Previous Story
Mori visits ‘his’ coconut tree in Palikir
|
Posted on Jun 22 2012
PALIKIR, Pohnpei-Former Japanese prime minister Yoshiro Mori returned to Palikir on June 10 2012, to enjoy the fruits of a coconut tree he planted when he first visit the Federated States of Micronesia in September 2001.
On Sept. 19 2001, Mori led a delegation to the Federated States of Micronesia to meet with the national leadership as invited by then President Leo A. Falcam. During his meeting with members of the 12th FSM Congress they established the FSM-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League and both Mori and the then Speaker Jack Fritz each planted a coconut tree to signify the cultivation of a new partnership.
In September 2008 Mori again visited FSM, this time at the invitation of Speaker Isaac V. Figir and members of the 15th FSM Congress. Congress acknowledged his prominent role in the successful realization of undertakings such as Pohnpei’s airport extension, completion of its circumferential road and the appointment of a resident ambassador to the FSM. As part of the invitation, Mori addressed Congress where he called on the leadership of the FSM to explore further means of enhancing the FSM-Japan relationship.
On this third visit, Mori joined Japan’s 120-member delegation on the inaugural direct-flight from Japan to FSM on June 9 to officially witness the completion of the Japan-funded runway extension and facility improvement of the Pohnpei International Airport.
After the ceremonies for the inaugural flight, on June 10 2012, Mori returned to Palikir with a small 11-member delegation accompanied by Ambassador Eiichi Suzuki of the Japan Embassy in the FSM and Ambassador John Fritz of the FSM Embassy in Japan to see his fruit-bearing coconut tree.
Vice Speaker Berney Martin and Sen. Roger S. Mori welcomed Mori and his delegation with refreshments mostly from the coconut tree. Mori was pleasantly surprised by the development of his tree, which was bearing fruits, and was equally delighted when provided a coconut drink from his tree along with a hat woven from the fronds.
The visit wrapped-up close to two hours later and the group headed out to visit the ancient ruins of Nan Madol. (PR)
