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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on August 20, 2024. The discussion focused on the importance of completing the ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, bringing the hostages home, and increasing the flow of humanitarian assistance. Additionally, Secretary Blinken and Foreign Secretary Lammy addressed the need to deescalate tensions in the region. Both officials reaffirmed their enduring support for Ukraine.
State
Secretary Blinken meets with Egyptian President El-Sisi on ceasefire and Sudan conflict
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi today in Al Alamein. The Secretary thanked the President for Egypt’s partnership as a mediator on the ceasefire talks to secure the release of hostages and allow a surge of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The Secretary also stressed the importance of continuing to work together to prevent regional escalation in this critical time.
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US sanctions former Haitian President Michel Martelly over drug trafficking allegations
The United States has designated former Haitian President Michel Martelly for his involvement in the global illicit drug trade. According to a press statement by Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Martelly abused his influence to facilitate drug trafficking and sponsored multiple Haiti-based gangs. The activities related to narcotics trafficking and gang violence have significantly contributed to political instability and insecurity in Haiti, creating a difficult living situation for its citizens.
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Blinken meets with Egyptian foreign minister Abdelatty in Al Alamein
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty today in Al Alamein.
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Deputy Secretary Verma to discuss U.S.-India relations at CSEP
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma is scheduled to deliver remarks at the Centre for Social & Economic Progress (CSEP) in New Delhi, India on Wednesday, August 21. The address will focus on the progress made in the U.S.-India bilateral relationship and highlight key areas of cooperation aimed at enhancing global prosperity and security.
State
Blinken discusses ceasefire efforts with Qatari Prime Minister
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on August 20, 2024. The discussion focused on ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire agreement aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people and securing the release of hostages.
State
Blinken discusses regional tensions with Israeli defense minister
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv on August 19, 2024. The meeting, as reported by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, focused on efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.
State
U.S. and Philippines agree on processing Afghan SIV applicants
The United States and the Philippines have reached an agreement to allow a limited number of Afghan nationals to transit through the Philippines to complete their visa processing for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and resettlement in the United States. The U.S. government is providing necessary services for these Afghans during their temporary stay in the Philippines, including food, housing, security, medical care, and transportation to complete visa processing.
State
Assistant Secretary Noyes visits Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal
Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes will travel to Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal from August 19-27, 2024.
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Secretary Blinken meets Israeli President Herzog amid rising tensions
PRESIDENT HERZOG: Good morning, Mr. Secretary. Welcome again to Israel. I must say that we feel you are a part of our nation in coming here again and again, and so showing such great friendship and support for the state of Israel, and we are indeed grateful for that.
State
U.S. envoy discusses cybersecurity in Moldova visit
Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel C. Fick traveled to Chisinau, Moldova from August 15 to 17, 2024.
State
Blinken meets with Israeli President Herzog to discuss regional stability
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv. The Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security and efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
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U.S. condemns China's actions against Philippine vessels in South China Sea
The United States has expressed its support for the Philippines following recent maritime incidents in the South China Sea. On August 19, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel issued a statement condemning actions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) against Philippine maritime operations.
State
Ambassador Matt Murray travels to Peru for Third APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting
U.S. Senior Official for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ambassador Matt Murray will travel to Lima, Peru, from August 19 to 25 for the Third Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM3) of Peru’s APEC 2024 host year.
State
Blinken discusses ceasefire efforts with Saudi foreign minister
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on August 18, 2024, as confirmed by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel.
State
United States congratulates Paetongtarn Shinawatra on selection as Thai prime minister
On behalf of the United States, I congratulate Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on her selection as Thailand’s next prime minister. The United States looks forward to working with the Prime Minister to further strengthen the enduring alliance and partnership between the United States and Thailand.
State
Assistant Secretary Mallory Stewart travels to Nigeria for security discussions
Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability (ADS), Mallory Stewart, will travel to Nigeria from August 19-21, 2024. This visit continues and expands the ADS Bureau’s diplomatic outreach efforts in Nigeria initiated in December 2023.
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U.S. congratulates Indonesia on Independence Day
On behalf of the United States of America, congratulations are extended to the people of Indonesia on the occasion of their Independence Day.
State
U.S. congratulates Gabon on 64th independence anniversary
On behalf of the United States, I congratulate the people of Gabon on the 64th anniversary of your independence.
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Secretary Blinken travels to Israel for ceasefire talks
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Israel on August 17 to continue intensive diplomatic efforts aimed at concluding an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages and detainees. The bridging proposal, presented today by the United States with support from Egypt and Qatar, seeks to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages, ensure humanitarian assistance is distributed throughout Gaza, and create conditions for broader regional stability.
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