Foreign relations of the Federated States of Micronesia

The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) conducts its own foreign relations. Since independence, the FSM has established diplomatic relations with a number of nations, including most of its Pacific neighbors. Regional cooperation through various multilateral organizations is a key element in its foreign policy. The FSM became a member of the United Nations in 1991.

The Governments of the FSM and the U.S. signed the final version of the Compact of Free Association on October 1, 1982. The Compact went into effect on November 3, 1986, and the FSM became a sovereign nation in free association with the United States. Under the Compact, the U.S. has full authority and responsibility for the defense of the FSM. This security relationship can be changed or terminated by mutual agreement. The Compact provides U.S. grant funds and federal program assistance to the FSM. The basic relationship of free association continues indefinitely, but certain economic and defense provisions of the Compact expire in 2001, subject to renegotiation. Negotiations on extending the Compact began in November 1999.

An interesting aspect of Micronesian foreign relations is that it is one of the most consistent supporters of Israel (along with the United States) in international affairs. Observers sometimes find it nonintuitive that a small Pacific island nation should have strong ties to a Middle East state.

Disputes - international: none

See also : Federated States of Micronesia