U.S. Department of State News on The Federal Newswire

U.S. Department of State

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  • 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...


  • 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."


  • Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis is set to embark on a trip to Sweden and Czechia from April 27 to May 1, 2024. During her visit, she will engage with key stakeholders to address critical security issues in the region.Lewis's agenda includes meetings with senior civilian and military officials, as well as defense industry executives, to focus on regional security cooperation and show support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.In Stockholm, Sweden, Assistant Secretary Lewis will strengthen ties with the country...


  • "Deputy Secretary Kurt M. Campbell is set to embark on a diplomatic journey to Abuja, Nigeria; London, United Kingdom; and Paris, France from April 29 to May 3, 2024.In Abuja, Deputy Secretary Campbell will engage in discussions centered around partnerships; security cooperation; shared prosperity; democracy, governance, and accountability with Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar during the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC). The agenda will also involve meetings with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, and civil society representatives. As...


  • Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently concluded a visit to Shanghai and Beijing, China, where he engaged in crucial meetings with top Chinese officials. According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken met with President Xi Jinping, Director of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, and Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining from April 24-26.During the meetings, both sides delved into various key priorities in the bilateral relationship and discussed regional and...


  • Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting with People’s Republic of China Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong. The discussions focused on various key issues, as outlined by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.During the meeting, Secretary Blinken and Minister Wang reviewed the commitments made at the Woodside Summit in November 2023. They specifically discussed the progress made in bilateral cooperation to combat global illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking.Emphasizing the importance of counternarcotics cooperation, Secretary Blinken stressed the need for...


  • Assistant Secretary of the State Department Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations Anne A. Witkowsky and U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta are set to embark on a joint travel to Papua New Guinea and Australia from April 26 to May 10.During their visit to Papua New Guinea, Assistant Secretary Witkowsky and Ambassador-at-Large Rao Gupta will engage with various stakeholders. According to the official statement, they will meet with government representatives, civil society, private sector stakeholders, and women-led organizations...


  • The United States, in collaboration with the United Kingdom and Canada, has taken decisive action against entities and individuals facilitating the illicit transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in support of Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).Among the targets of the sanctions is Sahara Thunder, identified as a key front company for MODAFL's illicit financing and a central player in Iran's UAV design, development, manufacture, and sale activities. The company has been involved in the transfer of thousands of UAVs to Russia, which have...


  • Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting with Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining, as confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. During the meeting, concerns about trade policies and economic practices were addressed. Miller stated, "The Secretary raised concerns about PRC trade policies and non-market economic practices and stressed that the United States seeks a healthy economic competition with the PRC and a level playing field for U.S. workers and firms operating in China."The discussions between Secretary Blinken and Party Secretary Chen Jining focused on...


  • The Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Moldova recently released a joint statement following the U.S.-Moldova Strategic Dialogue held in Washington, D.C. on April 18, 2024. The dialogue included discussions on various bilateral priorities and areas of cooperation between the two nations.During the Strategic Dialogue, both sides highlighted the progress made since the last meeting in advancing bilateral priorities such as defense and security cooperation, Moldova's progress towards EU integration, economic and energy security, and...


  • President Biden has appointed Lise Grande as the new Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues, succeeding Ambassador David Satterfield. Grande's extensive humanitarian experience and background have been highlighted as crucial for addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.The creation of this position by President Biden following the October 7th terrorist attacks reflects the urgent need to enhance regional diplomacy and humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza. Acknowledging Ambassador Satterfield's significant contributions, President Biden expressed gratitude...


  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining recently engaged in a meeting to discuss bilateral ties between China and the U.S. The meeting took place in Shanghai, where Secretary Jining warmly welcomed Secretary Blinken and the delegation. Secretary Jining expressed his hope that the visit to Shanghai would leave a deep impression and enhance understanding of the city.Reflecting on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, Secretary Jining highlighted the importance of the relationship, noting its impact on global...


  • Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has announced a significant new package of military assistance for Ukraine, valued at up to $1 billion. The aid is intended to support Ukraine in defending its country against Russian aggression.The package includes a variety of urgently needed capabilities such as air defense missiles, munitions for HIMARS, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, precision aerial munitions, anti-armor weapons, small arms, equipment, and spare parts. Blinken emphasized that this support aims to help Ukraine defend its territory and protect its people.In...


  • Senior officials from the Philippines and the United States recently concluded the 11th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C. During the dialogue, both countries reiterated their commitment to cooperation and partnership across various domains.Reflecting on the past year, both sides highlighted significant milestones in their partnership, including high-level meetings, joint dialogues, and collaborative initiatives. The joint statement emphasized the importance of enhancing the breadth of partnership, modernizing alliance cooperation,...


  • Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt is gearing up to head to Houston for the 10th United States – Republic of Korea (ROK) Energy Security Dialogue (ESD) and engagements at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. The dialogue aims to boost collaboration between the U.S. and ROK on energy security and the clean energy transition.Pyatt's schedule includes engaging in discussions with energy experts and senior U.S. officials at Rice University’s Baker Institute, alongside Ambassador Kathleen Stephens, a Texas native and former...


  • The U.S. Ambassador to Niger Kathleen FitzGibbon and Major General Ken Ekman, Director of Strategy, Engagement and Programs for U.S. Africa Command, will be meeting with CNSP officials in Niamey on April 25 to discuss the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger. This meeting is part of ongoing negotiations with the National Committee for Safeguarding the Homeland.In a statement, it was mentioned that the United States is proud of the partnership and collaboration between U.S. forces and Nigerien forces, which has significantly contributed to stability in Niger and the...


  • The United States has issued a strong call for peace in the conflict-ridden region of El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan. In a statement released by Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson, on April 24, 2024, the United States urged all armed forces in Sudan to halt their attacks immediately.Miller expressed deep concern over the potential offensive actions by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allied militias in El Fasher. He emphasized the grave danger such an offensive would pose to civilians, particularly the displaced population seeking refuge in the city. The...


  • Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment at the U.S. Department of State Jose W. Fernandez and His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa al-Harthy, Under Secretary for Political Affairs at the Foreign Ministry of Oman, met in Washington on April 24, 2024, for the Second U.S.-Oman Strategic Dialogue.During the dialogue, the two sides discussed various aspects of the bilateral partnership, focusing on trade and investment, clean energy, and education, culture, and science. Fernandez welcomed Sheikh Khalifa to Washington, highlighting the...


  • Acting Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Helaina Matza is set to travel to Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia from April 24th to 26th. The purpose of the visit is to advance ongoing efforts in strategic infrastructure investments and clean energy transformation in Brazil.According to the Office of the Spokesperson, Matza's trip aims to facilitate investments in green transportation, logistics, critical minerals supply chains, and clean energy sectors such as agriculture and clean fuels. The PGI is focused on expanding its...


  • Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell chaired the U.S.-Philippines 3+3 Senior Officials’ Meeting between senior U.S. officials from the Department of State, Department of Defense, and National Security Council and their counterparts from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Department of Defense, and Philippine National Security Council in Washington, D.C. today. The meeting follows the annual U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue on April 22-23, as well as the bilateral meeting between President Marcos and President Biden, the historic...