The exterior view of the China-aided project of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) National Convention Center in Palikir, FSM. (Photo provided to GDToday)

President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Wesley W. Simina said on May 16 that his country looks forward to deepening cooperation with China in the years ahead.

He made the remarks at a ceremony in Palikir, the country's capital, to celebrate the official completion and handover of the China-aided FSM National Convention Center project.

The handover ceremony for the China-aided FSM National Convention Center took place on May 16, 2025, in Palikir, FSM. (Photo provided to GDToday)

In his speech, Simina sincerely thanked the Chinese government and people for their selfless assistance in the development of the FSM, stating that the center "is more than concrete and steel -- it is a testament to the generosity and support of the government of the People's Republic of China."

The center is "a landmark structure that symbolizes the strong partnership we have continued to cherish with the People's Republic of China," he said.

The Micronesian president also expressed his gratitude to China's Guangdong Provincial Government for its strong support for the project, and to China Construction Science and Industry Corporation Ltd., the project contractor, for its "tireless and professional efforts."

Simina stated that the FSM will continue to consolidate and develop friendly relations with China and looks forward to deepening cooperation in the future and opening a new chapter in bilateral relations.

The interior view of the China-aided FSM National Convention Center in Palikir, FSM. (Photo provided to GDToday)

Chinese Ambassador to the FSM Wu Wei said in his speech that the newly built center is a landmark for China-FSM friendly cooperation in the new era.

Wu stated that China is willing to work with the FSM to deepen practical cooperation in various fields, promote the in-depth development of the China-FSM comprehensive strategic partnership, and bring more benefits to both peoples.

Speaker of the FSM Congress Esmond Moses also expressed his appreciation for the Chinese government's aid to the project, saying the center is the most precious gift from the Chinese people and will contribute to the development of his country.

He Rusheng, Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, noted that since the launch of the National Convention Center project, teams from both sides have adhered to the principle of "planning together, building together, and benefiting together."

Despite challenges such as logistical constraints, technical coordination, and cultural differences, the project has been completed from design to construction with high standards and premium quality, setting a new benchmark for large-scale public infrastructure in the FSM.  

"This building resonates with the tides of the Pacific and the waves of the Pearl River, embodying both Guangdong's bold spirit of 'daring to be the first' and the resilience of the FSM as 'children of the ocean,'" he said.

The FSM National Convention Center project, carried out by Guangdong Province, officially broke ground in October 2019.

With input from Xinhua.