Mori thanked the congresswoman for her continued support of the FSM in the U.S. Congress and offered congratulations on her recent appointment as the chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs.
The meeting highlighted the FSM’s initiatives toward the upcoming fifth year review of its amended Compact with the U.S., the Guam military buildup and access to veterans’ benefits in the FSM.
Under the terms of the amended Compact, the U.S. will review its terms and consider the overall nature and development of the relationship between the two nations, including recommendations on ways to increase the effectiveness of U.S. assistance and to meet the overall economic performance objectives of the FSM government.
Key players from both governments have indicated a desire to work together on the review with the objective of having a joint recommendation to the U.S. Congress.
During the meeting with Bordallo, Mori emphasized the need for economic development in the FSM, conveying to the congresswoman that at the current rate, and coupled with the looming global economic and financial crisis and the slow set up of the trust fund, the FSM will not meet its economic target by year 2023, when economic assistance from the U.S. to FSM is expected to end.
Bordallo expressed keen interest in the FSM’s appraisal of the amended Compact and its progress toward meeting its set objectives.
She noted the effectiveness of Pacific-affiliated members in Congress in collaborating on issues of importance to the region.
Mori also thanked Bordallo for her support of economic and social opportunities extended to FSM citizens working and residing on Guam.
He expressed keen interest in labor and development opportunities that the Guam military buildup will generate.
Mori and Bordallo agreed that there is still much to be done in order to reap the most benefits from the buildup.
Mori raised the issue of veterans in the FSM and the challenges that the federation faces in regards to accessing the rightful benefits for those veterans.
Bordallo acknowledged the FSM’s contributions to the U.S. armed forces.
She noted that she is a strong supporter of the veterans’ cause and would be honored to make a case for the FSM from within the House Committee on Armed Services, of which she is a member.
