H.E. Gilles Garachon presented Credentials to President Emanuel Mori as the new Ambassador of the French Republic to the Federated States of Micronesia

President Mori, left, and Ambassador Garachon of the French Republic

On Monday, May 13, 2013, President Emanuel Mori received the Letter of Credence of H.E. Gilles Garachon, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Federated States of Micronesia, in an official ceremony held at the President’s conference room. Ambassador Garachon is succeeding H.E. Thierry BORJA de MOZOTA.  This year marks the 20th Anniversary of relations between the FSM and the French Republic established in February 1993.

During the ceremony, President Mori welcomed the Ambassador and thanked him for taking his time to visit the FSM to formally present his Credentials as the new Ambassador of the French Republic to the FSM.  He acknowledged and thanked the France Government for the placement of a France’s Honorary Consul in the FSM, which is a testament of mutual desire by the two governments to strengthening bilateral relations.  President Mori expressed his appreciation to the Ambassador for the France’s past assistance to the FSM, as well as its assistance and cooperation at the regional level and as a post Forum dialogue partner at the Pacific Islands Forum.  

The President also encouraged the continuation of the France-Oceania Summit which is another opportunity in strengthening France’s relationship with member States of the Pacific Island Forum. He highlighted that FSM’s number one priority in the global arena is Climate Change, and thanked France and the European Union for continuing support and cooperation toward this priority.

Ambassador Garachon thanked President Mori and expressed his readiness to promote and strengthen the relations between the FSM and France.  He also expressed France commitment to assist FSM and the region on the issue of Climate Change.  

During his visit, he also paid a courtesy call on the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Governor of Pohnpei State, as well as to the Dean and Resident Ambassadors of Japan, United States, the People’s Republic of China, and Australia.

In attendance at the Presentation of Credentials ceremony were the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Chief of Staff, along with some FSM Ambassadors and Consul Generals who are in-country attending the May Congress session. In the ceremony, Ambassador Garachon was accompanied by the France’s Honorary Consul in the FSM, Mrs. Mae Adams.