News and reports from the State Department.

State News

State
U.S. Department of State Counselor Tom Sullivan and U.S. Agency for International Development Assistant Administrator Michael Schiffer convened a virtual meeting today with leading members of Burma’s opposition movement, including the pro-democracy “National Unity Government” (NUG) and the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), as well as key resistance organizations, the Karen National Union (KNU), Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), and the Chin National Front (CNF).
State

U.S. Deputy Secretary Verma meets Nepali officials on economic development

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma met with senior Nepali officials in Kathmandu on August 16 to advance shared priorities in economic development, women’s empowerment, energy, and people-to-people ties.
State

U.S. congratulates Luis Abinader on second inauguration as President of Dominican Republic

The United States has extended its congratulations to Luis Abinader on his second inauguration as President of the Dominican Republic. In this election, the people of the Dominican Republic expressed their collective aspirations for prosperity, security, and democratic governance.
State

U.S., Ukraine discuss enhanced cooperation during sixth Cyber Dialogue

Senior U.S. and Ukrainian officials convened on August 14, 2024, in Kyiv, Ukraine for the sixth round of the U.S.-Ukraine Cyber Dialogue, an annual discussion on cyber policy issues.
State

Joint statement urges restraint amid concerns over post-election violence in Venezuela

The undersigned countries, meeting in Santo Domingo de Guzmán, appeal for wisdom and restraint in Venezuela. At this decisive juncture for Venezuela and the region, all social and political actors must exercise the utmost restraint in their public actions.
State

Acting Assistant Secretary Littlejohn to visit South Asia for environmental discussions

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Jennifer R. Littlejohn will travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka, Chennai, India, New Delhi, India, and Malé, Maldives from August 17 to August 31. During her visit, she will discuss nature and marine conservation, plastic and air pollution, the climate crisis, deforestation, nature crimes, civil and commercial space activities, promoting women and girls in STEM, and the sustainable blue economy.
State

Secretary Blinken congratulates India on Independence Day

On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of India as they celebrate the anniversary of their country’s independence on August 15.
State

United States congratulates Republic of Congo on 64th Independence Anniversary

On the 64th anniversary of its independence, the United States extends congratulations to the Congolese people and President Denis Sassou N’Guesso on the Republic of the Congo's National Day.
State

US imposes new sanctions targeting Houthi and Hizballah networks

The United States is imposing sanctions on one individual and six companies, and blocking three vessels, for their involvement in illicit revenue generation to support the Houthis' destabilizing activities on behalf of Iran-based Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force-backed Houthi financier Sa’id al-Jamal.
State

U.S. congratulates Liechtenstein on National Day

On behalf of the United States of America, warm congratulations are extended to Liechtenstein on the occasion of its National Day.
State

AUKUS nations implement reciprocal export exemptions under new ITAR rule

The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom have intensified their efforts to strengthen the AUKUS partnership by advancing defense trade integration. On August 15, 2024, the Department of State submitted to Congress a determination that the export control systems of Australia and the UK are comparable to those of the United States. Consequently, a reciprocal export exemption for U.S. entities has been implemented.
State

Deputy Secretary Verma's upcoming visit aims at strengthening ties with Nepal and India

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will lead U.S. delegations to Nepal on August 16 and India from August 17-22 to advance and support a prosperous, secure, and resilient future for both countries.
State

Secretary Blinken extends congratulations on South Korean National Day

On August 14, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a press statement congratulating the Republic of Korea on its National Day.
State

Blinken urges Sudan's al-Burhan to join peace talks

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with President of the Sovereign Council of Sudan and Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The Secretary reiterated the need for participation in ongoing peace talks in Switzerland to achieve full implementation of the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan.
State

Finalists announced for the 2024 P3 Impact Award recognizing global public-private partnerships

The Office of Global Partnerships at the U.S. Department of State, Concordia, and the University of Virginia Darden School’s Institute for Business in Society have announced the five finalists for the 2024 P3 Impact Award. Now in its 11th year, the P3 Impact Award recognizes exemplary public-private partnerships (P3s) that provide solutions to pressing global issues such as improving access to education, ecological sustainability, women’s economic empowerment, and humanitarian assistance. Special Representative for Global Partnerships Dorothy McAuliffe will announce the P3...
State

United States condemns Houthi seizure of OHCHR headquarters in Sana’a

The United States has issued a strong condemnation of the Houthi seizure of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) headquarters in Sana’a, Yemen. The incident involved Houthi militants storming and taking over the OHCHR headquarters, an act described as a violation of international norms.
State

Blinken discusses regional stability with Egyptian foreign minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty today to discuss shared objectives for promoting regional stability and recent diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Egypt’s crucial efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza through a deal that would secure the release of hostages, surge humanitarian assistance, and unlock the possibility of broader regional stability.
State

Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire with Qatari Prime Minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation today with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, as reported by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel.
State

U.S. partners with Coupang to advance educational initiatives in Indo-Pacific

The U.S. Department of State has initiated a partnership with Coupang, Inc., a Fortune 200 technology company based in Seattle, to bolster the U.S. Government’s innovation and economic security efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. This collaboration aims to enhance public diplomacy, youth upskilling, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and sports diplomacy in the Republic of Korea (ROK). It marks the Department's first partnership of this nature with a U.S. company in the ROK.
State

Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship hub launched in Kingston

Special Representative for Global Partnerships Dorothy McAuliffe, U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica N. Nick Perry, and USAID Country Representative Dr. Jaidev Singh have launched the Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship (CCE) Hub in Kingston, Jamaica. The initiative was formalized on August 14 through a memorandum of understanding signed with the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship, Caribbean.
Your news, delivered.
Subscribe and personalize your weekly Newswire round-up.