The Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (R.M.I.) backs the Federated States of Micronesia by supporting Samoa and the continuing upholding of democracy and the rule of law amid its current political crisis, it said on Thursday. 

In a statement issued on Thursday, the R.M.I. also wanted to make a stand regarding “recent events subsequent to April 9th elections in Samoa in which a final court ruling to convene parliament by its Constitutional deadline was disregarded.” 

The R.M.I. also said it supported a statement made this week by President David Panuelo of the Federated States of Micronesia. 

The R.M.I. President, David Kabua, said: “We appreciate and support the recent statement of President Panuelo of the Federated States of Micronesia, and in particular we share F.S.M.’s emphasis on the importance of upholding the rule of law and democratic values throughout our Pacific Islands region, including in the Independent State of Samoa. 

“As a member of the U.N. Human Rights Council, it is important that the Marshall Islands is doing our part to ensure an independent judiciary and open democracy throughout our Pacific Islands region."

Earlier this week the Federated States of Micronesia became the first nation in the world to recognise the Prime Ministership of Fiame Naomi Mata’afa.

“I write to inform you, as attached via a press release, that our Government recognises the legitimacy of the Honorable Fiame Naomi Mata'afa as the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa,” the President's Press Secretary, Richard Clark wrote in an email to this newspaper.

In the press release that was attached to his email, President Panuelo highlighted the similarities in democratic values that both his country and Samoa continue to uphold and the F.S.M. stands with Samoa “in its darkest hour”.

“As the F.S.M. is itself a democracy that both upholds and promotes democratic values, it is imperative that we show our friends—especially during their darkest hours—that we stand with them," President Panuelo said.

“Samoa is a cherished friend and Pacific neighbor; recent weeks have been very troubling for the Samoan People, who have been witnessing what is arguably a constitutional and political crisis.” 

The R.M.I. President also acknowledged the support offered by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ to assist Samoa. 

“If this situation remains unresolved, action needs to be taken to constructively address difficult and sensitive issues," President Kabua. said. 

"Every nation in the region is committed to upholding democratic processes and institutions which reflect national and local circumstances, including the peaceful transfer of power, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, through just and honest Government."