U.S. Department of State
Recent News About U.S. Department of State
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United States and Côte d’Ivoire Sign MOU to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation
Today, U.S. Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Jessica Davis Ba and Ivoirian Minister for Foreign Affairs Léon Kacou Adom signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Côte d’Ivoire on countering foreign state information manipulation."Foreign state information manipulation, which includes disinformation and propaganda, is a transnational security threat that can create or exploit divisions within and among countries, imperil election integrity, and undermine public trust in government," emphasized in the agreement."This MOU...
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State Department Hosts Federal Holocaust Remembrance Program on May 8
The U.S. Department of State is gearing up to host the 31st Annual Federal Inter-Agency Holocaust Remembrance Program, titled “Stories of Courage,” on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The event, scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (EDT), will be livestreamed from the Burns Auditorium of the Marshall Center at State to federal employees and the public.Among the key speakers at the program will be Holocaust survivors Ruth Cohen from North Bethesda, Maryland, and Allan Hall from Miami, Florida. The event will be moderated by Ellen Germain, the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues at...
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Joint Statement on United States – Brazil Bilateral Dialogue on Migration Policies, Humanitarian Issues, and Refugee Protection
The Governments of Brazil and the United States of America convened in Washington, D.C., for their first Bilateral Dialogue on Migration Policies, Humanitarian Issues, and Refugee Protection. The dialogue emphasized the shared goals of both countries in advancing international protection and promoting safe, orderly, humane, and regular migration.During the meeting, the delegations exchanged insights on best practices, identified common opportunities, and discussed challenges in their responses to migration and refugees. Brazil's Operation Welcome was highlighted,...
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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh, as confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The meeting focused on critical issues in the region, with a particular emphasis on humanitarian assistance and ceasefire efforts in Gaza.During the meeting, the Secretary stressed the importance of sustaining the increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza and achieving an immediate ceasefire that secures the release of hostages. The discussions also highlighted the need to prevent further...
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Secretary Blinken Urges Humanitarian Aid Increase and Ceasefire in Gaza During Meeting with Arab Foreign Ministers
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently held a crucial meeting in Riyadh with several Arab Foreign Ministers and other key figures to address pressing issues in the Middle East. The meeting, which took place on Apr 29, 2024, centered on critical matters concerning the region, particularly focusing on the situation in Gaza.According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, discussions during the meeting revolved around the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza. "They discussed the importance of a sustained increase in humanitarian assistance to address the dire...
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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as reported by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.During the meeting, Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Fidan discussed crucial matters concerning the conflict in the region. They explored efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire to secure the release of hostages and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized, "The Secretary emphasized that it...
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Joint Statement on Civilian Massacres and Media Suspensions in Burkina Faso
The Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States have issued a joint statement expressing their deep concerns regarding the situation in Burkina Faso. According to reports, Burkinabe military forces have been implicated in the massacre of civilians in late February, with a Human Rights Watch report detailing the execution of over 200 individuals, including 56 children, in the villages of Nondin and Soro in Yatenga province.In light of these atrocities, the joint statement calls on the Transition Authorities in Burkina Faso to conduct a thorough investigation...
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Secretary Blinken Discusses Ceasefire Efforts with Qatari Prime Minister
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Riyadh, as confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The discussions primarily focused on the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.During the meeting, Secretary Blinken expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Al Thani for Qatar's central role in these endeavors. Miller stated, "The Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for the central role Qatar has undertaken in these...
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20th Annual State Department Model United Nations Conference to Host Keynote Address by Under Secretary of State
The 20th annual State Department Model United Nations (UN) conference is set to convene on April 29 at the Department of State, featuring a keynote address from Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Elizabeth M. Allen. Over the past two decades, this event has welcomed more than 500 students annually from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, providing them with a platform to engage in representing UN member states and discussing crucial global issues.Reflecting on the significance of the Model UN conference, the organizers emphasized, "We believe the young...
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Secretary Blinken Affirms U.S. Support for Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Progress in Call with Prime Minister Pashinyan
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to reaffirm U.S. support for progress between Armenia and Azerbaijan on a durable and dignified peace agreement. This information was shared by Spokesperson Matthew Miller, who also mentioned that Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States' welcoming stance towards Armenia and Azerbaijan's agreement to use the Alma Ata Declaration as a basis for border delimitation. Furthermore, Secretary Blinken noted ongoing U.S. efforts to support Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,...
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Secretary Blinken Urges Azerbaijan for Peace and Human Rights Commitment
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently engaged in a phone conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, as confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. During the call, Secretary Blinken commended President Aliyev for the recent agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan to use the 1991 Alma Ata declaration as the basis for border delimitation, emphasizing its significance in achieving a lasting and respectful peace between the two nations.The Secretary urged President Aliyev to maintain the positive momentum with his Armenian counterpart and reiterated the...
