President Christian asks Dr. Shirai Yoshiyasu to become honorary consul in Japan’s Kinki region
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- Category: News
- Published: Friday, 17 May 2019 05:57
- Written by Bill Jaynes
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FSM Information Services
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On March 26th 2019, His Excellency Peter M. Christian, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) met with Dr. Shirai Yoshiyasu, President of Osaka Gakuin University. The purpose of the meeting was to explore the possibility of Dr. Yoshiyasu serving as FSM’s Honorary Consul in the Kinki region, as well as to discuss educational programs such as student transfer, scholarship, and capacity development. Dr. Yoshiyasu had previously bestowed upon President Christian an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy degree.
Speaking through a translator, Dr. Yoshiyasu said that he found the people of the FSM to be very polite. “The heart of the people is very warm.”
“The people of Micronesia are very loving,” said President Christian. “We’re a family because we are a small community.” President Christian then described how FSM’s relationship with Japan is like that of a canoe bound together by rope made by coconut fibers in that it is both strong and flexible.
“Japan has given us respect, and we respect Japan back in our national sovereignty,” said President Christian. “Doctor… I am asking if you would consider the possibility of becoming our Honorary Consul in Osaka, in the [Kinki] region.”
Dr. Yoshiyashu appeared truly touched by the request, and after thanking President Christian said that he wishes to take the offer, and to expand the relationship between FSM and Japan. “I was very surprised to come here and see the beauty of this island,” Dr. Yoshiyasu said.
“I apologize about the rain,” replied President Christian.
Dr. Yoshiyasu advised that the proposed location of the Honorary Consul’s office would be on Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, which is said to be the longest shopping street in Japan taking about forty minutes to walk its length. This would allow the office a high degree of visibility and to engage in promoting the FSM to a wide range of audiences.
After discussing other issues of interest, President Christian requested that the Honorable Lorin S. Robert, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, handle the next steps in the process of making Dr. Yoshiyasu an Honorary Consul of the FSM, which include contacting the Government of Japan.
The FSM is committed towards developing positive and peaceful relations with all countries throughout the world. The FSM celebrated 30 years of formal diplomatic relations with Japan in 2018 but has over 100 years of history together. It is the hope of the FSM National Government that the FSM and Japan remain strong and flexible allies.
