The meeting looked at areas of cooperation that ILO is mandated to provide, targeting promotion of international labor standards and social justice dialogue, employment creation and skills development, rural and labor-intensive infrastructure development, national employment policy, youth employment initiatives, labor migration, and mobility.
Director Wandera emphasized the ongoing projects ILO is undertaking with 11 Pacific countries and in hopes of making FSM the 12th country under his portfolio in the region. He further inserted, “Comes with 12 disciples in the Bible; I am hopeful that FSM will complete the numerical value in this regard.” In this context, he commended the people of FSM for the genuine generosity and that he was given the opportunity to be hosted by President Simina while he was in FSM.
Consistent with the discussion he had with President Simina, Mr. Wandera shared the interest conveyed by the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, and he extended the same courtesy to work closely with FSM Missions in Fiji and Geneva in the coming days. In hopes of following up on the interest conveyed by the FSM, Mr. Wandera is seeking the Ambassador’s assistance in making sure that proper steps are taken for the submission of a letter of interest by the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Ambassador Sigrah acknowledged the warm sentiments conveyed by Mr. Wandera and thanked him for the extended courtesy to meet with him on this critical subject. He confirmed the need to be inclusive toward the issue of outmigration and the alarming impacts of labor issues in the FSM. “FSM is situated between Palau and RMI, and I wonder why FSM is not a member,” he asserted. Ambassador affirmed the need to work closely with ILO in the future and assured Mr. Wandera to share a word with Capital in regards to the letter of interest from the government of the FSM.
In this accord, the meeting was concluded with a traditional photo courtesy requested by Mr. Wandera. In the spirit of mutual cooperation, Ambassador extended once again his humble regard to Mr. Wandera and assured him that future updates will be conveyed in person.
