“This bridge will become a symbol of our healthy great friendship between our two peoples,” Vice President George said in his statement. “This bridge will not only connect our governments and improve access to the inlands of Nett, but will also contribute to the economic and social development of Nett, Pohnpei more broadly, and the great friendship between the FSM and China.”
Yosiwo P. George, vice president of the FSM; Feliciano Perman, lt. governor of Pohnpei State; and Nelsin Iriarte, mayor of Nett, pose with a commemorative photo of the Kahmar Bridge. FSMIS photo
He added, “I would like to thank the China Railway 14th Bureau which implemented the project…. I also thank you, [Huang Zheng, ambassador of China to the FSM], and your government’s continued monetary and medical supplies assistance towards our nation’s Covid-19 relief efforts. They are contributing to the embodiment of our great friendship, built on the bedrock of mutual respect and the One-China Policy, which we have upheld and supported for nearly 31 years and will continue to do so in the decades and centuries to come.”
The Kahmar Bridge is 56 meters or about 184 feet long and 10 meters or about 33 feet wide, and represents approximately $3.2 million of assistance.
A technical and economic cooperation agreement was signed in 2015, and construction began on the bridge on June 26, 2019.
While formal completion of the Bridge occurred some months ago, the official opening ceremony was delayed due to requirements for proper vetting and inspection, which occurred electronically due to the unique situation imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
