President Peter M. Christian receives Letter of Credence of Ambassador Igor Khovaev of Russia

 

On Thursday April 7, 2016, in a brief ceremony held at the national complex in Palikir, President Peter M. Christian received the Letter of Credence for Ambassador Igor Khovaev, accrediting him as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), with residence in Manila, Republic of the Philippines.

Following the brief ceremony, Ambassador Khovaev had an opportunity to pay a courtesy call on President Christian during which several issues of mutual interests were discussed, which among others, includes air transportation, climate change, scholarship opportunities and tourism; the latter of which was discussed with special interest considering Russia’s immense portfolio in this sector. Mutual sentiments towards a common desire and aspirations to strengthen and enhanced relations at all levels were highlighted, along with acknowledgement of the ongoing efforts to complete and formalize a mutual visa exemption agreement between the two countries.

The visit is the second time for Ambassador Khovaev to visit the Federated States of Micronesia. The first was held last July 2015 when he visited the country on the occasion of President Christian’s inauguration, representing Russia. For this second visit, Ambassador Khovaev undertook a familiarization visit to visit Yap from April 2^nd to 6^th before his arrival in Pohnpei. After his time in Pohnpei, where he also had opportunity to pay a courtesy call on Speaker Wesley Simina of the FSM Congress, the Ambassador will undertake a similar familiarization visit to Chuuk State from April 9^th to 12^th.

Present in the presentation of credentials ceremony were Secretary Lorin Robert and other members of the President’s cabinet, along with staff from the President’s Office and the Department of Foreign Affairs.