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United States Congratulates Kingdom of the Netherlands on National Day
The United States has extended warm wishes to the Kingdom of the Netherlands on its National Day, particularly congratulating His Majesty King Willem-Alexander on his birthday celebration during Koningsdag. In a statement from the Office of the Spokesperson, the U.S. expressed its solidarity with the Dutch nation, highlighting the longstanding ties between the two countries.The Office of the Spokesperson remarked, "Ever since Henry Hudson sailed the Dutch East India Company’s Halve Maen into New York Harbor in 1609, our two nations have prospered together through the...
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US Expresses Concern Over Anti-Prostitution and Homosexuality Law in Iraq
The United States has expressed deep concern over the recent passage of an amendment to existing legislation in Iraq. Officially named the Anti-Prostitution and Homosexuality Law, the legislation has raised alarm bells regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country."The United States is deeply concerned by the Iraqi Council of Representatives’ passage of an amendment to existing legislation, officially called the Anti-Prostitution and Homosexuality Law," stated a representative of the United States.The US further emphasized the importance of protecting...
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Secretary Blinken to Discuss Ceasefire Efforts and Regional Security in Saudi Arabia
Secretary Antony Blinken is set to travel to Saudi Arabia on April 29-30 to engage with regional partners on various crucial issues. According to the State Department, Blinken's agenda includes discussions on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and addressing humanitarian concerns in the region.During his visit, Blinken will address the situation in Gaza, stating, "He will discuss ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of hostages and how it is Hamas that is standing between the Palestinian people and a ceasefire." The Secretary will also stress...
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United States Extends Congratulations to Togo on 64th National Day
The Bureau of African Affairs expressed warm wishes to Togo on its 64th National Day, stating, "On behalf of the people of the United States, I offer congratulations to the people of Togo as you celebrate the 64th anniversary of your nation’s independence."Highlighting the strong bond between the two nations, the Office of the Spokesperson emphasized that "The partnership between the United States and Togo remains firmly rooted in the advancement of stability and peace throughout the world."The Secretary of State commended Togo for its efforts, stating, "We appreciate...
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United States Congratulates South Africa on 30th Anniversary of Freedom Day
The Secretary of State of the United States extended congratulations to South Africans on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of their country's first democratic elections. Emphasizing the strong bond between the U.S. and South Africa, the Secretary stated, "Freedom Day provides us with an opportunity to underscore the strong U.S.-South Africa relationship built upon our two countries’ mutual commitment to democracy and human rights."Expressing dedication to further collaboration, the Secretary highlighted the United States' commitment to working with South Africa to...
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United States Congratulates Sierra Leone on 63rd Independence Day
On the occasion of Sierra Leone's National Day, the United States of America has extended its warm congratulations to the people of Sierra Leone as they celebrate 63 years of independence. In a statement issued by the Bureau of African Affairs on behalf of the United States, there was a recognition of Sierra Leone's dedication to upholding and implementing the Agreement for National Unity, aimed at ensuring long-term peace, stability, and the strengthening of democratic institutions in the country.The spokesperson emphasized the shared vision between the United States and...
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Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass to Travel to Qatar and Pakistan
Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to Qatar and Pakistan from April 26 to 30. The trip aims to strengthen ties and address key regional issues in the Middle East and South Asia.During his visit to Doha, Qatar, Under Secretary Bass will engage in discussions with senior Qatari government officials and representatives from other diplomatic missions. The focus of the meetings will revolve around providing support for Afghanistan and addressing shared security concerns in the region.Upon his arrival in Islamabad,...
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United States and Brazil to Discuss Migration Policies and Humanitarian Issues in Bilateral Dialogue
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an upcoming Bilateral Dialogue between the United States and Brazil on Migration Policies, Humanitarian Issues, and Refugee Protection, a discussion will be led by prominent officials from both countries. The dialogue, scheduled for April 29, 2024, will focus on international migration challenges and opportunities.Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya, who will be hosting the event, stated, "The dialogue will center on protection and humanitarian assistance for refugees, vulnerable migrants, and other...
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Condemning the Attacks on Civilians and Energy Infrastructure in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region
Apr 26 2024The United States strongly condemns today’s attack on energy infrastructure in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. We offer condolences to the families of those who were killed, and we wish for the quick recovery of those who were injured. Attacks like this are an affront to Iraq’s sovereignty. We encourage the authorities to investigate and bring to justice those who are responsible. The United States will continue to work with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government in support of Iraqi security, stability, and sovereignty."