Foreign relations of the Federated States of Micronesia

The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) conducts its own foreign relations.Since independence, the FSM has established diplomatic relations with a number of nations, including most of its Pacific neighbors.Regional cooperation through various multilateral organizations is a key element in its foreign policy.The FSM became a member of the United Nations in 1991.

United States

:"For more, see Micronesia-United States relations."The Governments of the FSM and the U.S. signed the final version of the Compact of Free Association on October 1, 1982.The Compact went into effect on November 3, 1986, and the FSM became a sovereign nation in free association with the United States.Under the Compact, the U.S. has full authority and responsibility for the defense of the FSM.This security relationship can be changed or terminated by mutual agreement.The Compact provides U.S. grant funds and federal program assistance to the FSM.The basic relationship of free association continues indefinitely, but certain economic and defense provisions of the Compact expire in 2001, subject to renegotiation.Negotiations on extending the Compact began in November 1999.

Israel

FSM is one of the most consistent supporters of Israel (along with the United States) in international affairs. Throughout the history of the United Nations General Assembly, it is claimed by some there has always been an "automatic majority" against Israel.Fact|date=September 2008 The United States has consistently opposed what it perceives as "unbalanced" "anti-Israel" resolutions and, in recent years, one other nation has joined Israel’s defense — Micronesia.

The foreign policy goals of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) are primarily linked to achieving economic development and protecting their vast marine environment. Israel was one of the first to welcome the FSM into the family of nations, even before the FSM became a member of the U.N. According to the FSM U.N. deputy ambassador, Micronesia has since sought close bilateral relations with Israel in areas such as agriculture, technical training and health care training.

Israel has assisted the FSM in its early development. As one Micronesian diplomat said, "We need Israeli expertise, so I don’t see a change in our policy anytime soon."Fact|date=September 2008

Cuba

Micronesia was one of ten Pacific countries to send a government member to the first Cuba-Pacific Islands ministerial meeting, held in Havana in September 2008. [ [http://www.cubanews.ain.cu/2008/0916amistadislaspacifico.htm "Cuban Foreign Minister Opens Cuba-Pacific Islands Meeting"] , Cuban News Agency, September 16, 2008] [ [http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=42045 "Pacific and Cuba meet to discuss co-operation"] , Radio New Zealand International, September 17, 2008] The aim of the meeting was to "strengthen cooperation" between Micronesia and Cuba, notably on addressing the impact of climate change. [ [http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=42076 "Cuba and Pacific strengthen co-operation"] , Radio New Zealand International, September 18, 2008]

ee also

* Micronesian diplomatic missions
* List of diplomatic missions in the Federated States of Micronesia

References