Pacific

FSM and Nauru presidents meet Israel's Peres

15:12 pm on 22 January 2010

The presidents of the Federated States of Micronesia and Nauru have been hosted by their Israeli counterpart at a state function in Jerusalem.

Emanuel Mori of the FSM and Marcus Stephen of Nauru received a full state welcome by Israel's President Shimon Peres.

The Jerusalem Post reports that Mr Peres told President Mori the FSM is considered one of Israel's greatest friends.

Mr Mori responded that Israel was among the first countries to enter into diplomatic relations with Micronesia.

He said that the FSM expresses its appreciation by voting with Israel at the United Nations.

Nauru's President said that this trip is the first state visit by his country to Israel, describing it as an eye-opener.

Mr Stephen said that there is a big difference between what is published in the newspapers about Israel and seeing the country first hand.

The leaders discussed the vulnerability of Pacific islands to the impacts of climate change as wellas the need to end dependence on fossil fuels.