PALIKIR, POHNPEI. On June 25, 2021, Vice Speaker Esmond B. Moses welcomed to the Congress, the new Australian Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesian, Her Excellency Joanne ‘Jo’ Phyllis Cowley.
Ambassador Cowley had previously served in New Zealand and Italy, and during her post in Canberra she led work on Pacific strategy, security cooperation and partnerships with Pacific island countries.
On December 22, 2020, Cowley presented her credentials online to the FSM President and assumed her new role to the Nation. The Ambassador is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and most recently was Assistant Secretary, Scholarships and Alumni Branch. She previously served in New Zealand and Italy. In Canberra, she led work on Pacific strategy, security cooperation and partnerships with Pacific island countries.
Vice Speaker Moses and the Ambassador touched on areas of mutual interest and concerns, especially of the coronavirus pandemic. Ambassador Cowley commended the Congress on the “uninterrupted execution of its constitutional mandate during the height of the pandemic.” She further congratulated the FSM for maintaining a COVID-free status and its successful repatriation procedures.
Discussions then moved on to the Nation’s ongoing efforts to vaccinate 70% of the population and the creative ways that certain organizations and businesses incentify vaccination for the communities.
The courtesy call concluded with Vice Speaker and the Ambassador reiterating their support and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
* * *
.jpg)
