In a short statement,. Shoji Sato, ambassador of Japan to the FSM, stated that this is the first non-project grant aid to be implemented in the federation.
He said his government will continue to support the people and the government of the FSM.
Lorin S. Robert, FSM secretary of foreign affairs, assured Sato that the assistance “will help improve our nation’s ongoing economic and social development efforts.”
Witnessing the signing ceremony were the FSM Vice President Alik Alik, Department of Education Secretary Casiano Shoniber, Department of Health and Social Affairs Secretary Vita Skilling, Department of Transportation and Communications Assistant Secretary Weiner Hadley, Department of Finance and Administration Assistant Secretary Rose Nakanaga, Assistant Director of Statistics, Budget and Economic Management, Overseas Development Assistance and Compact Management Semensin James, staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the president’s office, and the Embassy of Japan.
