Wang Yi Holds Virtual Meeting with Former President of the Federated States of Micronesia and President of Micronesia-China Friendship Association John Haglelgam

On June 2, 2022 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a virtual meeting with Former President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and President of Micronesia-China Friendship Association (MCFA) John Haglelgam in Papua New Guinea.

Haglelgam asked Wang Yi to express his great respect for President Xi Jinping, and congratulated the Communist Party of China (CPC) on the outstanding achievements it has made since its founding a hundred years ago. He said, the CPC has been striving for its goal of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. By doing so, the CPC has also made great contributions to the development and progress of mankind. Haglelgam spoke highly of the fact that China upholds multilateralism, champions fairness and justice, supports developing countries in safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests, and plays an important leading role in international affairs. He highly applauded the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, and expressed readiness to work with the Chinese side to jointly devote to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Haglelgam, on behalf of the MCFA, welcomed Wang Yi's virtual visit to the FSM. He said, I made the strategic decision to establish diplomatic ties with China 32 years ago when I served as the second President of the FSM, and today I'm still proud of it. The FSM cherishes its friendship with China and is sincerely grateful for China's strong support during the FSM's struggle for sovereignty and independence. China is the sincerest development partner of the FSM. China's assistance, with no political strings attached, has greatly helped the FSM enhance people's well-being, improve governance and advance sustainable development. After leaving office, I established the MCFA. I will continue to closely follow China's development and FSM-China relations, and encourage more people to join the cause of supporting the friendship between the two countries.

Wang Yi appreciated Haglelgam's long-term contributions to promoting China-FSM friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation, and spoke highly of the fact that Haglelgam personally pushed for the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the FSM and thus opened a new historical chapter of bilateral relations. Wang Yi said, since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the FSM more than 30 years ago, the two countries have respected and supported each other and carried out fruitful cooperation in various fields, bringing tangible benefits to the FSM people and also vigorously promoting friendly exchanges between the two peoples.

Wang Yi said, Mr. President has not only made historic contributions to China-FSM relations, but also personally established the MCFA and dedicated himself to the people-to-people friendship between the two countries, playing a unique and constructive role in promoting the steady and sound development of bilateral relations. State-to-state relations boil down to people-to-people exchanges and heart-to-heart communication. China will continue to support the MCFA, cultivate more young people to carry forward the traditional friendship, constantly expand the ranks of China-FSM friendship advocates, and open up a brighter future for bilateral relations.