Pohnpei—New U.S. Chief of Mission Andrew Wylie pledged to deepen cooperation between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia during a dinner reception that brought more than 80 guests to the U.S. Chief of Mission Residence in Pohnpei.
Guests included President Wesley W. Simina, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ricky Cantero, representatives of the national and Pohnpei State governments, members of the diplomatic corps, international organizations, the business community, and the broader community.
Wylie, who serves as Chargé d’Affaires, told guests that he and his family had arrived from Sweden six weeks earlier and would call Pohnpei home for two years. He thanked community members who had already welcomed him into their homes and said he was pleased to return their hospitality.
“I am both humbled and honored that so many of you in our community here in the FSM have come to share this evening with me,” he said.
Wylie said he had already traveled to communities in Chuuk affected by Typhoon Sinlaku. He planned to leave for Yap the following day and hoped to visit Kosrae before long. He also described a recent visit to Nan Madol as part of his introduction to the FSM’s culture and heritage.
Although the reception provided an opportunity to meet people, Wylie said it also offered guests a chance to renew their existing friendships and connections. He described the evening as “formally informal,” encouraging everyone to relax, enjoy the food, and spend time in conversation.
Turning to the relationship between the two countries, Wylie said their ties extend beyond the FSM’s founding to the Trust Territory period and earlier. He said the partnership serves both countries and the wider region, with democracy and freedom among their shared principles.
He noted that the United States was celebrating its 250th anniversary of independence this year and that the FSM would soon celebrate its 40th.
Wylie described the Compact of Free Association as a strong foundation for the relationship and said he welcomed opportunities to expand security, defense, and economic cooperation. He looked forward to working with President Simina, Secretary Cantero, and others to strengthen those ties.
Acting Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs Kehlen Halbert welcomed Wylie on behalf of President Simina, describing the partnership as one built on friendship, mutual respect, and a long history of cooperation. He said connections between the people of both countries also help sustain the relationship.
Halbert welcomed Wylie’s family to the island community and offered a lighthearted warning about Pohnpei’s weather.
“It is either currently raining or it is about to rain,” he said.
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