Peilapalap, Pohnpei: October 9, 2025 - Governor Stevenson A. Joseph and Lt. Governor Herolyn Movick welcomed officers of the French Navy during a courtesy call at Peilapalap as the surveillance frigate FS Prairial made a port call to Pohnpei. The delegation was led by Captain Stephan Litzler, French Defence Attaché, along with Commander FAIVRE D'ARCIER Waller, Commanding Officer of FS Prairial, and Lt. JG Filipe Lenoir, CIS Officer. The courtesy call followed an evening reception onboard FS Prairial the night before, where Governor Joseph joined the French Navy officers and crew in a gesture of friendship and partnership. FSM Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Jaeger Fredrick accompanied the French Navy Officers.
The meeting addressed key security concerns affecting Pohnpei and the wider region, including maritime surveillance, the fight against illegal fishing and drug trafficking, and the growing importance of cybersecurity. Both sides emphasized the strategic significance of the Pacific region and the shared responsibility of safeguarding its waters through enhanced cooperation and capacity building.
Governor Joseph and the French delegation discussed opportunities to strengthen training for law enforcement and surveillance officers and explored the use of advanced technologies such as drones for maritime patrol and humanitarian purposes. They also recognized the importance of improving internet and telecommunications infrastructure to support security operations, connectivity, and sustainable development goals.
Key action items include working with the Department of Foreign Affairs to secure funding for training, collaborating with telecommunications agencies to enhance infrastructure, and further exploring drone technology for security and humanitarian applications. Governor Joseph expressed his deep appreciation for the French Navy’s continued engagement and reaffirmed Pohnpei’s commitment to regional cooperation for a secure and prosperous Pacific.
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