Ricky F. Cantero
Ricky F. Cantero is a government official of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) from Pohnpei State who has served in senior leadership roles within the Department of Foreign Affairs, including as Deputy Secretary and Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs. In these capacities, he has represented the FSM government in bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagements, national ceremonies, and official government functions.
Early Public Service and Pohnpei Port Authority
Cantero’s public service is documented in Pohnpei State by the mid-2000s. In August 2006, Pohnpei Governor Johnny David nominated him to serve on the board of the Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA), an agency responsible for port operations, airport oversight, and maritime regulation. The nomination was submitted to the Pohnpei State Legislature for confirmation.
In July 2016, he was sworn in as a member of the PPA board following advice and consent of the legislature.
Entry into National Government and Department of Foreign Affairs
By 2014, Cantero was serving as Assistant Secretary for American and European Affairs in the Department of Foreign Affairs. In that role, he participated in official engagements involving the United States, including a June 2014 U.S. Embassy enlistment ceremony in Kolonia, where he addressed FSM citizens entering the United States Armed Forces under the Compact of Free Association.
Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs
In 2015, Cantero served as Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs. In September 2015, he addressed a diplomatic reception hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pohnpei.
He later served again as Acting Secretary in October 2019, when he delivered the FSM’s United Nations Day address on behalf of President David W. Panuelo.
In 2023, he again served as Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs during engagements including participation in the FSM delegation to the United Nations General Assembly and testimony before the United States House Committee on Natural Resources.
Following the death of Secretary Lorin S. Robert, Ricky F. Cantero began serving as Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs under President Wesley W. Simina. In both substance and style, Cantero has been described as Robert's protégé, as well as his heir apparent.
Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs
By 2020, Cantero held the position of Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs. In this capacity, he participated in official diplomatic engagements, including the January 31, 2020 credentialing ceremony for the United States Ambassador at the FSM National Government complex in Palikir.
He continued to serve in this role in subsequent years, including participation in national ceremonies, diplomatic engagements, and international meetings. In 2025, he remained Deputy Secretary and participated in coordination meetings involving the United Nations and FSM national leadership.
United States Relations and Compact Engagement
Cantero has participated in official engagements involving the United States throughout his service in the Department of Foreign Affairs, including diplomatic events, congressional engagement, and Compact of Free Association-related activities.
In June 2014, as Assistant Secretary for American and European Affairs, he addressed FSM citizens at a United States Embassy enlistment ceremony in Kolonia for individuals entering the U.S. Armed Forces under the Compact of Free Association.
In January 2020, as Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs, he was present at the credentialing ceremony of United States Ambassador Carmen Cantor at the FSM National Government complex in Palikir, alongside cabinet officials and senior government leadership.
In August 2023, as Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Cantero appeared as a key witness at a field hearing of the United States House Committee on Natural Resources in Guam addressing regional security and Compact-related matters. In his remarks, he stated that the FSM is “committed to playing a vital role in supporting the U.S. security presence in the Pacific region” and that it continues to work with the United States in strengthening bilateral security engagement under the Compact.
During the same period, he participated in meetings in Pohnpei with a visiting United States Congressional delegation led by Representative Bruce Westerman to discuss security issues and Compact matters.
In September 2024, as Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Cantero signed on behalf of the FSM a joint declaration reaffirming the Compacts of Free Association between the FSM, the United States, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau at a ceremony held in New York.
Relations with the People’s Republic of China
Cantero has participated in official engagements involving the People’s Republic of China during his tenure in the Department of Foreign Affairs, including diplomatic events, development cooperation announcements, and government-to-government ceremonies.
In September 2015, as Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs, he addressed a diplomatic reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Pohnpei marking the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The event included members of the FSM Congress, cabinet officials, and members of the diplomatic corps.
In his remarks, Cantero stated that China had “transformed itself into a modern country of immense economic prosperity, amplified with respected international strength and influence,” and described it as “a key player in the global environment.” He further stated that “as a friend and as a development partner, the FSM affirms its congratulations,” and “joins its celebrations” as a fellow developing country.
He also stated that the Chinese government had left a “visible footprint” in the FSM and announced the endorsement of a $10 million economic and technical cooperation grant, describing it as a “tangible testimony to the cooperative partnership that exists between the two countries.” He concluded by proposing a toast to “the continued strengthening of the FSM-China relationship through mutual partnership and sincere friendship.”
In November 2021, as Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Cantero was present at a formal handover ceremony in Palikir for a $150,000 donation from the People’s Republic of China to support the FSM’s COVID-19 response. The ceremony followed the China–Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers Meeting and was described as the fourth direct cash donation from China to the FSM during the pandemic.
Multilateral and United Nations Engagement
Cantero has participated in events and engagements involving the United Nations and other international organizations.
In October 2019, he delivered the FSM’s United Nations Day address as Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs. In 2023, he participated as Acting Secretary in the FSM delegation to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, including meetings with the United Nations Secretary-General and participation in multilateral forums.
He has also participated in meetings with international organizations, including engagement with the International Organization for Migration and coordination meetings related to the One UN Micronesia House initiative in 2025.
Constitutional Convention and National Roles
In 2022, Cantero served as a delegate representing Pohnpei State to the Fourth FSM Constitutional Convention and participated in presentations to state leadership regarding proposed constitutional amendments. He also served as Co-Chair of the Constitutional Convention Public Education Task Force until March 2023.
In March 2023, following the FSM general elections, and after making accusations about Chinese malfeasance in the FSM, President David W. Panuelo instructed several officials, including Cantero in his capacity as Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs, to submit their resignations. Cantero was also relieved of his role on the Constitutional Convention Public Education Task Force.
