U.S. State Department
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Recent News About U.S. State Department
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently held a conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, according to Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The discussion focused on the United States' ongoing support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.
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The United States and the Republic of Gabon have issued a joint statement marking 64 years of diplomatic relations and outlining plans to enhance their partnership. The announcement emphasizes collaboration in economic, environmental, and security sectors.
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Delegations from the United States and Mongolia convened in Ulaanbaatar on October 1, 2024, for the second U.S.-Mongolia Energy Dialogue. The meeting was led by Kimberly D. Harrington, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR), and Munkhtushig Lkhanaajav, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. Representatives from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the American Chamber of Commerce in Mongolia joined from the U.S. side, while representatives from Mongolia's Ministry of Energy, Ministry of...
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The governments of the United States and Guatemala have issued a joint statement emphasizing their commitment to security, democracy, rule of law, and transparency. This declaration coincides with the inaugural High-Level Security Dialogue between the two nations.
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The United States has expressed its intent to strengthen ties with Gabon as Transition President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema visits to reaffirm the longstanding partnership between the two nations. The visit aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as environmental protection, economic development, and regional security.
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The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs has announced a reduction in passport processing times to 4-6 weeks, improving from the previous timeframe of 6-8 weeks. This change reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency, equity, and accessibility of the U.S. passport application process. The new processing time applies to both paper and online applications.
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The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs has announced the recipients of the 2024 Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). Established in 1999 by then-Secretary of State Madeline Albright, the award acknowledges U.S. companies' efforts to enhance global business conduct standards. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will host the awards ceremony on October 22, 2024, at the State Department.
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Special Envoy Jessica Stern is set to visit Italy and Poland from October 4 to 11. The trip aims to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ individuals.
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The United States and Ghana held a joint security dialogue in Washington on October 3, 2024. The meeting was led by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Ghanaian Minister of National Security Albert Kan-Dapaah. Officials from both countries discussed international peace and security, focusing on enhancing collaboration to advance the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in Coastal West Africa.
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a meeting on October 1 with Gabon's Transition President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Secretary Blinken was briefed on Gabon's progress towards a democratic transition. During the meeting, he reiterated the United States' commitment to assisting Gabon in establishing an inclusive and transparent political process that will lead to free and fair elections.
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Representatives from the United States, Qatar, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom gathered in Washington, D.C. on October 1 for the seventh meeting of the Somalia Quint. Officials from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) also attended.
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Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass held a meeting with Bahraini Foreign Ministry Under Secretary for Political Affairs Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa in Washington. This meeting took place during the fourth annual U.S.-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue.
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The United States has announced sanctions on one individual and three companies involved in weapons procurement and smuggling operations for the Houthis. These entities have been instrumental in providing the terrorist group with dual-use and military-grade materials necessary for manufacturing, maintaining, and deploying advanced missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Such activities pose a threat to U.S. interests and those of its allies.
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in discussions with several foreign ministers from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy regarding recent developments in the Middle East. The meeting involved UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as announced by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The call served as an opportunity for Secretary Blinken to extend congratulations to Rutte on his recent appointment.
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Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack is set to visit Bangkok, Thailand, from October 4 to 7, 2024. During her stay, she will engage with Thai government officials, civil society members, experts, and organizations.
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Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Todd D. Robinson, is visiting Guatemala from October 1 to 5. During his visit, he will lead an interagency delegation in the first U.S.-Guatemala High-Level Security Dialogue. This initiative comes after the White House announced $50 million for the Guatemala Se Transforma Initiative on March 25, aimed at enhancing cooperation on security, democracy, and rule of law in Guatemala.
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had a conversation with Japan's new Foreign Minister, Iwaya Takeshi, to extend his congratulations on the latter's recent appointment. The dialogue between the two leaders underscored the significance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance as a pivotal factor for security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, characterizing it as "a truly global partnership."
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The U.S. Department of State has announced the designation of four members of the Uganda Police Force due to their involvement in significant human rights violations. The individuals named are Bob Kagarura, Alex Mwine, Elly Womanya, and Hamdani Twesigye. These officials have been implicated in acts of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
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The United States has extended its congratulations to the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of its 75th National Day. This message reflects ongoing efforts by the U.S. to manage its bilateral relationship with China amid global challenges.