WASHINGTON, DC: Representatives from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the United States concluded two days of discussions here today on extending U.S. economic and other assistance to the FSM after Fiscal Year 2023, when much of the U.S. Government’s current annual assistance under the Compact of Free Association between the FSM and the United States is set to expire. 

The Compact of Free Association is key to the important and ongoing relationship between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia and contributes to the peace, security, and prosperity of the greater Indo-Pacific region. 

The FSM Team, led by Chief Negotiator Leo A. Falcam, Jr., included five other members of the FSM’s Joint Committee on Compact Review and Planning (JCRP): Asterio R. Takesy, JCRP Chairman; Vice-Speaker of the FSM Congress Esmond B. Moses; FSM Senator Aren B. Palik; FSM Ambassador to the United States Akillino H. Susaia; and Mr. Gerson Jackson. JCRP advisers and staff were also in attendance.

The United States team, led by Special Presidential Envoy Ambassador Joseph Yun, included Assistant Secretary of Interior for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor, Ambassador Karen B. Stewart from the State Department, Interior Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Keone Nakoa, and staff from the Departments of State, Defense, and Interior. 

“I am very encouraged during this round of negotiations, by the progress our governments have made in these negotiations in some key areas of our proposed Compact agreement beyond 2023. We have much more work to do but are engaging constructively and I am optimistic we will reach an agreement later this year,” said Chief Negotiator Falcam. 

Both sides plan to continue technical work and discussions in advance of the next formal round of negotiations planned for September 2022, at a location to be determined.