President Joe Biden responded to CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios’ request for 902 talks.

“I am pleased to inform you that I have designated the Honorable Carmen G. Cantor, the Assistant Secretary of the Interior (Insular and International Affairs), as my Special Representative for purposes of continuing the consultations that take place between the CNMI and the Federal Government,” Biden wrote in a July 17 letter.

The President added,“I trust that this section 902 consultation will be a vehicle for addressing the critical issues raised by the CNMI.”

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

In his April letter to The White House, Palacios said he would like to focus on three issues: direct financial assistance under Section 702 of the Covenant, tourism and transportation infrastructure, and access to skilled labor.

“We support the position of our country in the Indo-Pacific region and appreciate the partnership of the U.S. Government in our shared endeavors,” Gov. Palacios said. “We will approach the consultation sessions from a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect, and with a laser-focused aim of improving the lives of the people of the CNMI.”

Palacios plans to appoint CNMI representatives for the 902 talks in the coming days.