President Peter M. Christian attended the 16th Micronesian Presidents’ Summit in Palau

President Peter M. Christian led the FSM delegation to Koror, Republic of Palau, for the 16^th Micronesian Presidents’ Summit (MPS) which convened on Monday, February 22, 2016. This marked the 16^th year of the MPS for the Presidents of the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.  The annual meeting seeks to reaffirm and recommit to the strong ties and relations that have historically existed between the three Micronesian countries.  It also provides a valuable opportunity for the three Presidents to discuss, share, and address issues of national, regional, and international interest.

In his opening remarks, President Christian joined President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. of the Republic of Palau in congratulating and welcoming newly elected President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to her first MPS. Among other issues discussed in the Summit, President Christian highlighted the need for continued cooperation and harmonization of the countries’ Immigration and Labor Laws.  The President also took the opportunity to announce a recent change in FSM immigration regulations wherein citizens of RMI and Palau are no longer subject to the 120 day passport validity when entering the FSM.  He also highlighted concerns of illegal immigrants entering MPS country jurisdictions, and after some discussions, the three Presidents agreed to continue their joint cooperation and diligent efforts in securing and monitoring these activities in their respective countries.

The 16^th MPS also focused on the climate change issue, particularly the recent Paris Climate Change Agreement and agreed to work with their respective legislatures to ratify the Paris Agreement as soon as practicable.

Following the conclusion of the MPS, the President Christian also attended the 21^st Micronesian Chief Executives’ Summit which was also held in Palau a day after the MPS.  While in Palau, the President also met with the FSM Honorary Consul to Palau, Mrs. Chen Masang and the FSM students who are attending Palau Community College.   Accompanying the President to the Summits were Secretary Lorin S. Robert, Department Foreign Affairs, Secretary Marion Henry, Department of Resources & Development, Secretary Joses Gallen, Department of Justice, Chief of Staff Leo Falcam, Jr., Special Assistant and Advisor Dohsis Halbert, Office of the President and other officials and representatives from the national offices and agencies.

**For more information on additional agenda items covered, please click on the following: MPS Joint Communique