President Mori receives the new Australian Ambassador to the FSM

On January 17, the new Ambassador of Australia to the Federated States of Micronesia, His Excellency Terence Beven, presented the Letter of Recall for his predecessor and his Letter of Credence to FSM President Manny Mori in an official ceremony held at the President’s conference room in Palikir. Ambassador Beven is also cross-accredited to the Republic of Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau, and Consul-General to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.

During the ceremony, President Mori welcomed Ambassador Beven to the Federated States of Micronesia and congratulated him on his new posting. He further expressed his deep gratitude to the Government of Australia for the many assistance provided to the FSM, particularly the Patrol Boat Program, providing us the capacity and capabilities to perform security operations in our 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone. The President also expressed appreciation for the technical assistance provided through the FSM-Australia Partnership for Development in Tax Reform supporting Budgetary and Economic Self-Reliance, Development Coordination, Environment Management and Primary Education in English and Math, with highlighted recognition of the ODA policy that was approved by Congress in December 2013.  He also thanked Australia for its leadership role at the Pacific Islands Forum.

Ambassador Beven thanked the President for the hospitalities extended to him and his wife since their arrival in Pohnpei. He further thanked the President for accepting his letter of credence. The Ambassador also commended the great work and cooperation that exist under our partnership and stated that “the Patrol Boat Program is the shining light of our relationship”. He also acknowledged the work of the Micronesia Trans National Crime Unit (MTCU). He further recognized the hard work and dedication of the Pacific Technical Assistance Mechanism (PACTAM) staff and advisers working in areas of our development cooperation. The Ambassador reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to continue strengthening our relations and spoke of his personal desire to work with the FSM in moving forward.

Attending the ceremony were Vice President Alik L. Alik, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S. Robert, Secretary of Finance Kensley Ikosia, Director of SBOC Evelyn Adolph, Chief of Staff Leo Falcam Jr. and a few staff members from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of Environment and Emergency Management.

For further inquiry, call the Department at 320-2641 or email fsmpio@mail.fm.