News and reports from the State Department.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Blinken urges transparency in Venezuelan election during call with Mexican foreign secretary

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in a conversation with Mexican Foreign Secretary Bárcena, focusing on the Maduro regime's obligation to release untampered and detailed vote tallies from the July 28 presidential election in Venezuela. The discussion also covered the necessity to end human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests and indiscriminate detentions.
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US opposes Israeli minister's visit to Temple Mount

The United States has expressed strong opposition to Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir’s visit to the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount on August 13. The visit was seen as a blatant disregard for the historic status quo concerning the holy sites in Jerusalem. According to U.S. officials, such actions exacerbate tensions at a critical time when diplomatic efforts are focused on achieving a ceasefire agreement, securing the release of hostages, and fostering broader regional stability.
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Secretary Blinken extends wishes on Pakistan Independence Day

On behalf of all Americans, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate their Independence Day on August 14.
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Blinken discusses regional stability with Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani on August 12, 2024. The conversation, as detailed by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, centered on ongoing diplomatic efforts to enhance stability in the region and the necessity of preventing escalation.
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Assistant Secretary Stewart to attend STRATCOM Deterrence Symposium in Omaha

Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability (ADS), Mallory Stewart, will travel to Omaha, Nebraska, from August 13-14, 2024, to attend the 2024 United States Strategic Command (STRATCOM) Deterrence Symposium.
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Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire, Sudan violence with Turkish foreign minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan regarding the importance of Hamas' return to negotiations on August 15 to finalize a framework for achieving an immediate and durable ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages.
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Geneva Conventions' 75th anniversary highlights enduring importance

Today marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions of 1949. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement commemorating this milestone, reflecting on the urgent need for new protections for prisoners of war, the wounded and sick, and civilians in times of war that emerged from the tragedies experienced during the Second World War.
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Geneva Conventions' 75th anniversary highlights enduring commitment to humanitarian law

Today marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions of 1949. The Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, released a statement commemorating this significant milestone in international humanitarian law.
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Blinken discusses Venezuelan democracy with Colombian foreign minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in a conversation with Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo on August 12, 2024. The discussion focused on Colombia's efforts to facilitate dialogue aimed at restoring democracy in Venezuela.
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International Youth Day highlights global efforts for inclusive governance

The United Nations initiated International Youth Day in 1998 to highlight youth issues within the global community and celebrate the potential of youth as partners in our society. The day emphasizes that youth issues, such as access to education, economic opportunity, food security, a healthy environment, good governance, and freedom from all forms of tyranny and violence, are universal concerns. Youth are recognized as leaders and essential partners in addressing these challenges.
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United States extends greetings to Chad on its 64th Independence Day

On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest wishes to the people of the Republic of Chad on the 64th anniversary of your independence.
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US Secretary of State extends greetings on Ecuador's National Day

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, issued a statement on August 10, 2024, in recognition of Ecuador's National Day. "On behalf of the government of the United States and the American people, I send warm greetings to the Ecuadorian people as you celebrate the 215th anniversary of your independence," Blinken stated.
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United States announces $125 million military aid package for Ukraine

The United States is sending Ukraine a significant new package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to support its military forces as they defend against Russia’s ongoing attacks. This $125 million package of support, provided under Presidential Drawdown Authority, includes air defense interceptors, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, multi-mission radars, and anti-tank weapons that will help Ukraine protect its troops, its people, and its cities from Russian attacks and reinforce its capabilities across the front lines.
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Officials discuss North Korea's cyber activities in trilateral consultations

Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink Participates in Trilateral Consultations on the DPRK
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US supports UN's new convention against cybercrime

The United States has expressed its approval of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime’s adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime. This agreement aims to enhance global efforts to combat cybercrime, a significant and widespread issue impacting communities worldwide.
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US imposes new sanctions on Belarusian officials

Today marks four years since the disputed presidential election in Belarus and the subsequent repression by the Lukashenka regime. In response, the United States, in coordination with Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, has announced additional sanctions to hold the regime accountable.
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