News and reports from the State Department.

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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar today in Washington, D.C. The meeting underscored the United States and India’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and coordinating on regional and global challenges.
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U.S.-Bahrain strategic dialogue concludes with focus on security cooperation

The United States and Bahrain concluded the fourth annual U.S.-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C., led by U.S. Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs Ambassador John Bass and Bahrain's Under Secretary for Political Affairs Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. This dialogue underscores the two nations' commitment to enhancing security, fostering economic growth, strengthening cultural ties, and upholding fundamental rights.
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Blinken meets Norwegian FM Eide; discusses Ukraine aid, Middle East stability

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in Washington on September 30, 2024. The meeting aimed to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to strengthening its relationship with Norway.
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Assistant Secretary Stewart travels to Poland for security forum

Assistant Secretary for Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability Mallory Stewart will travel to Warsaw, Poland from September 30 to October 5. She will participate in the Warsaw Security Forum and the 19th NATO WMD Conference.
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Blinken meets Kuwaiti foreign minister Al-Yahya

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on September 30, 2024. According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, the meeting marked the start of the U.S.-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue, which aims to strengthen bilateral engagement in various fields.
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US announces nearly $2.1 billion in humanitarian aid at UN General Assembly

At the 79th UN General Assembly, the United States announced nearly $2.1 billion in humanitarian assistance to address the unprecedented level of humanitarian needs globally. This funding supports critical and life-saving humanitarian assistance to those impacted by crises, including displaced persons and the receptive host communities supporting them.
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Blinken discusses Middle East tensions with UK’s Lammy

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on September 30, 2024. The discussion focused on reducing tensions in the Middle East and the significance of diplomatic efforts to achieve stability.
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Blinken to speak at fourth international counter ransomware summit

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will deliver remarks at the Fourth International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) Summit on Tuesday, October 1, at 12:45 p.m. EDT at the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington, Virginia.
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Biden sets refugee admissions target at 125,000 for fiscal year 2025

President Biden has signed the Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2025, maintaining the refugee admissions target at 125,000 for the upcoming fiscal year. This continues the policy set by his administration in previous years.
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Blinken meets Iraqi Deputy PM Hussein to discuss regional stability

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Fuad Hussein today in Washington D.C. On the occasion of the D-ISIS Ministerial, Secretary Blinken emphasized the ongoing U.S. commitment to defeating ISIS globally to ensure greater security and stability.
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Secretary Blinken congratulates Tuvalu on its National Day

On September 30, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement congratulating the people of Tuvalu on the occasion of their National Day. The celebration marks the 46th anniversary of Tuvalu's independence on October 1, 2024.
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Global Coalition reaffirms commitment on tenth anniversary

Ten years after the formation of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS, Deputy Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, and Senior Officials convened in Washington, D.C., today at the invitation of Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. The coalition remains committed to defeating Daesh/ISIS wherever it operates.
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Special Envoy Perriello travels to Kenya and Ethiopia for Sudan peace talks

U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello is set to travel to Nairobi and Addis Ababa, beginning on September 29. The visit aims to further diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Sudan and engage with Sudanese refugees and civilian leaders on restoring a path to an inclusive democratic future.
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Blinken discusses Middle East conflicts with French foreign minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on September 29, 2024. The conversation focused on diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon. They discussed advancing the political process and implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
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Assistant Secretary Dafna Rand to attend conferences in Warsaw

On September 30, Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Dafna Rand will travel to Warsaw, Poland, to participate in the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference (WHDC) and the Warsaw Security Forum (WSF). She will meet with senior officials, civil society members, and human rights defenders to highlight the importance of promoting and protecting human rights in U.S. foreign policy.
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U.S. issues Level 4 travel advisory for Lebanon amid rising security concerns

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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