other cabinet members, Hon. John Ehsa, Governor of Pohnpei State and Ambassadors from the United States, Australia and Japan attended the ceremony.
Ambassador ZHANG and President Mori
Ambassador ZHANG conveys the cordial greetings of H.E. President HU Jintao and H.E. Premier WEN Jiabao to H.E. President Mori and extends on behalf of the Chinese Government and people, high respects and good wishes to the government and people of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Ambassador ZHANG stated that the FSM is a young and dynamic country in the Pacific Islands region. Since winning independence in 1986, the government and people of the FSM have made sustained efforts and great strides in safeguarding national independence and sovereignty, developing the economy and raising people's living standards. He sincerely wishes the people of the FSM fresh and greater success in national development. The Chinese Government has always valued China's relationship with the FSM and regarded the FSM as a sincere friend and important partner in the Pacific islands region. China is committed to developing friendly and cooperative relations with the FSM on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1989, our two countries have treated each other as equals and with mutual respect, sought common development through mutual economic support, and conducted close communication and coordination in regional and international affairs. Exchanges at the top and other levels have been frequent, and practical cooperation in economy, trade and other fields has been deepening. The growth of our relations has not only delivered real benefits to our two peoples, but also promoted stability and prosperity in the Pacific islands region. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the FSM. The Chinese Government will join the FSM's efforts to take advantage of this opportunity to further strengthen friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in various fields so that China-FSM relations will grow from strength to strength.
Ambassador ZHANG expressed his willingness to make every effort to further the friendship between our two peoples and friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. He also hopes to receive strong assistance and support from the FSM government.
H.E. President Mori offers sincere congratulations and warm welcome to Ambassador ZHANG Weidong on the occasion of assuming his post, hopes that the FSM will become the second home away from home. President Mori points out Ambassador ZHANG's accreditation marks another important milestone in FSM-China bilateral relations forged twenty years ago. The increasingly positive relationship now is fondly called a "model relationship". The FSM Government appreciates the financial and technical assistance that contribute to the education, the various infrastructure projects, community farming and biogas projects, among others.
President Mori reiterated that it is in the vital interest of the FSM to continue to adhere to the one China policy. And he assured Ambassador ZHANG of his support to insure Ambassador ZHANG's success as well as enjoyment in the dispensation of his important duties.
Ambassador ZHANG with all the dignaries
Ambassador ZHANG arrived in the FSM on August 10.