Speaker Simina welcomes Ambassador Lyons of New Zealand

PALIKIR, POHNPEI – September 13, 2017.   On Wednesday afternoon, Speaker Wesley W. Simina also welcomed to the Congress the newly accredited Ambassador of New Zealand to the Federated States of Micronesia - Ambassador Karena Lyons.

The Ambassador had earlier that morning presented her credentials to President Peter M. Christian as her country’s representative to the FSM and extended courtesy meets to the state and national leaders.

Speaker Simina welcomed Ambassador Lyons to the Congress and expressed his congratulations on her accreditation to the FSM for it is an indication of both countries hopes to “strengthen the relationship through increased engagement and cooperation at all levels.”

The Speaker and the Ambassador exchanged views on various regional issues and concluded with Speaker Simina encouraging her to visit the rest of the states when her time permits. The Ambassador is based out of Hawaii and was accompanied by Senior Policy Advisor Jake Hamstra.  She is also cross-accredited to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and to the Republic of Palau

New Zealand established diplomatic relations with the FSM on June 30, 1988 and was the fifth country to do so after the FSM established independence and was recognized by the United Nations on November 3, 1986.

* * *