Mr. John Fritz takes Oath of Office as FSM Ambassador to Japan

(President Christian swears in Mr. John Fritz as FSM Ambassador to Japan. Holding the Bible is Ambassador Fritz first cousin Iolani Irons. Looking on is Vice President Yosiwo George)

15 January, 2016, Palikir, Pohnpei  – The Honorable John Fritz was officially sworn in as the FSM Ambassador Plenipotentiary to Japan by His Excellency President Peter Christian on Friday afternoon at the President’s Conference room.

Emphasizing the significance of the ceremony, the Oath of Office administered by President Christian took place less than two months after the FSM 19^th Congress re-confirmed Mr. John Fritz appointment to the post in November 2015.  Ambassador Fritz served as the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) in Tokyo prior to his first Japan Ambassadorial posting in 2008; he served as the Ambassador to Japan during the FSM’s previous administration, from 2008 – 2015.

In the presence of President Christian, Vice President George, Senior staff, Secretaries, family, and the FSM Honorary Consul in Fukuoka, Japan, Ambassador Fritz expressed his gratitude to President Christian and the Leadership for the confidence in him to continue to serve as the FSM’s Senior diplomat and representative to Japan.  He also assured the President of his commitment to perform his diplomatic duties to the best of his abilities, emphasizing the need to represent the Nation’s interests, and further strengthen the close ties that already exist between the people of Japan, and the two governments.

Also present at the brief ceremony were Vice President Yosiwo George, Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs; Lorin Robert, Secretary of Department of Justice; Mr. Joses Gallen and other senior staff of the National Government.