Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

PRC Embassy Celebrates the 48th Founding Anniversary

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): October 3, 1997
– The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the FSM
His Excellency Xu Jun and the Embassy staff, on September 30, 1997,
hosted a dinner reception celebrating the 48th Anniversary of the
Founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), at the
Across-the-Street Restaurant.

Among the invited guests were FSM President Jacob Nena, Governor
of Pohnpei, Del Pangelinan, State Senator Ambros Senda, Australian
Ambassador Perry Head, Charge d’Affaires Yoshikawa from Japan
Embassy, Secretary of the Department of External Affairs Epel Ilon,
Deputy Secretary Ieske Iehsi, National Planner Bermin Weilbacher, and
the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communication
Lukner Weilbacher.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Xu expressed his pleasure for
the presence of the invited dignitaries who attended the celebration
of his country’s National Day.

The Ambassador said that during his brief stay since his arrival,
he and his wife are impressed by the beauty of FSM and the friendship
showed them by your government and people.

China and Micronesia are geographically far apart, but both FSM
and PRC are members of the Asia-Pacific Region, both belong to the
developing countries and share similar experiences in the past. Now
we are engaged in building up our national economies and improving
the living standards of our people, he said, adding, “So we are like
one big family, like brothers and sisters,” Xu said.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two
countries, relationships have steadily been growing on the basis of
equality and mutual benefit,” he stated.

The Ambassador also stated that great changes have been taken
place in his country especially during the last five years of its 48
years of existence. Changes including deepening reform, opening wider
to the outside world, promoting the development and maintaining
stability.

Ambassador Xu noted two great events recently, one is the “smooth
and successful return of Hong Kong to the embrace of the motherland,
the People’s Republic of China, on July 1, 1997. The other is the
successful convocation of the 15th National Congress of the Chinese
Communist Party, which has formulated the new action program for
China and will guide Chinese people to enter the 21st century with
victory and stability.” The two events will have far reaching
significance and impact on China, with the fast economic development,
the comprehensive national strength of China is growing, he said,
adding that China is growing steadily and ever stronger, which will
benefit both China and the rest of the world as well.

“China attaches importance to her relations with Micronesia. That
is why I am here to succeed Ambassador Chen only a few days after his
departure,” said Ambassador Xu, adding, “I will try my best to
further advance relations between our two countries in an all around
way.”

Ambassador Xu concluded his remarks by proposing a toast to the
good health of President Jacob Nena and Mrs. Nena, the good health of
the distinguished guests present, to the prosperity of FSM and
well-being of its people, and the friendship between FSM and China
and the two peoples.

FSM President Jacob Nena in response, stated his pleasure in
joining Ambassador Xu and Mrs. Ling, and other citizens of PRC, to
commemorate the founding of PRC 48 years ago.

I should like, therefore, on this occasion to extend to you, Mr.
Ambassador, and other citizens of PRC, and your government the
heartfelt congratulations of the people and government of the FSM, on
this special day. Our two countries have enjoyed a warm and cordial
relationship over the years. May this occasion remind us and further
strengthen that relationship for generations to come,” Nena stated.

“May I ask you to stand and join me in Proposing a toast,” said
the President, adding, “To His Excellency President Jiang Zemin, and
the people of the People’s Republic of China … for continuing good
health and prosperity and a long-lasting relationship. Gambei.

Over 50 people attended the celebration dinner.