Gov. Benigno R. Fitial welcomed Marshall Islands President Jurelang Zedkaia, Federated States of Micronesia President Manny Mori, Kosrae Gov. William O. Tosie, Yap Gov. Sebastian Anefal, Chuuk Gov. Wesley Simina, Pohnpei Gov. John Ehsa, Guam Gov. Felix P. Camacho and Palau Minister for Resource Development and Tourism Harry Fritz who represented President Johnson Toribiong.
In his welcoming remarks, Fitial underscored the CNMI’s rich cultural and historical ties with Guam, Palau, the Marshalls as well as the FSM and its four states — Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap.
He said “maintaining regional alliance” will help sustain their islands’ needs in a rapidly changing 21st century.
He touted the CNMI’s goal of tapping geothermal energy from some of its volcanic islands to address its lingering problem with stable power supply.
Guam Gov. Felix Camacho, a founding member of the regional body, stressed that their goal is to lay the foundation for better times for the next generation of islanders.
“We’re looking after the next generation. All of you are visionaries. The future of Micronesia is in your hands….The ultimate goal is prosperity,” he said.
The summit continues today with speakers from the military and the Federal Aviation Administration.
John Jackson of the Joint Guam Public Office and Gary Kuwabara, Western Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment, will discuss update on military expansion assistance in the insular areas.
FAA Manager for the Honolulu Airports District Office Ronnie Simpson will talk about the airport improvement program in the region.
The summit will conclude on Friday with communiqués signed by the Micronesian leaders.
