On August 24-26th, 2026, Senator Andy Choor represented the 24th Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia at the 54th General Assembly of the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians Union (APPU) in Tokyo, Japan. Senator Choor was accompanied by Legislative Counsel Yancy Cottrill.
The theme of the three-day event was “Inter-parliamentary Cooperation for Maintaining a Free and Open Economic Order and Strengthening Regional Supply Chain Resilience.” Parliamentary delegations from across Asia and the Pacific participated in the Assembly to discuss economic cooperation, supply-chain resilience, and other shared regional challenges.
During the opening reception hosted by the Speaker of the Japanese Diet, the Honorable Eisuke Mori of the Japanese National Group of the APPU, Senator Choor was chosen to give the opening remarks for all the delegations in attendance. Senator Choor thanked Japan for its hospitality and generosity for hosting the event. He expressed FSM’s desire to reengage with the APPU after a brief hiatus. Senator Choor also spoke of the special kizuna, or bond, between the peoples of the FSM and Japan, built through longstanding ties, friendship, and cooperation. He concluded by pointing out that organizations like the APPU provide opportunities not only for parliamentarians to come together to work but also for them to strengthen bonds and friendships.
During the General Assembly, Senator Choor presented the FSM Country Report, highlighting issues of particular importance to the FSM, including economic and supply-chain resilience, climate vulnerability, protection of the nation’s ocean and fisheries, and cybersecurity. He emphasized that for small island countries such as the FSM, resilient supply chains and reliable access to food, fuel, transportation, communications, and outside markets directly affect the daily lives and well-being of island communities.
Participants agreed to six resolutions addressing regional economic resilience and connectivity, resilient supply chains, food security, marine debris governance, a free, open, inclusive and resilient Asia-Pacific region, and cooperation on artificial intelligence development policies.
The issues discussed at the APPU are particularly relevant to the FSM as it works to strengthen its economy and infrastructure, protect its vast Exclusive Economic Zone and fisheries resources, and build greater resilience against climate change and other external disruptions.
The Conference concluded with the signing of the Joint Communique on August 26th, 2026. The 55th General Assembly will be held in the Republic of Palau in 2027 at an exact date to be determined.
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