Nauru Strengthens Economic Partnership with United States Through High-Level Talks
Government Leaders Highlight Deep-Sea Mining and Innovation as Key Drivers for Sustainable Growth and Prosperity
A Nauruan government delegation recently held high-level discussions at the White House with senior US officials as part of efforts to strengthen economic ties with the United States.
Leading the delegation was Minister for Commerce and Foreign Investment Maverick Eoe, accompanied by Deputy Minister Delvin Thoma, Deputy Speaker Isabella Dageago, Ambassador David Aingimea, and CEO of the Nauru Seabed Minerals Authority, Sai Sasikumar.
Earlier in New York, the delegation presented an update on Nauru’s amended sponsorship agreement with Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI) during a special briefing hosted by The Metals Company (TMC). They emphasized the pivotal role deep-sea mining will play in delivering greater prosperity to Nauruans.
Minister Eoe highlighted that the agreement represents important economic diversification, ensuring financial sustainability and safeguarding the long-term health of Nauru’s economy for future generations.
President David Adeang welcomed the high-level talks, stating they send a clear message to the US and other nations that Nauru is serious about attracting investment to new industries capable of transforming its economic trajectory.
“Nauru’s partnership in deep-sea mining not only supports sustainable ocean resource use and protects marine ecosystems for generations to come but also fosters economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods,” the president said.
He stressed that innovation guides his administration’s approach, with a commitment to generating opportunities that will sustain Nauru’s prosperity over the long term.
During the meetings, the US government reaffirmed its commitment to being a global leader in critical minerals and expressed full support for expedited processing of TMC’s application with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Minister Eoe also emphasized Nauru’s openness to constructive scrutiny of its deep-sea mining policies, underscoring that their position is firmly based on rigorous scientific data addressing environmental concerns.
“NORI’s scientific data clearly demonstrates that deep-sea mining for nodules is a sustainable industry essential to providing the minerals needed for the global transition to clean energy,” he explained. “It actively combats climate change by supplying critical minerals necessary for a low-carbon future.”
The delegation’s New York trip concluded with Minister Eoe, Deputy Minister Thoma, and Deputy Speaker Dageago participating in TMC’s closing bell ceremony at Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square.
In Washington, discussions also focused on building a stronger, mutually beneficial partnership between Nauru and the United States. Both sides agreed to deepen engagement, recognizing the importance of collaboration to advance regional stability, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.