State News
State
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Lebanon, urging U.S. citizens not to travel to the country due to an increasingly volatile and unpredictable security situation. This update follows the ordered departure of non-mission-employed eligible family members (EFMs) and authorized departure for mission-employed EFMs and non-essential U.S. direct hire (USDH) employees.
State
United States signs $480 million MCC grant with Sierra Leone
The United States has announced the signing of a $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant with the Government of Sierra Leone. This agreement aims to enhance access to electricity, promote sustainable economic growth, and improve the quality of life for Sierra Leonean citizens. The grant is supplemented by a voluntary contribution of $14.2 million from the Government of Sierra Leone.
State
U.S. Department of State opens new consulates in Hermosillo and Nogales
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) marked the completion of two new consulates in Hermosillo and Nogales, Mexico, with ceremonies that highlighted ongoing investment in U.S.-Mexico relations.
State
Blinken meets with Chinese foreign minister at UN General Assembly
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with PRC Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly in New York City. The discussions covered a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, emphasizing the need to keep communication channels open.
State
U.S., Iraq announce end date for Global Coalition's military mission against ISIS
The Governments of the United States and Iraq have released a joint statement announcing the timeline for ending the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS's military mission in Iraq. The announcement follows extensive consultations and discussions with Coalition leadership and member states, as well as nine months of intensive meetings within the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission.
State
Blinken meets with Central Asian leaders at UNGA
Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with foreign ministers and representatives from the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan under the C5+1 platform during the 79th annual session of the UN General Assembly.
State
U.S. officials accompany Senegal's president on Silicon Valley tour
Senior State Department officials will join the President of Senegal in visiting Silicon Valley on September 27, 2024. The U.S. delegation includes Ambassador Steve Lang, Special Representative Dorothy S. McAuliffe, and Deputy Assistant Secretary Michael Heath. They will visit Santa Clara, Palo Alto, San Jose, and Sunnyvale.
State
Governments demand immediate release of detainees held by Houthis
On September 25, representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Yemen convened to address concerns over recent Houthi detentions in Yemen. The detentions involve United Nations staff, NGO workers, civil society members, former diplomatic mission personnel, and other individuals.
State
Blinken emphasizes continued US-Central Asia cooperation at C5+1 meeting
Secretary Antony J. Blinken participated in a C5+1 meeting at the Palace Hotel in New York City on September 27, 2024. In his remarks, Blinken expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration between the United States and Central Asian countries.
State
U.S. announces additional $535 million in humanitarian aid for Syria
The United States has announced nearly $535 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Syria. This announcement was made by Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya during the United Nations General Assembly.
State
United States announces new measures to protect Ukrainian cultural heritage
The United States has announced new initiatives to support the protection of Ukrainian cultural heritage. This announcement was made by Acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Lee Satterfield during the United Nations General Assembly.
State
Blinken meets with Israeli minister Dermer in New York
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer in New York on September 26, 2024. The meeting focused on the importance of reaching an agreement on a proposed 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border. This proposal is backed by several countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar.
State
Nations issue joint statement on securing undersea communication cables
The United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, and other nations have issued a joint statement on the security and resilience of undersea cables. This statement was made during the 79th annual United Nations General Assembly.
State
Blinken meets with Kenyan President Ruto to discuss bilateral relations
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Kenyan President William Ruto met at the Palace Hotel in New York City on September 26, 2024. During their meeting, both leaders discussed the strong ties between their countries and various collaborative efforts.
State
US Secretary Blinken meets with South African Minister Lamola
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola met on September 26, 2024, to discuss the ongoing partnership between their respective countries.
State
Nations discuss Libya's political situation at UNGA
Senior officials from multiple nations convened during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week to address the ongoing political stalemate and divisions in Libya. The meeting, co-chaired by Italy and the United States, included representatives from Algeria, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Qatar, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
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U.S. congratulates Turkmenistan on 33rd Independence Day
The United States has extended its congratulations to the people of Turkmenistan on the occasion of their 33rd Independence Day, which will be celebrated on September 27.
State
Blinken meets with Kenyan president to discuss strategic partnership
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss the strategic partnership between the United States and Kenya. The meeting focused on collaboration on shared priorities.
State
Blinken meets with South African Foreign Minister Lamola
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola on September 26, 2024. The meeting highlighted the significance of the U.S.-South Africa partnership.
State
U.S. imposes sanctions on individuals and entities supporting Hizballah
The United States has announced sanctions on one individual and four entities, along with the identification of nine vessels as blocked property. These measures target those involved in facilitating illicit trade to Syria and East Asia in support of Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force.
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