FSM and US Holds 2014 Joints Committee Meeting (JCM)

On October 7, 2014, delegates from the Federated States of Micronesia and the United States of America congregated in Honolulu, Hawaii on the occasion of the 2014 Annual Joint Committee Meeting, hosted by the US and held at the Center for Excellence on Ford Island, Pearl Harbor.

As with previous such engagement, the meeting served as a platform for the two countries to continue joint discussions of issues of importance and of common interest to both countries, specifically as it relates to security and defense matters as described in Title III of the Compact of Free Association Treaty. Issues on maritime security, enlistment of FSM citizens into the US Armed Forces, current works of the FSM Transnational Crime Unit (TCU), implementation of projects under the HA-FSM and the Civic Construction Action Detail (CCAD) programs were highlighted in the meeting. Ongoing efforts to enhance the military presence in Guam were also reported.

Heading the FSM Delegation to the JCM meeting was the Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs Samson E. Pretrick. Secretary Francis Itimai of the Department of Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure, Secretary April Dawn Skilling of the Department of Justice, FSM Ambassador to Washington D.C. Asterio Takesy, Chief of Staff Leo A. Falcam, Jr., and Consul General Robert Ruecho were in attendance, along with supporting delegates.

The US Delegation was headed by Her Excellency Ambassador Doria Rosen accompanied by Rear Admiral Better Bolivar, Commander of the Joint Region Marianas, and supporting delegates.