August 13, 2026
Palikir, Pohnpei — His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), received the Honorable Iwao Horii, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during a courtesy visit to the Office of the President on August 10, 2026.
Discussions centered on bilateral relations, the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and the regional security environment, reaffirming the KIZUNA, the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the FSM and Japan.
State Minister Horii was accompanied by His Excellency Nobuo Kagomiya, Ambassador of Japan to the FSM, and senior officials from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Joining President Simina were His Excellency John Fritz, FSM Ambassador to Japan; Chief of Staff Yolanda Joab Mori; and senior officials representing relevant departments and agencies.
President Simina conveyed the FSM’s condolences to the families who lost loved ones and expressed solidarity with the people of Japan affected by the recent earthquake. State Minister Horii, in turn, conveyed Japan’s sympathy to the people of Chuuk State affected by Typhoon Sinlaku and expressed appreciation at seeing the Japan-funded Navigator vessel actively engaged in response and recovery efforts.
On bilateral relations, President Simina highlighted practical development and economic cooperation, including support through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He also welcomed the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation (OFCF) project to install ice-making machines on Moch and Fanapanges Islands in Chuuk State, noting that OFCF cooperation with the FSM dates back to the 1970s and remains a tangible example of economic cooperation between the two countries.
The two sides also discussed expanding student, people-to-people, and economic exchanges, including an economic exchange mission planned for January 2027. State Minister Horii expressed Japan’s appreciation for the FSM’s cooperation in the recovery and repatriation of the remains of Japanese war dead. President Simina also acknowledged the appointment of Mr. Kembo Mida, Jr. as Japan’s Honorary Consul in Chuuk and the important role of people-to-people ties in strengthening bilateral relations.
Turning to the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum, State Minister Horii expressed that he looked forward to participating in the Forum and reaffirmed Japan’s support for Pacific-led priorities and initiatives, including the Pacific Resilience Facility.
On the regional security environment, State Minister Horii reiterated Japan’s continued respect for the sovereignty and independence of the FSM and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to peace and stability in the Pacific.
President Simina expressed appreciation for Japan’s friendship and cooperation and reaffirmed the FSM’s commitment to continuing to build on the kizuna between the two countries and their peoples.
Read or download the complete issue of The Kaselehlie Press
Leave a Reply