A Nauruan Government delegation held high level talks at the White House with top US government officials last week, as part of the government's aim to build stronger economic ties with the global superpower.

Minister for Commerce and Foreign Investment Maverick Eoe led the delegation, accompanied by Deputy Minister Delvin Thoma, Deputy Speaker Isabella Dageago, Ambassador David Aingimea, and the CEO of Nauru Seabed Minerals Authority Ms Sai Sasikumar.

Two days earlier in New York the delegation outlined Nauru's amended sponsorship agreement with Nauru Ocean Resources Inc, (NORI) at a special briefing held by The Metals Company (TMC), and the critical role that deep sea mining will play in delivering more prosperity for the Nauruan people.

Minister Eoe told the meeting that the agreement brings an essential diversification not only for financial sustainability but also for the long-term health of the Nauruan economy, providing security for its future generation.

President David Adeang welcomed the high-level talks, which he said signalled to the United States and other nations that Nauru is serious about attracting investment in new industries which have the potential to transform the nation's economic prospects.

"Nauru's deep sea mining partnership will not only promote the sustainable use of ocean resources while preserving the health of marine ecosystems for future generations, but generate economic growth, improve livelihoods and create jobs.

"Innovation is a core guiding principle of my administration, and we remain committed to creating opportunities that will contribute to Nauru's long-term prosperity," the president said.

During the American talks, the US Administration reaffirmed its intention to be a global leader in critical minerals and expressed full support for the expedited processing of TMC's application with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Minister Eoe also emphasised that while Nauru welcomed constructive scrutiny on its deep sea mining stance, its position was strongly grounded on strong scientific data on the environmental concerns.

"NORI's scientific data proves without doubt that deep sea mining for nodules provides a sustainable industry that will help provide the minerals required in the world's transition to clean energy," he said.

"It combats climate change by providing the critical minerals required for a low-carbon future."

The New York event concluded with Minister Eoe, Deputy Minister Thoma and Deputy Speaker Dageago participating in TMC's closing bell ceremony at Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square to ceremonially close the stock market for the day.

The Washington discussions also centred on building a stronger, mutually beneficial partnership between Nauru and the United States.

Both sides agreed to further deepen engagement, recognising the importance of collaborative action to advance regional stability, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.

Source: https://www.nauru.gov.nr//government-information-office/media-release/nauru-leaders-meet-top-us-officials-in-white-house-to-build-stronger-economic-ties.aspx