August 19, 2026
Pohnpei – From August 9 to 11, Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).
- Courtesy Call on President Simina
On August 10, State Minister HORII paid a courtesy call on H.E. Wesley W. SIMINA, President of the FSM.
At the outset, President SIMINA welcomed State Minister HORII to the FSM and expressed his sympathy and solidarity in light of the significant damage caused by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake. In response, State Minister HORII expressed his appreciation.
State Minister HORII expressed his hope to further strengthening bilateral relations in the lead-up to the 11th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM11) scheduled to be held in the summer of 2027 in Yokohama, as well as the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the FSM in 2028. In response, President SIMINA stated his hope to further develop our friendly bilateral relations. In addition, both sides exchanged views on regional issues, and President SIMINA welcomed the updated Free and Open Indo Pacific (FOIP) vison and its initiatives.
- Exchange of views with Secretaries of the FSM
On August 10, State Minister HORII exchanged views with Hon. Leonito BACALANDO Jr., Secretary of the Department of Justice, Hon. Gardenia AISEK, Secretary of Education, Mr. Kehlen HALBERT, Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs and other high government officials of the FSM. State Minister HORII stated that, toward PALM11 and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the FSM in 2028, he would like to further strengthen cooperation in a wide range of fields. In response, they stated that their hope to further develop our friendly bilateral relations. - Site Visits and Other Meetings
During his visit, State Minister HORII exchanged views with Japanese citizens and members of the Overseas Volunteers (JOCVs) working in the FSM and conducted inspections of the Pohnpei Port, where an expansion project is underway with Japan’s grant aid.
State Minister HORII visited a memorial monument in Pohnpei for Japanese who died there before World War II and for the World War II dead to lay a wreath and offer a silent prayer.
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