駐日ミクロネシア連邦大使：ジョン・フリッツの日々前進！

日本水フォーラムの皆様が、５月１９・２０日にタイのチェンマイで行われた『第２回アジア・太平洋水サミット』の開催報告にいらっしゃいました。サミットには、アジア太平洋地域の１７の国・地域から首脳級と、３０以上の国・地域の代表団が参加し、地域の水の安全保障確立に向けて、さまざまな角度から重点的な議論が行われました。また、『アジア・太平洋水フォーラム』の会長である、森 喜朗 元首相が主催者としてご挨拶されました。（参考ＵＲＬ: http://www.waterforum.jp/jp/what_we_do/pages/policy_recommendations/APWF/2nd_APWS/outcome/ ）

Summary

Representatives of Japan Water Forum paid call on Ambassador to brief him on the outcome of  the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Forum Summit, which  was held on May 19-20, 2013 in Thailand. Heads of States of 17 countries and  representatives from over 30 countries and regional organizations participated in the summit addressing water security. The current Chairman of Asia-Pacific Water Forum, former Prime Minister of Japan Yoshiro Mori gave an address at the plenary Session.

『ミクロネシア諸島自然体験交流』で、１６日からミクロネシア諸島（ミクロネシア連邦、パラオ共和国、マーシャル諸島共和国の３ヶ国）の１１～１５歳の子どもたちが来日しています。ミクロネシア連邦は３ヶ国の中で１番参加人数が多く、４州から合計４８名が来日しています。これは、国立青少年教育振興機構の“子どもゆめ基金事業”によるものです。この交流プログラムは、毎年、夏休み期間に行われており、両国間の異文化体験を通して青少年の人材育成を目的としています。すでに夏休みに入っているミクロネシア諸島の子どもたちが、まずこの時期に来日し、日本からは７月末に３ヶ国へそれぞれ派遣される予定です。

来日２日目は、午前中に国会見学に行き、森 喜朗 元首相とお会いしました。午後は大使館の仕事・役割について説明を受けた後、全員で大使館見学に来ました。日本での一週間、都内の中学校と交流したり、東京観光や地方都市訪問、ホームステイなどが予定されています。多くの人と出会い、多くのことを学び、一回りも二回りも成長して帰国してほしいと願っています。

Summary

Under the Children Exchange Program with Micronesian Islands, students with  age of 11–15 from the three entities in Micronesia including the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of Palau (ROP) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) arrived in Tokyo on June 16th. FSM has the largest number of participants representing each States of the FSM with a total of 48 (40 students and 8 chaperons). Organized by the National Institute for Youth Education, the program is held every year and this year marks the 12th program. The objective of the program is for the children of  the sub-region countries and Japan to learn about each cultures and promote friendly relations. In July, students with the same age from Japan will be visiting the sub-region countries.

On the 2nd day of their stay, they visited the Japan  National Diet and also met with former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori (founder of this program). They also visited the FSM Embassy in Tokyo and met with Embassy staff. The students are scheduled to stay in Japan for one week and their schedule includes sightseeing in Tokyo, interacting with students in Tokyo and areas outside of Tokyo and  home stay.

Summary

Establishment of Kochi-Micronesia Friendship Exchange Association

— Kizuna and ties from Koben Mori —

June 4, 2013

Kochi-Micronesia Friendship Exchange Association was established between Kochi and FSM, where many descendants of Kobe Mori (1869-1945) live. Representing the FSM Government, Ambassador John Fritz attended the gathering with much anticipation for the promising activities the Association holds. A direct flight is scheduled this October with hopes to “bridge the two countries through people to people exchanges”.

In 1892 Koben visited Micronesia as a trader where he married and had 11 children. While working he spent much of his wealth in building school, contributing to the development of Micronesia. His descendants, well known as the Mori Family, now work at various posts of the Government and private companies. The current President Emanuel Mori is also a descendant of Koben.

Koben taught his children not to forget Tosa—many of them have visited Kochi including President Mori in 2008 and 2010.

Mr. Yamamoto, who is a distant relative of Koben and a key player in this establishment, welcomed visiting Mori Families on each occasion, and himself visited FSM last year in June. The supports from Kochi Prefecture and Kochi City are very instrumental in the establishment of the Association this year which coincides with the 25^th year of Japan-FSM Diplomatic relations, Mr. Yamamoto remarks, “I wish to bridge cultural exchange with Micronesia”.

Governor Ozaki and Ambassador Fritz were among other 10 board members that took part in the establishment ceremony. Mr. Farmer Doi of Tosa Prefectural Assembly who resides in Niida of Kochi City (same as Koben) was elected as the new Chairman and Governor Ozaki as the Honorary Chairman, while 12 others sat on the board. The initial members numbered at 130, including individuals and groups.

It was agreed at the board meeting that; 1) a direct flight will visit FSM for 5 days 4 nights in October this year, 2) should there be visitors from FSM to Kochi they will be welcomed and, 3) conduct a meeting at least once a year. After the assembly, more than 100 individuals gathered for a reception.

Mr. Yamamoto remarks, “We wish to deepen people to people exchange and we hope to pass this on to the next generation for them to carry on.”

大使館と同じ区にある、港区立高陵中学校２年生の生徒さんが、異文化を学ぶ課外授業として大使館を訪問されました。多くの大使館が立ち並ぶ港区。その中で、ミクロネシア連邦を選んで訪れてくださり、ありがとうございます。事前によく調べていて、ミクロネシア連邦の自然や文化、日常生活、国名や国旗の意味など、多岐にわたって質問が飛び交いました。これを機にミクロネシア連邦の魅力をさらに知っていただき、ぜひお友達やご家族にもお伝えしてください。近いので、いつでもまた遊びに来てくださいね！（※後日、御礼のお手紙を英文でいただきました。）

Summary

Ambassador and Embassy staff welcomed five second grade students from Koryo Junior High School in Minato-ku, Tokyo., who visited the Embassy to learn about the FSM as part of their school program to learn different cultures. Most of the Foreign Embassies are located in Minato-ku, and thanks to the students for selecting the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia. The students were fully prepared beforehand and there were many basic questions asked including the nature, culture, life in FSM, meaning of FSM flag and many others. Hope they can share  their  experiences with friends and families and look forward to continue the friendship.

内閣府大臣政務官の山際大志郎衆議院議員を表敬訪問し、日本とミクロネシア連邦、また太平洋地域との関係と展望について語りました。また、ミクロネシア連邦友好議員連盟の更なる発展について、意見交換をしました。これからもどうぞ宜しくお願い致します。

Summary

Ambassador paid a call on Honorable Daishiro Yamagiwa, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, to exchange views re the cooperative relations between  Japan, Micronesia and the Pacific region, and also discussed about the FSM-Japan Parliamentarian Friendship League.