PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM INFORMATION SERVICE): June 5, 1998 – The Ambassador-designate of Canada Brian
Schumacher, presented his letter of Credence to President Jacob Nena, as the Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the FSM, in a ceremony held in the President’s
Cabinet Room, Wednesday morning, June 3rd.
Schumacher is Canada’s first Ambassador to the FSM who resides in Canberra, Australia.
In his remarks for the ceremony, Schumacher expressed his delight for being the first
Canadian Ambassador to the FSM which he considers an historic moment for him. He looks
forward to returning for the South Pacific Forum scheduled for August this year.
He stated that in some ways his is the easiest job since he is starting from scratch
that potentially will grow and expand in the future.
“My objectives are to seek out opportunities for Canadian business link in the
Federated States of Micronesia,” said Schumacher, adding, “I will encourage them
to trade and invest here.”
He expressed hopes that the FSM will look at Canadian as an untapped market and an
entry point into the North American Free Trade Market with its 450 million consumers.
He said Canada has expertise in areas well match with what the FSM can offer, such as
in land and offshore mining, development of specialized approaches to their industry that
can be proven useful here in FSM’s own industries.
As dialogue partner of the South Pacific Forum and observer to the South Pacific
Commission, these meeting provide better opportunity for officials of these countries to
meet, he said.
Schumacher recalled that Canada and FSM are both members of the United Nations and many
other global organizations and with these relationships solutions to mutual problems and
challenges on environment and disarmament can be cooperatively sought.
“The Canadian Government looks forward to many years of strong, friendly relations
with the people of the FSM and hopes to contribute to their future welfare and
prosperity,” he concluded.
President Nena, in accepting Schumacher’s Letter of Credence, expressed his pleasure in
welcoming him to the FSM Capital. He stated that the occasion marks a new phase in the
relationship between FSM and Canada which established diplomatic relations on March 3,
1998.
Relationships between FSM and Canada existed primarily through regional and
international cooperation, but not on a bilateral basis, Nena stated, adding that it gives
him great pleasure to receive Schumacher as Canada’s first ambassador to the FSM.
Nena assured Schumacher of his strong desire for a closer working relationship in the
advancement of matters of mutual interests.
Nena attributed his optimism on Canada’s reputations on issues relating to
environments, fisheries and other sectors the FSM value, “I have no doubt Mr.
Ambassador that you have these interests close to our two countries and peoples
desire.”
“I, therefore, look forward to working with you and your government in advancing
these great potentials in our relationship,” Nena concluded.
Attending the presentation ceremony were Vice President Leo Falcam, Congress Speaker
Jack Fritz, members of Cabinet, Pohnpei Acting Governor Dion G. Neth, members of the
Diplomatic Corps and invited guests.
Ambassador Schumacher was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He holds a Mechanical
Engineering degree from the University of Manitoba in 1964, and a Masters degree in
Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario in 1968.
He did post-graduates in public administration from L’Ecole nationale d’administration in
Paris in 1978.
He entered the foreign trade service in 1968, held foreign posts including as a Trade
Commissioner; Consul General in Rio de Jenario, Brazil from 1980 to 1984 and as Ambassador
to the Republic of Korea from 1988 to 1991. He held several important posts including his
appointment 1995 as Canada’s High Commissioner to Australia.
Married to the former Denise Boucher, they have two children .
