Sec. Blinken: The U.S. 'thanks the Government of Nigeria for releasing U.S. citizen Tigran Gambaryan'

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The discussion focused on several critical regional issues, as reported by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.

On October 4, the United States government extended its warm wishes to the people of Lesotho in celebration of their Independence Day and bicentennial. The U.S. acknowledged its partnership with the Kingdom of Lesotho, emphasizing collaboration on issues such as peace and security, economic growth, health, and democratic principles.

In a move to bolster educational ties, the Department of State is enhancing connections between African universities and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) exchange. This initiative aligns with National HBCU Week.

Julieta Valls Noyes, the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), has announced her retirement after nearly four decades in the United States Foreign Service. Her tenure is marked by significant contributions to humanitarian diplomacy and migration efforts.

The United States has announced a new humanitarian assistance package of nearly $157 million to aid populations affected by conflict in Lebanon and the surrounding region. This funding is intended to address both new and existing needs of internally displaced persons and refugee populations within Lebanon, as well as those fleeing to neighboring Syria.

After eight rounds of consultations, the United States and the Republic of Korea have reached a consensus on the proposed text of a new five-year Special Measures Agreement (SMA). This will be the 12th SMA once it is signed, concluded, and enters into force. The agreement is expected to be a significant accomplishment for both nations and aims to strengthen their alliance and shared defense.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.