News and reports from the State Department.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues Julie Turner and Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack are set to visit the Republic of Korea from October 7-11, 2024. During their stay in Seoul, they will co-host a strategic workshop on accountability for human rights violations in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). This event is organized by the Center for Justice and Accountability with funding from the State Department’s Office of Global Criminal Justice.

The United States has extended its congratulations to Claudia Sheinbaum on her inauguration as President of Mexico. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement recognizing the significance of the democratic process in Mexico and acknowledging the historic nature of this event.

The Department of State has announced sanctions on two Israeli individuals, citing their actions as contributing to violence and instability in the West Bank. These measures are part of efforts to address activities that undermine peace, security, and stability in the region.

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Atlanta, Georgia from October 1-3, 2024, to attend the 9th Annual U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Senior Economic Dialogue (SED). This marks the first time the SED will be held outside of the capitals of either country. The event will spotlight over $24 billion in ROK private sector investment in Georgia pledged over the past three years.