Nauru leaders meet top US officials in White House to build stronger economic ties
REPUBLIC OF NAURU
Government Information Office
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Thursday, 14 August 2025
Nauru leaders meet top US
officials in White House to build stronger economic ties
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.
ENDS///