Peilapalap, Pohnpei: June 8, 2023 – Governor Oliver and First Lady Estle G. Oliver were joined by Lt. Governor Ioanis and 2nd Lady Lilly Jean Ioanis to welcome the President of the Federated States of Micronesia, H.E. Wesley W. Simina and the Vice President of the FSM, T.H. Aren B. Palik, along with the 1st and 2nd Ladies of the FSM and Speaker of the 23rd FSM Congress, T.H. Esmond Moses and his wife to Peilapalap.
The visit was the first state-visit for the Simina/Palik administration. The welcome at the Governor’s conference room was preceded by a welcome of students from Pohnpei Catholic School, who lined the driveway entering the Governor’s office to welcome the President and Vice President with a song.
In the Governor’s conference room, the program was led by the Master of Ceremonies, Pohnpei State Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, who introduced Lt. Governor Francisco Ioanis for welcoming remarks. Lt. Governor Ioanis welcomed the President, Vice President and Speaker. He thanked the President for his visit, which he referred to as a gesture of unity, and a reminder that to lead is to serve.
Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi, delivered remarks on behalf of the 10th Pohnpei Legislature, joining the Lt. Governor, Governor and people of Pohnpei to welcome the President and Vice President. Speaker Yamaguchi noted that challenges will be coming and said together we can achieve what was once thought impossible.
Speaker Moses also delivered remarks, noting that it has been a long time a state visit was done, and it is long overdue. He noted that there is a lot of work ahead and for all to work together. He highlighted the recent signing of compact agreements, noting that the last amended compact was not fully utilized and that now is the time for collaboration and to update development plans. He closed by saying that he was happy to join the state visit to show appreciation for the President’s early start to visit the states of the federation, starting with Pohnpei.
Governor Oliver spoke before the final remarks by President Simina. He called the President’s first state visit a moment of great significance for the nation and a source of pride for the people of Pohnpei, the host of the FSM National Government. Governor Oliver went on to say that President Simina’s visit held great promise and offered a unique opportunity to further strengthen the ties that bind us. Before closing, Governor Oliver said:
“Let us remember the power of unity and strength lies within our collective efforts. Together we can overcome any obstacle, build resilient communities and create a better future for generations to come.”
President Simina extending his thanks to the Governor and Lt. Governor assuring them and all that the visit comes from the heart, which is why the visit was done as early as possible. President Simina noted that he puts a premium on getting to know people, state officials and needs, developing rapport and building bridges of solidarity. The President said that he and Vice President are committed to doing their best but can’t do it alone. He called for the importance of domestic mechanism in place for collaboration, cooperation and progress. President Simina highlighted the importance of State and National Leadership Conferences (SNLC) as venues to share and discuss important domestic issues, which he called key ingredients of FSM’s foreign policy. He also acknowledged the important role of donor partners to the FSM, as well as the FSM’s growing diplomatic members. President Simina thanked Governor Oliver, Lt. Governor Ioanis and Pohnpei for being a gracious host to the National Government and invited everyone present to join him and Vice President Alik for their inauguration on July 26, 2023.
Following the remarks, Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Ioanis presented gifts to the President and Vice President, along with the First Lady Oliver and Second Lady Ioanis presented gifts to the First Lady and Second Lady of FSM.
A sakau ceremony was performed after the speeches and students from Nett Elementary School performed traditional dances for the President, Vice President, First and Second Ladies.
You can watch the visit on video at: https://youtu.be/KGzLX2cXWCU