Foreign relations of the Federated States of Micronesia

The government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) conducts its own foreign relations. Since independence in 1986, the FSM has established diplomatic relations with a number of nations, including most of its Pacific neighbors.

Federated States
of Micronesia
This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
the Federated States of Micronesia

Regional relations

Regional cooperation through various multilateral organizations is a key element in FSM's foreign policy. FSM is a full member of the Pacific Islands Forum, the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission, the Pacific Regional Environment Programme and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. The country also is one of the eight signatories of the Nauru Agreement Concerning Cooperation In The Management Of Fisheries Of Common Interest which collectively controls 25-30% of the world's tuna supply and approximately 60% of the western and central Pacific tuna supply.[1]

Diplomatic relations
Foreign relations of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM has established diplomatic relations with 89 UN states,[2] the Holy See, Cook Islands, Kosovo and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta:[2]

  1.  United States – 3 November 1986
  2.  Marshall Islands – 26 February 1987
  3.  Nauru – 10 April 1987
  4.  Tuvalu – 3 March 1988
  5.  New Zealand – 30 June 1988
  6.  Australia – 6 July 1988
  7.  Fiji – 5 August 1988
  8.  Japan – 5 August 1988
  9.  Papua New Guinea – 21 September 1988
  10.  Israel – 23 November 1988
  11.  Kiribati – 9 December 1988
  12.  Philippines – 10 January 1989
  13.  Tonga – 1 August 1989
  14.  China – 11 September 1989
  15.  Samoa – 13 March 1990
  16.  Chile – 31 March 1990
  17.  Solomon Islands – 5 April 1990
  18.  Vanuatu – 19 April 1990
  19.  South Korea – 5 April 1990
  20.  Indonesia – 16 July 1991
  21.  Singapore – 26 August 1991
  22.  Maldives – 24 October 1991
  23.  Brunei – 23 February 1992
  24.  Thailand – 20 March 1992
  25.  Germany – 21 April 1992
  26.  Cyprus – 5 May 1992
  27.  Peru – 7 May 1992
  28.  Spain – 11 May 1992
  29.  Austria – 1 July 1992
  30.  Malaysia – 6 July 1992
  31.  Sweden – 17 August 1992
  32.  United Kingdom – 31 August 1992
  33.  Colombia – 8 September 1992
  34.  Italy – 27 November 1992
  35.  France – 5 February 1993
  36.  Guatemala – 13 March 1993
  37.  Argentina – 27 July 1993
  38.   Holy See – 27 January 1994
  39.  Palau – 1 October 1994
  40.  Portugal – 24 March 1995
  41.  Cambodia – 2 May 1995
  42.  Vietnam – 22 September 1995
  43.  Netherlands – 15 April 1996
  44.  Greece – 30 April 1996
  45.  Belgium – 28 October 1996
  46.  India – 29 November 1996
  47.  South Africa – 12 December 1996
  48.  Sovereign Order of Malta – 12 November 1997
  49.  Canada – 3 March 1998
  50.  Russia – 9 March 1999
  51.  Ukraine – 17 September 1999
  52.  Croatia – 30 September 1999
  53.  Mexico – 27 September 2001
  54.   Switzerland – 22 April 2003
  55.  Iceland – 27 September 2004
  56.  Czech Republic – 6 October 2004
  57.  Ireland – 27 October 2004
  58.  North Macedonia – 30 November 2004
  59.  Slovakia – 13 September 2006
  60.  Estonia – 22 September 2006[3]
  61.  Turkey – 6 December 2006
  62.  Dominican Republic – 5 October 2007
  63.  Luxembourg – 24 April 2008
  64.  Finland – 3 May 2010
  65.  Egypt – 25 September 2010
  66.  Morocco – 13 October 2010
  67.  Brazil – 25 October 2010
  68.  Slovenia – 29 March 2011
  69.  Georgia – 12 August 2011
  70.  Hungary – 7 September 2011
  71.  Uruguay – 5 September 2013
  72.  Montenegro – 10 September 2013
  73.  Kosovo – 17 September 2013
  74.  Lithuania – 4 November 2013
  75.  Mongolia – 6 December 2013
  76.  Cook Islands – 24 September 2014
  77.  Latvia – 25 February 2015
  78.  Poland – 6 March 2015
  79.  Cuba – 9 September 2015
  80.  Kazakhstan – 27 October 2015
  81.  Kuwait – 2 September 2016
  82.  United Arab Emirates – 14 September 2016
  83.  Armenia – 21 September 2017
  84.  Mauritius – 10 October 2017
  85.  Paraguay – 11 October 2017
  86.  Tajikistan – February 2018
  87.  Norway – 12 April 2018
  88.  Denmark – 29 August 2018
  89.  Malta – 25 September 2018
  90.  San Marino – 25 September 2018
  91.  Kyrgyzstan – 30 October 2018
  92.  Romania – 5 February 2019
  93.  Nicaragua – 11 December 2019

Bilateral relations

The FSM maintains permanent embassies in four nations: China, Fiji, Japan and the United States. The FSM also maintains a resident consulate in Hawaii, Portland, Oregon and Guam. The FSM maintains non-resident embassies for four nations: Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (all in Japan) and Israel in Fiji. Four nations maintain permanent embassies in the FSM: Australia, China, Japan and the United States. Additionally, 15 nations maintain non-resident embassies with the FSM. France and the United Kingdom have non-resident embassies for the FSM in Fiji. Canada, Italy and South Africa have non-resident embassies for the FSM in Australia. Indonesia has a non-resident embassy for the FSM in Japan. Chile has its non-resident embassies for the FSM in the United States. Croatia has its non-resident embassy for the FSM in Indonesia. Czech Republic, Finland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland have non-resident embassies in the Philippines. New Zealand has its non-resident embassy for the FSM in Kiribati.

