PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On September 21st, 2022, His Excellency David W. Panuelo—President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)—was received by His Excellency Joseph R. Biden Jr., President of the United States of America, at a reception on the margins of the 77th United Nations General Assembly.
During their meeting, President Panuelo congratulated President Biden for the United States’ recent ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which is an international agreement to gradually reduce the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons. It is a legally binding agreement designed to create rights and obligations in international law. Citizens may recall that the FSM played an essential role in the creation of the Kigali Amendment.
Additionally, President Panuelo and President Biden briefly spoke about the forthcoming US-Pacific Summit. President Panuelo relayed his appreciation that the U.S. took seriously the call from the 12th Pacific Island Conference of Leaders (PICL) that it is ultimately in both the Pacific’s interest, as well as the U.S.’ interest, for the U.S. to engage with the whole of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). As a result of the 12th PICL, the U.S. has invited all members of the PIF to attend the US-Pacific Summit.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with President Panuelo and President Biden both giving each other a thumbs up whilst commenting that we are collectively heading towards the right direction in tackling Climate Change.
