FSM and China Sign the Biggest Grant Assistance

Palikir, Pohnpei (Department of Foreign Affairs):  On Friday, September 18, 2015, a signing ceremony took place at the President’s conference room between Acting Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carlson D. Apis and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Li Jie. The ceremony was witnessed by President Peter M. Christian, Vice President Yosiwo P. George and key staff of the National Government. The ceremony was on a grant assistance of about RMB 63,850,000 (equivalent of about more than 10 million US dollars) from the Chinese Government to the FSM. The gratuitous assistance is by far the biggest assistance granted from China to the FSM. The purpose of the assistance is for the provision of 15 vehicles and other projects agreed between the two parties.

Prior to the signing of the agreements, Ambassador Li called on President Christian and Vice President George. He thanked the President of the opportunity to convey the grant assistance to the FSM on behalf of the Chinese Government. He further stated that the assistance is timely delivered to the FSM during its transition period and hoped that the FSM Government will prioritize projects to utilize the assistance.

President Christian expressed his gratitude to the China government, through Ambassador Li, for the generous support and assured Ambassador Jie that he is confident that the provisions will be allocated and utilized efficiently. He further acknowledged that the good gesture of generosity is a sign of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He further stated that the grant assistance will certainly contribute to the FSM’s ongoing nation building efforts. President Christian assured Ambassador Li that the time delivery of the provision of the fifteen vehicles to the FSM before the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in 2016 will be very much appreciated to assist the transportation needs during the important meeting.

President Christian further noted efforts on air transportation, in light of advancing accessibility to other countries with alternative services, and contributing the developing of the Yap International Airport into a more international standard airport to serve as a gateway to Asia.

For further information on this release, please contact Department of Foreign Affairs, APAMA Division at (691) 320-2613.