Speech
Shiprider Agreement Signing Ceremony
By Miriam K. Hughes
U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia
(May 27, 2008, FSM Department of Foreign Affairs Conference Room, Palikir, Pohnpei, FSM)
Seventy-percent of the world is water. World prosperity and security depend on the free and fair use of the seas. The agreement that the United States has recently entered into with the Federated States of Micronesia is a significant step forward in collective maritime security. It builds on two successful interim agreements, which resulted in seizures.
But this agreement is permanent, so long as both our nations continue to agree. It is aimed at building trust and confidence. It binds together two law abiding, democratic and sovereign nations to protect the maritime domain, which is the life blood of the global system for commerce, food and sustenance. And the agreement will be carried out by both our peoples.
People are always the key to success. The United States Coast Guard of the Department of Homeland Security worked particularly hard to achieve this milestone and I am honored that Commander Theresa Neumann could join us on this historic occasion. We want to ensure that both our peoples receive the training, education and tools necessary to promote peace and to prevail.
The shiprider agreement will be a unifying force to build a better tomorrow.