Presidents gather in Pohnpei

President Hilda Heine and FSM President David Panuelo in Pohnpei last week prior to the formal inauguration of the new FSM President. Photo: Richard Clark, Office of the FSM President.

President Hilda Heine traveled to Pohnpei this past Saturday to attend inauguration festivities for new FSM President David Panuelo earlier this week.

Heine met with Panuelo Saturday after arrival. The discussion between President Panuelo and President Heine was brief, but covered several topics: the outcomes of the recent Micronesian Islands Forum, activities for the Joint National Inauguration Ceremony, the upcoming visit to Pohnpei by the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and the United Nations General Assembly in September.

“The FSM national government extends its appreciation to President Heine for attending the Joint National Inauguration Ceremony, and to the people and government of the RMI for their ongoing commitment to our shared values,” said the FSM President’s Office in a release.

President Heine is also expected to return to Pohnpei this weekend for next week Monday’s meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that will include President Panuelo and Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Jr.

Read more about this in the August 2, 2019 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.