President Emmanuel Mori received first Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to be accredited to Federated States of Micronesia

from left: Vice President Alik, President Mori, Ambassador Van Remoortele and Mrs. Syliva Tay, Ambassador's wife 

Dept. Foreign Affairs (April 16 2014): On Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 10:00am, H.E. President Emanuel Mori received the Letter of Credence of H.E. Roland Van Remoortele as the first Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium accredited to the Federated States of Micronesia in an official ceremony at the President’s Conference room in Palikir, Pohnpei. In attendance of the ceremony were Vice-President Alik L. Alik, Secretary Kensley Ikosia, Deputy Secretary Samson E. Pretrick and staff from the Office of the President and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

During the ceremony, President Mori welcomed the Ambassador and his wife, Mrs. Sylvia Tay, to the FSM. He thanked him for visiting the FSM and congratulated him for his historic appointment as the first Ambassador of Belgium to be accredited to the Federated States of Micronesia, since establishment of Diplomatic relations in 1996.  The President also indicated his desire to strengthen engagement and cooperation between the FSM and Belgium. 

As a founding member of the European Union, the President expressed appreciation for the EU’s development assistances provided to the FSM under its European Development Fund, which had supported FSM’s effort to implement renewable energy projects throughout the nation.  President Mori took the opportunity to affirm Climate Change as a top priority for the FSM, which continues to be a major issue of concern to the FSM, as a small island developing state. Toward this end, he requested for Belgium and the European Union continuing support for the plight of small island states in the international debates. 

Other issues discussed, is the possibility of establishing an Honorary Consul of Belgium in the FSM as well as formal diplomatic representation of the FSM in Brussels, Belgium.  Ambassador Van Remoortele also paid a courtesy call on Vice-President Alik L. Alik, Lt. Governor Marcello Peterson of Pohnpei State, Cabinet Members of the National Government and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

 

For further information, call the department at 320-2641 or email fsmpio@mail.fm