THE Federated States of Micronesia and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste formally established diplomatic relations on June 24.
Federated States of Micronesia Ambassador to Australia Jane J. Chigiyal and her Timor-Leste counterpart, Ambassador Ines Maria de Almeida, signed documents confirming the new relationship.
The two governments said the new relationship was intended to strengthen bilateral dialogue and deepen people-to-people ties while expanding cooperation on climate change, ocean governance, peace and security, and sustainable development.
Chigiyal said the two countries “share values that transcend our borders and our colonial past.”
She said Micronesia and Timor-Leste have already worked together in multiple international forums and are now formalising that cooperation through diplomatic relations. She also praised Timor-Leste for its role in advancing SDG16.
Almeida said the partnership shows that “the vast ocean that cradles our islands is merely a highway that connects culture, customs, and countries.”
She added that when “Micronesia speaks on the realities of rising sea levels and ocean conservation, Timor-Leste hears its own voice echoing back. Together, that voice is louder and stronger.”
The signing means Timor-Leste is the 105th country to establish diplomatic relations with FSM and coincided with the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
