Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Nena Hosted Farewell Reception for Ambassador Yongcheng

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 10,
1997 – A farewell reception hosted by the Secretary of the
Department of External Affairs Epel Ilon for H.E. Chen Yongcheng, the
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Federated States
of Micronesia and his wife (Sun Rong) who will be returning home
after nearly three years in Pohnpei heading the Chinese Mission here.

The reception was held at Club Cupit Restaurant on top of the
Dolonier Mountain overlooking Sokehs Rock and Pohnpei International
Airport and Seaport.

Secretary Ilon in a brief remark expressed the appreciations of
the FSM President and the people of the FSM to the Ambassador for the
professional and cordial working relationship he established during
his tenure. The Secretary also thanked the Ambassador and his
government for the assistance provided to the FSM and its states in
projects, financial aid and other assistance. In closing, Ilon wished
Ambassador Chen for a successful and prosperous future and proposed a
toast for his continued good health and prosperity for him and the
People’s Republic of China, its leaders and people.

Ambassador Chen thanked President Nena, Secretary and his
predecessors, leaders and the people of the FSM for their
friendliness that they have been shown to them during their tenure. A
memory that will remain with him and Mrs. Sun Rong (his wife)
wherever they may be. He expressed his hopes that the same
friendliness and cooperation will also be accorded to whom ever his
successor may be.

The Ambassador and his wife left Pohnpei August 31, 1997, leaving
in the Embassy First Secretary Guo Bing Gang and two other staff.

Foreign Service Larry Raigatal says that the Ambassador of China
has helped the FSM with a number of projects including an extension
to the aquaculture project building in Kosrae State with
approximately US $400,000; a $600,000 agriculture project in Pohnpei
which is being develop and a $3.1 loan for construction of a
multi-purpose building at COM-FSM which is still in the planning
stages, and approximately $30,000 drilling equipment for the state of
Yap says Mahabub Chowdhury from the office of Planning and Statistics (OPS).

The Embassy also arranged several ours of China for State and
National Government leaders including State Governors and Speakers
and another tour for former Vice President Nena accompanied by
various FSM State Agriculturists. The Embassy has assisted in sports
development by bringing professional acrobats, Table Tennis Players
and coaches during the last two FSM Games.