President Mori receives credentials for the Ambassador of Italy

In the afternoon of October 16, 2014, President Emanuel Mori received the Letter of Credence for His Excellency Pier Francesco ZAZO officially accrediting him as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy to the Federated States of Micronesia, with residence in Canberra, Australia.

The brief ceremony was followed by a courtesy call, allowing opportunity to exchange views on issues of importance and of common interests. After conveying sentiments of welcome to the Ambassador, President Mori thanked him for visiting the FSM and congratulated him for a successful accreditation. He affirmed his desire to see the continuing strengthening of the good relations that exists between the two countries. The President took the opportunity to express his appreciation for financial assistances provided to the FSM on renewable energy, namely the Grid-tied Photovoltaic System implemented at the Chuuk State International Airport.

The President also mentioned the good cooperative relations at the multi-lateral level, namely at the United Nations, and requested the continuing support of Italy in climate change issues that are of priority to small islands states. In particular, the President requested Italy’s support to the FSM’s proposed amendments to the Montreal Protocol, which is a top priority for the FSM. Being a member of the European Union (EU), the President affirmed his appreciation for continuing assistance provided by the European Union through the European Development Fund (EDF 10) targeting the sector on renewable energy, and confirmed FSM’s recent signing of the EDF 11, held during the margins of the SIDS Conference in Samoa. He ended by affirming that the FSM stands ready to implement projects under EDF 11.

Ambassador Zazo responded with sentiments of support of small islands developing states in international debates, acknowledging President Mori’s request for support the Montreal Protocol amendments. The Ambassador also highlighted the upcoming EXPO Milan in 2015 and encouraged participation by the FSM. He brought to President Mori’s attention Italy’s interest for a non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council for term 2017-2018, and requested FSM support. This will compliment Italy’s emerging role in the region as a member of the Forum Post-Forum Dialogue and greater prospects for future presence in the region.

Also present in the ceremony and courtesy call were Secretary Lorin S. Robert of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Secretary Francis Itimai of the Department of Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure, Foreign Affairs Deputy Secretary Samson Pretrick, President’s Chief of Staff Leo A Falcam Jr., and staffs.