Readout of Meeting between U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Federated States of Micronesia President Peter Christian

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke received President of the Federated States of Micronesia Peter Christian, in a courtesy visit at the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The Secretary and the President discussed a variety of topics focusing on the importance of the close and mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia. The discussion touched on Compact funding procedures, security in the Western Pacific, and financial and economic aspects of the relationship and implications for the next 6 years and into the future.  The President also challenged the Secretary to a friendly fishing competition.

The U.S. Department of the Interior administers funding to the Federated States of Micronesia under the Compact of Free Association, a bi-lateral agreement which defines the close relationship between the U.S. and the FSM.

President Christian was accompanied by FSM Foreign Minister Lorin Robert, FSM Ambassador to the United States Akillino Susaia, and attorney Sam Witten.  Secretary Zinke was staffed by Chief of Staff Scott Hommel, Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Doug Domenech, Director of the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) Nik Pula, and OIA policy division staff Tanya Harris Joshua.

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