News and reports from the State Department.

The United States has designated 12 individuals in connection with Iran's violent and coercive tactics, both within and outside the country. This move is coordinated with Australia and Canada, which are also implementing new sanctions against those responsible for human rights abuses in Iran this week.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi today in Cairo during the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue. According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Secretary Blinken emphasized that the strategic dialogue aims to expand the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries. The discussions included Egypt’s growing water needs and the critical importance of the Nile River to its people.

The Department of State has launched a new online passport renewal system, now fully available to the public. This initiative aims to simplify the process for Americans seeking to renew their passports by allowing them to complete the procedure online instead of using paper applications and mailing checks.

On behalf of the United States of America and the American people, I extend our best wishes to the people of Chile as they celebrate 214 years of independence.

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić signed an agreement on U.S.-Serbia strategic cooperation in the field of energy in Serbia today. This agreement aims to expand opportunities for U.S. companies to invest in Serbia’s energy sector, promoting investments that will strengthen the U.S.-Serbia strategic partnership.

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer my sincere congratulations to the people of Nepal as you celebrate Nepal’s Constitution Day on September 19.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met on September 18, 2024, to initiate the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue.

On September 16, the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) convened virtually at the Deputy level. Under Secretary of State Jose Fernandez, Under Secretary of Commerce Marisa Lago, and U.S. Trade Representative Senior Advisor Cara Morrow were joined by EU TTC Deputies European Commission Directors-General Sabine Weyand and Roberto Viola.

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell spoke with Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs Diego Martínez Belío. The Deputy Secretary and the State Secretary discussed the importance of bringing lasting peace to the Middle East, defending democratic values in Venezuela, and their shared commitment to Ukraine. They also discussed shared priorities, including the Indo-Pacific region, economic prosperity, and migration.

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado

The U.S. Department of State announced today that Justin Tranter will continue their public service as a U.S. Global Music Ambassador at the Clinton Global Initiative’s (CGI) 2024 Annual Meeting on September 22 and 23 in New York. Tranter will headline a session of CGI’s Story Studio, titled “Uncharted Paths, Unconventional Approaches to Global Challenges,” where they will emphasize the positive power of music to bring people together, promote peace, and address global issues, particularly those affecting the LGBTQI+ community.

Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability (ADS) Mallory Stewart will travel to Brussels on September 18-19. Assistant Secretary Stewart will hold meetings with officials from NATO and the European External Action Service.

Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Todd D. Robinson traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine on September 16 to engage Ukrainian partners on combatting corruption, strengthening the justice sector, and supporting police and other first responders.

On behalf of the United States of America, I send our best wishes to the people of Mexico as they celebrate the 214th anniversary of their independence.

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma will travel to New York City from September 17-18. In New York, Deputy Secretary Verma will speak at the Skift Global Forum and meet with industry executives about the Department’s work to support global travel and tourism.