Press Releases
State Minister HORII’s Visit to the Federated States of Micronesia
From August 9 to August 11, Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).
1. Meetings with Senior Officials of the Federated States of Micronesia
(1) Courtesy Call on H.E. Wesley W SIMINA, President of the Federated States of Micronesia
On August 10, Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Wesley W. SIMINA, President of the FSM. At the outset, President SIMINA welcomed State Minister HORII’s visit to Federated States of Micronesia 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 response, President SIMINA stated that his hope to further develop our good 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.
(2) Exchange of views with Secretaries of 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 and Mr. Kehlen HALBERT, Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs. State Minister HORII stated that, toward PALM11 and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the FSM, he would like to further strengthen cooperation in a wide range of fields. In response, they stated that their hope to further develop our good bilateral relations.
2. Handover Ceremony of Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects
On August 10, State Minister HORII convened the handover ceremony for an excavator and a repair and maintenance kit, provided through Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects from the government of Japan, with Mr. Stanley R Ernest, Chief Magistrate of Sokehs Municipal Government.
3. Site Visits and Other Meetings
During his stay, 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.
4. Wreath-laying at memorials
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, as well as the South Pacific Memorial Park in Guam during his stopover to lay a wreath and offer a silent prayer.