GENEVA, Switzerland – On October 22, 2024, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) reached an important milestone in its international diplomacy as His Excellency Akillino Harris Susaia presented his credentials to Her Excellency Viola Patricia Amherd, President of the Swiss Confederation.
Ambassador Susaia’s accreditation to Switzerland signals the FSM’s deepening commitment to global cooperation and marks a historic first: the first bilateral accreditation to a country in the European Continent and the first double accreditation. Ambassador Susaia will now serve as both FSM’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva and FSM Ambassador to Switzerland.
The FSM joins a small group of Pacific Island nations, including the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Samoa, Vanuatu, and Fiji, with double accreditation status in Switzerland.
In his remarks, Ambassador Susaia expressed his sincere appreciation to President Amherd for the opportunity to serve as FSM’s first Ambassador to Switzerland. He noted the longstanding friendship between FSM and Switzerland and highlighted FSM’s commitment to climate resilience, particularly in areas affected by sea level rise and environmental challenges.
President Amherd warmly welcomed Ambassador Susaia and acknowledged the FSM’s leadership on climate issues. She emphasized Switzerland’s interest in deepening cooperation with the FSM, noting the shared impacts of climate change and the importance of exploring technical assistance to address mutual priorities. She also recognized that Ambassador Susaia is the first FSM Ambassador accredited to Switzerland since formal diplomatic relations were established in 2001.
The accreditation ceremony at the Swiss Federal Council in Bern was attended by Mrs. Mihpel O. Susaia, wife of the Ambassador, and Mr. Johnny Hadley Jr., First Secretary of the FSM Embassy and Permanent Mission in Geneva.
###