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 AustraliaSee Australia–Federated States of Micronesia relations
 China
Main article: China–Federated States of Micronesia relations

The People's Republic of China has close relations with the FSM both in terms of trade and foreign aid. Chinese aid projects have included among others the Giant Clam Farm Project in Kosrae, the Pilot Farm Project in Madolenihmw, the construction of a gymnasium on Pohnpei (officially named the FSM-China Friendship Sports Center), donation of police vehicles for the Yap state police, a facility to house the FSM's Tuna Commission, an expansion of the Chuuk State Airport Terminal, a biogas project on Chuuk, the construction of the Pohnpei Administration Building, and the construction of Kosrae High School Project. [4]

China is the FSM's third largest trade partner (after the United States and Japan), a fact marked by the rapid increase in trade between the two nations. As the Chinese Ambassador to the FSM Zhang Weidong observed on the 20th anniversary of relations between the two countries, trade between China and the FSM had gone from "almost zero to $9.5 million in 2007."[5]

 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.[6][7] The aim of the meeting was to "strengthen cooperation" between Micronesia and Cuba, notably on addressing the impact of climate change.[8]

 India1996See India–Federated States of Micronesia relations

India and Micronesia have maintained diplomatic relations with each other since 1996. India has made 'Development assistance' to the country of about US$73,145 in 2009 for the purchase of machinery for the coconut industry. India has also made a grant of 3 ITEC scholarships in 2010–11. As per the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, Micronesia has been supportive of issues of importance to India, particularly Indian candidatures to international organizations and supported India’s candidature for the UNSC non-permanent seat in 2011-12. As per information available, there is one Indian family in Micronesia.[9]

 IsraelSee Israel–Federated States of Micronesia relations

The 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.[10] 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."

 Kosovo5 December 2008

The Federated States of Micronesia officially recognised the independence of the Republic of Kosovo on 5 December 2008.[11][12] Kosovo and Micronesia established diplomatic relations on 19 September 2013.[13]

 Marshall IslandsSee Marshall Islands–Federated States of Micronesia relations

The Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands share very good relations, as they are both bound by Compacts of Free Association with the United States.

 Mexico27 September 2001
  • Mexico is accredited to Micronesia from its embassy in Manila, Philippines.[14]
  • Micronesia does not have an accreditation to Mexico
 PalauSee Federated States of Micronesia–Palau relations

The Federated States of Micronesia and Palau share very good relations, as they are both bound by Compacts of Free Association with the United States.

 South KoreaApril 1991

The Federated States of Micronesia and The Republic of Korea (South Korea) were established diplomatic relations on April 1991.[15]

 Spain

The FS of Micronesia were once part of the Spanish East Indies.

  • The FS of Micronesia do not have an accreditation to Spain.
  • Spain is accredited to the FS of Micronesia from its embassy in Manila, Philippines.
 United StatesSee 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. The United States is the FSM's largest trading partner. The relationship is heavily imbalanced. Of the FSM-US total balance of trade in goods in 2010 of US$38.3, the FSM imported $42.5 million in goods from the United States while exporting only US$4.2 million to the United States.[16] (see Economy of the Federated States of Micronesia).

Membership in international organizations

The Federated States of Micronesia was admitted to the United Nations on 17 September 1991. Additionally outside the region, FSM is a member or participant of the ACP (Lomé Convention), the Alliance of Small Island States, the Asian Development Bank, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the G-77, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the International Development Association, the International Finance Corporation, the IMF, the International Olympic Committee, the ITU, the NAM and the World Meteorological Organization.

The FSM is notably one of four UN-recognized nations with a sea border that is not a member of the International Maritime Organization (the others are Nauru, Niue and Palau). Similarly, the FSM is one of only six UN members that is not a member of the Universal Postal Union. Finally, as with many other nations in Oceania, the FSM is not a member of Interpol or of the International Hydrographic Organization.

See also

References
  1. "Pacific islands fighting for their tuna - Klima-Tuvalu". Klima-Tuvalu. Archived from the original on 2011-08-19. Retrieved 2011-05-20.
  2. "FSM Diplomatic Relations List". Government of the Federated States of Micronesia.
  3. "Chronology 2006" (PDF). Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  4. "Federated States of Micronesia Embassy". Archived from the original on 2012-03-24. Retrieved 2019-12-18.
  5. "FSM Celebrates 20 Years of Diplomatic Relations with China". Government of the Federated States of Micronesia.
  6. "Cuban Foreign Minister Opens Cuba-Pacific Islands Meeting". Cuban News Agency. September 16, 2008. Archived from the original on June 14, 2009.
  7. "Pacific and Cuba meet to discuss co-operation". Radio New Zealand International. September 17, 2008. Retrieved September 30, 2011.
  8. "Cuba and Pacific strengthen co-operation". Radio New Zealand International. September 18, 2008. Retrieved September 30, 2011.
  9. "meaindia.nic.in". Embassys of India.
  10. "Micronesia-Israel Relations". Jewish Virtual Library. American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  11. Micronesia recognises independence of Republic of Kosovo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, 2008-12-05
  12. FSM Recognises Kosovo Act of Self-Determination, Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, 2008-12-05
  13. The Republic of Kosovo establishes diplomatic relations with the Federated States of Micronesia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, 2013-09-19
  14. Embassy of Mexico in the Philippines
  15. http://search.mofa.go.kr/search/search_en.do
  16. Foreign Trade Data Dissemination Branch. "Foreign Trade". Census.
  17. Embassy of Micronesia in the United States
  18. Embassy of the United States in Micronesia
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