On September 26, H.E. LIU Fei, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the FSM hosted a reception in honor of the 59th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China in Pohnpei. Hon. Isaac Figir, Speaker of Congress, H.E. Alik Alik, Vice President of FSM, Mr. Kandhi Eliersar, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. John Esha, Governor of Pohnpei State, heads of diplomatic missions, and the local Chinese businessmen together with other 200 guests attended the reception. Ambassador LIU and Vice President Alik made remarks respectively.

Ambassador LIU reviewed the phenomenal progress and achievements that China has made in political, economic and social development since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, in particular, the implementation of the reform and opening-up policy 30 years ago. The year 2008 is a special year for China. In the first half of the year, extreme weather conditions of sleet and snowstorms struck southern China, followed by a devastating earthquake in Sichuan. Under the great leadership of the Chinese Government, the Chinese people rallied together, overcame all difficulties and secured major victories in the rescue and relief efforts. The sympathy and support from the FSM Government and people gave full expression to your warm feelings toward the Chinese people.

In August and this month, thanks to active participation and strong support of FSM and other friendly nations, Beijing staged a high-standard Olympic Games and Paralympic Games with distinctive features. H.E. President Emaunel Mori, Dr. Vita Skilling, Secretary of Health, Sports and Social Affairs attended the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games as IOC registered VIP. President Mori pointed out that it was truly a work of art showcasing Chinese history and culture.

The accomplishment of the Olympic Games could not have been possible without the great leadership in China and the strong support and commitment of its people. I would like to take this opportunity to say a big “thank you” to the FSM Government and our FSM friends from all walks of life. The FSM Olympians achieved excellent results in Beijing. The Chinese people share the joy of the FSM people and wish FSM athletes even greater success in the future. President Mori also traveled to Shandong Province, a sister province of the state of Kosrae and visited agricultural, aquaculture and rural trade markets. Hon. L. Robert, Secretary of Foreign Affairs attended the opening ceremony of Beijing Paralympic Games. With the joint efforts of both sides, the cooperative relationship between China and FSM enjoys a sound and stable development. In order to support the FSM government to face the Climate change, energy security, and food security are major challenges, the Chinese Government provided 171 sets of solar street-lights for the FSM National government and the States of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Korsae to introduce renewable energy as well as to find new source of clean energy and transfer technical know-how by training local technicians to do the installation and maintenance. The pilot farm aided by the Chinese Government has been successful in planting 39 kinds of vegetable and fruits. This year more than 40 participants took part in the 2008 Human Resources Development Program in China.16 students from the FSM obtained the Chinese Government Full Scholarships in academic year of 2008-2009. Now over 40 FSM students are in universities and colleges in China. The Chinese teacher at COM opens two Chinese language classes. Each class has more than 20 students now. It shows an increasing number of people who would like to learn the Chinese language. In December this year, the Chinese Ministry of Culture will send an acrobatic group to expand culture exchanges. Based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit, China is ready to make joint efforts with the FSM side, to enhance China-FSM friendship and cooperation to a higher level.

Vice President Alik offered sincere felicitations to the Chinese Government and People. He also extended congratulations also for the successful launch of the Chinese third spacecraft space-walk mission, which is another historic achievement of the Chinese people. In 2007, President Mori unveiled the plaque of FSM Embassy in China. The gamut of high-profile visits of national and state leaders as well as assistance of all sorts in the important areas of human resource development, academic exchanges, agriculture, trade and tourism development and renewable energy projects, will prove beneficial to cultivating people-to-people understanding as well as enhancing the continued preoccupation of the FSM people in working together to achieve their development aspirations. FSM Government reconfirms the strong support and adherence of the one-China policy. The sentiments captured in the slogan “one world, one dream” of the games of the 29th Olympiad, can only be fulfilled if the world dreams one dream including FSM and China to work along side each other to make this world a better place to live,

At the reception, the Chinese Pilot Farm displayed various vegetables and fruits. The guests warmly congratulated Ambassador LIU on the Chinese National Day and enjoyed the food including vegetable and watermelon from the Pilot Farm. They highly appreciated the great success of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the friendship shared by FSM and Chinese people.