Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Visit of Special Envoy from the Republic of Chile

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): March 28, 2011 - On March 24th 2011, the Acting Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kandhi A. Elieisar received a visit by Mr. Jose Antonio Cousino, a Special Envoy of the Republic of Chile. The purpose of Mr. Cousino's visit to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) was to discuss and explore ways to strengthen and enhance relationship between our two countries, having established diplomatic relations in March of 1990. Mr. Cousino also raised an issue regarding Chile's candidacy to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the period of 2011 to 2014, to which the Acting Secretary expressed FSM's support.

As a way forward to enhancing relations between the two countries, Mr. Cousino expressed and confirmed Chile's interest to establish an honorary counsel and/or a roving ambassador representation to the FSM, and solicited the Department's assistance in advising of potential suitable candidates. Mr. Cousino also indicated that Chile is ready to explore developmental cooperative initiatives with the FSM, notably, in areas of health, nutrition, economic development, and infrastructure/housing projects. A visa waiver agreement was also tabled by Mr. Cousino for the FSM's consideration, including an invitation for the FSM to participate in diplomatic courses offered under the auspices of the Chile Diplomatic Academy.

Joining Acting Secretary Kandhi A. Elieisar were Assistant Secretary Ricky F. Cantero, Deputy Assistant Secretary Carson Mongkeya and Foreign Service Officer Stacy Yleizah.