Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM President Accepts Credentials of France Envoy

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): June 25, 1997 –
The Ambassador-designate of France to the FSM presented his letter of
credence and the letter of recall of his predecessor to FSM President
Jacob Nena in a ceremony held on June 16, 1997, in the President’s
Cabinet room attended by FSM, Pohnpei State Officials and members of
the Diplomatic Corps in Pohnpei.

Ambassador-designate Michel Jolivet told FSM President Nena his
appointment by President Jacques Chirac as his country’s Ambassador
to the FSM is a real personal pleasure and a great honor because he
never deemed about visiting the FSM which is very far from his
homeland of France. But this was possible by the progress in the FSM
during this 20th century.

“[…] France and the FSM enjoyed friendly relations even before the
end of the Trusteeship regime. France has supported your will to
access to full political sovereignty, as well as your admission to
the United Nations,” Jolivet said.

The French Envoy stated he shall be glad, during his first stay in
Pohnpei, to gather information so that he could consider providing
the FSM with more program assistance. In the recent past France has
provided the FSM with solar energy projects, satellite bathymetric
mapping and scholarships.

“France would be honored to contribute to any international effort
which would be decided, in order to help this unique and prestigious
site (Nan Madol) to take (the) place it deserve in the world
heritage,” the Ambassador said.

“President Chirac asked me to convey to Your Excellency with his
personal message of friendship, that the interest of France for
Pacific Island as well as his own attachment to them, have never been
so strong. Within international organizations, France also intends
to remain the same convinced advocate of a strong commitment in favor
of the development of newly emerging nations,” adding, his country’s
association with new Caledonia and Tahiti and Wallis and Fotuna are
further assurance of France’s willingness to keep the same very close
links with the people, the governments and the international
organizations of the Pacific.

In accepting the letter of credence for Ambassador-designate
Michel Jolivet of France from President Jacques Chirac which
accredited Jolivet as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
France to the Federated States of Micronesia in a ceremony held in
the President’s Cabinet room on June 16, 1997, President Jacob Nena
stated that the relations between the two countries remain strong and
full of promises since its establishment over four years ago. The
strong and cooperative relations has yielded concrete results which
the FSM is proud of and forever grateful. Such assistance as
scholarships and training; alternative energy and marine resource
projects.

The President also was encouraged, he said, by the ongoing
discussions on possible access to the French Development Bank in
Vanuatu which can help boost FSM in its economic and social
development efforts.

Nena praised France for its role in the area of disarmament,
sustainable development, promotion of world peace and security,
adding that, France has continued to be involved with the countries
of the South Pacific by its involvement in institutions including the
South Pacific Forum.

Nena concluded his remarks by extending a very warm welcome to
Ambassador and Mrs. Jolivet to FSM and requested the Ambassador to
extend his best wishes for a good health for France President Jacques
Chirac and the people of France.

Ambassador Michel Jolivet was born on September 7, 1942, married
with two children. He has a bachelor of Arts from the Institute of
Political Studies in Paris. His career with government began as
Director of cultural centers in Lubumbashi (Zaire) the Bujumbura
(Burundi). He has served in numerous overseas posts, the latest was
in 1994 to 1996, as Deputy Assistant Secretary in Humanities, Social
Science and Archeology (Direction of Scientific and technical
cooperation) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He heads his
country’s Diplomatic Mission in Suva, Fiji.

Ambassador Jolivet paid courtesy calls on President Nena, Vice
President Falcam and other FSM, Pohnpei State and Diplomatic Missions
in Pohnpei before proceeding to his other destinations.