PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On September 22nd, 2022, the Honorable Kandhi A. Elieisar—Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)—was received by the Honorable Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, in a reception between Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) and Cuba.
During their meeting, Secretary Elieisar emphasized the FSM’s desire to strengthen and renew its relations with the People and Government of Cuba, as formal interactions between the FSM and Cuba declined during the COVID-19 Pandemic and its associated lockdowns. In this regard, Secretary Elieisar emphasized the FSM’s interest in increasing the number of students attending Cuban educational institutions; the FSM’s interest in partnering with Cuba in tackling plastics pollution and other common environmental goals; the FSM’s interest in strengthening partnership with Cuba specifically, and other Caribbean islands more generally, in advancing the narrative for larger countries to cooperate on tackling Climate Change; and the FSM’s agreement that the U.S. Embargo on Cuba ought to be eased for the benefit of the People of Cuba. With regard to the latter, the Secretary also described the FSM’s perspective that it would ultimately serve the collective interest of humanity for the U.S. and Cuba to enjoy partnership and friendship, such as the partnership and friendship the FSM enjoys with the U.S. and its People.
“The FSM has a significant need for more medical doctors, and for current medical professionals to receive more training,” His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the FSM, said in a statement following the meeting. “We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Cuba on a variety of bilateral and multilateral affairs, including medical training opportunities for our citizens. Meanwhile, I will encourage the United States of America to consider lifting the Embargo it has on Cuba, as lifting this Embargo will benefit the People of Cuba presently undergoing financial hardship, and ultimately result in stronger relations between our closest ally and our Cuban friends.”
The FSM and Cuba established diplomatic relations on September 9th, 2015. The FSM extends to the People and Government of Cuba peace, friendship, cooperation, and love in our common humanity.
