Interior meeting, 902 talks begin this week in D.C.

09/03/2025 - CNMI leaders, including CNMI Governor David M. Apatang and Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, will be participating in the Interagency Group on Insular Areas meeting and 902 talks that begin this week in Washington, D.C. 

“We have a big week ahead of us, a lot of work,” Del. King-Hinds said in a video posted to social media. “I am looking forward, very excited to get together with [the governor] and to just keep pushing forward in some of the work we need to do to get this economy going and to start addressing some of the issues that are before us.”

In a previous interview with Marianas Press in August,  Gov. Apatang said the main objectives for the 902 talks will reflect the initial asks of the late Governor Arnold Palacios.

The late governor discussed his priorities in his last State of the Commonwealth Address earlier this year. Palacios said in May 2025, “...the issues we needed to address—like 702 funding, Medicaid sustainability, and economic resilience—were too important to delay. I made it clear that even if these negotiations did not wrap up before the change in administration, it was critical to put our concerns and our priorities on record and on the table.”  Other issues include tourism, transportation infrastructure, and access to skilled labor.

Apatang told MP, “We are just carrying forward, making sure that we are moving in the right direction.” He acknowledged that the economy remains top of mind for 902 talks.  

Section 902 of NMI’s Covenant says the U.S. and NMI governments will “consult regularly on all matters affecting the relationship between them.” 

Report by Thomas Manglona II.