PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services) — On June 4, 2021, David W. Panuelo, president of the Federated States of Micronesia, received Carmen G. Cantor, ambassador of the United States to the FSM, in a courtesy call. Their extensive discussions covered a range of topics, from the FSM’s repatriation efforts and the recent Pacific Island Conference of Leaders to economic and regional security issues, and the introduction of new U.S. diplomatic staff in the FSM.
President Panuelo began the meeting by thanking Ambassador Cantor, and by extension the U.S. government, to particularly include the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the U.S. Coast Guard, for America’s comprehensive assistance to the FSM in tackling the Covid-19 Pandemic, including the first successful repatriation effort from a Covid-19 affected jurisdiction. “I really want to say thank you,” President Panuelo said, “To you, to the [U.S. CDC], and to the Coast Guard, for making our repatriation flight in May possible.”
A meaningful portion of the meeting was devoted to introducing to President Panuelo several of the new diplomatic staff in the FSM.
He met in person — previously virtually — Deputy Chief of Mission Kristin Westphal, who will assist the FSM across a broad scope of issues of mutual interest and benefit.
Panuelo also met Frank Talluto, the economic/consular officer, of whom the FSM can expect expert advice on the federation’s economic concerns.
Panuelo also met Andrew Posner, the public affairs officer, of whom the FSM can expect to amplify he FSM-U.S. Enduring Partnership to citizens in the FSM and across the region.
The president likewise met Rodger Garner of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Garner’s presence in the FSM represents a significant accomplishment for one of the Panuelo-George administration’s goals.
On Nov. 21, 2019, President Panuelo met with Sean Callahan, deputy mission director for USAID based in the Philippines. The meeting itself was a result of the FSM’s explicit request for USAID’s permanent physical presence in the federation.
President Panuelo requested USAID’s presence in the FSM to help ensure that the development agency, with eyes on the ground, can more directly assist with the FSM’s goals in donor coordination and health response, as well as climate adaptation, mitigation, and resiliency efforts.
President Panuelo also noted at the time the FSM’s interest in USAID support for the education sector, whether it be in the form of long-term aspirations, such as the proposed resurrection of the Pohnpei Agriculture & Trade School as a regional vocational education hub, and/or in augmentative assistance for contemporary elementary and secondary school programming at FSM public schools.
Lastly, President Panuelo met Cmdr. Thomas Price, who is the U.S. Embassy’s defense attaché. Under Title III of the Compact of Free Association, as Amended, the FSM national government delegates some of its defense responsibilities, where appropriate, to the U.S. armed forces. Thus, the defense attaché, as an office, and Commander Price, as a person, is tasked with assisting the FSM’s security.
“Ambassador,” President Panuelo told the U.S. envoy, “I am so happy that your office is being populated. Our enduring partnership with our first and foremost ally is dear to us, so it’s essential for our citizens to see you here, helping in our development.”
The remainder of the meeting covered an extensive array of items of mutual interest and benefit, such as tentative plans for the next Joint Committee Meeting, and the outcomes of the recent Pacific Island Conference of Leaders.
From left, Frank Talluto, economic/consular officer; Kristin Westphal, deputy chief of mission; U.S. Ambassador to the FSM Carmen G. Cantor; FSM President David W. Panuelo; Kandhi A. Elieisar, FSM secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs; Cmdr. Thomas Price, U.S defense attaché; Rodger Garner, USAID country coordinator; and Andrew Posner, public affairs officer of the U.S. Embassy.
FSM President David W. Panuelo poses with U.S. Ambassador Carmen G. Cantor.
FSM President David W. Panuelo poses with U.S. Ambassador Carmen G. Cantor — this time wearing an adorable hat!
FSM President David W. Panuelo shakes hands with the U.S. defense attaché, Cmdr. Thomas Price.
FSM President David W. Panuelo shakes hands with USAID country coordinator Rodger Garner who, like Panuelo, has a special connection with the U.S. State of Oregon.
The FSM-U.S. Enduring Partnership: FSM President David W. Panuelo welcomes U.S. Ambassador Carmen G. Cantor to his office.
FSM President David W. Panuelo greets the U.S. Embassy staff: economic/consular officer Frank Talluto, U.S. defense attaché Cmdr. Thomas Price and Public Affairs Officer Andrew Posner.
FSM President David W. Panuelo listens attentively U.S. Ambassador Carmen G. Cantor as discusses an item of mutual interest and import.
