Swiss Ambassador Sieber tells President Mori, “count on us"

President Mori, left and Ambassador Sieber

FSMIS (June 5, 2013) Ambassador Ivo Sieber of Switzerland returned to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) for the second time after he first presented his credentials to President Manny Mori on April 26, 2011. This time, his official tour included visits with officials of the National and State governments in Pohnpei and Chuuk.

During his courtesy call on President Mori on June 3^rd, 2013, Ambassador Sieber availed himself with the opportunity to revisit the primary concerns that are of importance to the FSM.

President Mori welcomed the Ambassador once more to the FSM and applauded his effort to venture beyond the capital state and experience other parts of the country.

President Mori informed Ambassador Sieber on current undertakings by his administration specifically with regards preparation efforts leading up to 2023. There was great interest in discussing the Compact Trust Fund and the FSM Trust Fund with emphasis placed on the latter for which the President has invited Development Partners’ support.

The four development sectors of agriculture, fisheries, tourism and energy were pointed out as core development focus for FSM to sustain a viable economy.

One of the last items raised by the President was his intention to be able to designate an honorary consul for FSM in Switzerland to assist the advancement of bilateral relations.

President Mori and Ambassador Sieber underscored the mutual concerns shared relating to climate change and environmental issues. For this, the President extended his appreciation to the Swiss Confederation for being an active partner on environmental issues at the international scene.

Ambassador Sieber said Switzerland was not only a “constructive voice” on environmental issues.

“We put our money where our mouth is” as evidenced by Switzerland’s’ decision to broaden utilization of renewable energy and phase out nuclear energy.

The Ambassador praised the creation of the FSM Trust Fund for disaster risks and calamities, asking that its long term use strategy be shared with him for further possibilities.

Ambassador Sieber said he would be “very happy to assist” in facilitating the designation of a FSM honorary consul in Switzerland.
Coincidentally, President Mori and the Swiss Ambassador went together on the June 4^th United Airline flight to Chuuk, seizing the opportunity to discuss further at the Leiside Restaurant.

Ambassador Sieber met with Governor Johnson Elimo later the day and with other State officials before departing on June 5^th.

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