The visit was his second in response to an invitation by FSM President Emanuel Mori, in conjunction with a resolution adopted by the 15th FSM Congress requesting him to address a session of Congress, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the FSM and Japan and installation of the first resident ambassador of Japan to the FSM.
In Pohnpei, he had courtesy calls on President Mori and later with Speaker Isaac Figir last week.
During the courtesy calls, President Mori and Figir conveyed sincere greetings and warm welcome to the former prime minister and members of his delegation, which included resident Ambassador of Japan to the FSM Shoji Sato.
The president and Figir expressed gratitude and appreciation to former Prime Minister Mori for being a good friend and instrumental in contributing to the solid relationship through the appointment of resident Japanese ambassador to the FSM, the ongoing youth exchange program, the close friendship between parliamentarians from Japan with FSM Congress members through the Japan-FSM Parliamentary Friendship League chaired by the former prime minister, and the realization of the project for extension of the runway for the Pohnpei International Airport.
A brief ceremony on the signing of the exchange of letters for the Pohnpei International Airport Extension was held at noon on Sept. 16, with Foreign Affairs Secretary Lorin Robert signing on behalf of the FSM government and Sato on behalf of the Japanese government.
Among those witnessing the event were President Mori, former Prime Minister Mori, Vice President Alik L. Alik and Pohnpei Gov. John Ehsa.
A reception was held at the Cliff Rainbow Hotel the evening of Monday, Sept. 15, hosted by the Japanese Embassy to welcome and honor former Prime Minister Mori and his delegation.
The highlight of the historic visit by the former prime minister was the occasion to address the session of the 15th FSM Congress on Tuesday morning, September.
Former Prime Minister Mori noted the strong bonds of friendship between the peoples of Japan and the FSM and urged continued efforts to develop closer friendship and improved mutual understanding through youth and cultural exchanges.
He himself has been instrumental in such exchanges given his personal close attachment with the people of Chuuk state.
His father served in Toleisom, Chuuk, during the Japanese administration of Micronesia, where he developed close friendship with the local people.
