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Secretary Antony J. Blinken Discusses Israeli-Hamas Conflict and Aid Delivery in Recent NBC Interview
Secretary Antony J. Blinken recently engaged in a conversation with Andrea Mitchell of NBC, addressing various aspects of the Israeli-Hamas conflict and aid delivery in the region. When discussing the possibility of a hostage deal and ceasefire, Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of focusing on the hostages and the willingness of the Israeli Government to make compromises for a deal. He stated, "We’re focused on the hostages, and I believe the Israeli Government is as well. And that’s, I think, evident from the fact that the proposal, the most recent proposal they...
State
Georgia’s Western Trajectory at Risk
The United States has strongly condemned the actions taken by the Georgian government regarding recent legislation and its treatment of protests. The US criticized the "Kremlin-inspired 'foreign influence' legislation" and accused government officials of adopting a false narrative to defend it. The US expressed concern that the law aims to silence critical voices and undermine Georgia's civil society, which is essential for a democratic nation.According to the United States, this legislation, coupled with the Georgian Dream party's anti-Western rhetoric, is putting...
State
Resettlement Diplomacy Network Senior Officials Meet to Strengthen Global Refugee Protection
Senior government officials from various countries gathered in Washington, DC for the third Senior Officials Meeting of the Resettlement Diplomacy Network (RDN). Assistant Secretary Julieta Valls Noyes led the meeting, which aimed to assess the impact of the RDN's work and prioritize collective action on refugee resettlement and complementary pathways.During the meeting, participants discussed the use of the Emergency Coordination Platform within the RDN, known as the "Red Phone" mechanism, to collaborate on situations of shared concern, such as providing safety to Afghan...
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Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meetings in the United Kingdom
London, May 1, 2024 - Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell engaged in a series of crucial bilateral meetings with key officials in the United Kingdom on May 1st. The discussions were held with high-profile figures including Permanent Under Secretary Sir Philip Barton, National Security Advisor Sir Tim Barrow, and Deputy National Security Advisor Sarah Macintosh, among others.According to a statement by Spokesperson Matthew Miller, the meetings primarily focused on various pressing issues, including challenges and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region. The...
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Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink’s Travel to Hawaii and Australia
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink is set to embark on a trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, and Canberra, Australia from May 2 to May 8.During his visit to Honolulu, Kritenbrink will participate in the USINDOPACOM change of command ceremony, where Admiral Samuel J. Paparo will take over command from Admiral John C. Aquilino.In Canberra, the Assistant Secretary will engage in meetings with senior government officials and experts. The focus of these discussions will be to strengthen the U.S.-Australia alliance, address global...
State
Recognizing the 25th Anniversary of the Council of Europe’s Group of States Against Corruption
May 1, 2024Established in 1999 by the Council of Europe, the Group of States against Corruption, or GRECO, is a multilateral body that monitors member states’ compliance with its anti-corruption standards. The United States joined GRECO in 2000 and is one of only two non-European member states.The United States commends the important work of GRECO over the last 25 years in mobilizing international action in countering corruption. According to a statement, "The United States commends the important work of GRECO over the last 25 years in mobilizing international action in...
State
Taiwan Urged to be Reinstated as Observer at World Health Assembly
The United States has issued a strong call for Taiwan to be reinstated as an observer at the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA). In a statement, they emphasized the importance of Taiwan's expertise and experience in global health matters, stating, "The United States strongly encourages the WHO to reinstate an invitation to Taiwan to participate as an observer at this year’s WHA so the world may once again benefit from Taiwan’s expertise and experience."Acknowledging recent efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) to involve Taiwan more actively in technical work...
State
Deputy Secretary Verma Highlights American Legation in Tangier as Most Endangered Historic Place
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma emphasized the significance of the American Legation in Tangier, Morocco, during a ceremony at the National Museum of American Diplomacy in Washington, D.C. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has recognized the American Legation as one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2024.Verma highlighted the enduring friendship between America and Morocco, stating that the building, gifted from Morocco to the United States in 1821, "remains a symbol of the friendship between America and...
State
Secretary Blinken, Deputy Secretary Verma, and Director General Bernicat to Deliver Remarks at Foreign Affairs Day Celebration
Director General Marcia S. Bernicat will lead the Department of State’s 59th annual Foreign Affairs Day, commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Foreign Service. The event, scheduled for May 3, will gather current and former employees of the Department of State and other Foreign Affairs Agencies at the Dean Acheson Auditorium.In a pre-recorded video message, Secretary of State Antony Blinken will address the morning plenary opening of Foreign Affairs Day. Deputy Secretary Richard Verma will deliver the Keynote Address at the event's opening session and participate...
State
Under Secretary Fernandez to Address Economic Security Challenges in Florida
Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez is set to travel to Miami, Florida, on May 2, 2024. His visit is in conjunction with the annual Chiefs of Mission Conference hosted by the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).During the conference, "Under Secretary Fernandez will address senior level diplomats from the Western Hemisphere and senior leadership from the National Security Council, Departments of State and Defense, and relevant U.S. government agencies" to discuss economic security challenges and opportunities throughout...
State
Under Secretary Jenkins Travels to New York
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins is set to travel to Syracuse, New York from April 29 to May 1, 2024.During her visit, Under Secretary Jenkins will engage with students at Syracuse University, discussing current U.S. foreign policy priorities on NATO and nonproliferation and disarmament.The trip aims to facilitate dialogue and exchange of views on critical international security issues.For further updates on Under Secretary Jenkins' activities, you can follow @UnderSecT on X.
State
Negotiations on U.S.-Ukraine Bilateral Security Agreement Continue
Negotiations between the United States and Ukraine regarding a bilateral security agreement are ongoing, following the passage of the President's supplemental funding request. Representatives from key U.S. government agencies, including the Department of State, Department of Defense, and National Security Council, engaged in discussions with Ukrainian counterparts to advance critical security arrangements.The talks aim to solidify long-term bilateral security commitments and uphold other obligations outlined in the G7 Joint Declaration of Support to Ukraine, which was...
State
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UN Official Discuss Humanitarian Assistance for Gaza
Secretary Antony J. Blinken met with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, to discuss the ongoing efforts in pursuit of Security Council Resolution 2720. During the meeting, Kaag welcomed Blinken and his team, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to update them on the work being done to upscale humanitarian assistance in Gaza."I’d like to obviously welcome you, Secretary of State Antony Blinken. And my team, we’re delighted to have precious moments of your time to update you and brief you very much on all the work that’s ongoing...
State
Secretary Antony J. Blinken Addresses Humanitarian Assistance in Gaza
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently addressed the ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need in Gaza amidst the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Blinken emphasized the importance of ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable populations in Gaza, stating, "We’ve put a focus on trying to make sure that those so desperately in need in Gaza get the humanitarian assistance they require."During his visit to Jordan, Blinken met with Gazan women who shared their stories of suffering, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He also...
State
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Jordanian King Abdullah II
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a crucial meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan in Amman today, as confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The meeting revolved around various significant topics concerning the region.The discussions focused on efforts to establish a ceasefire to secure the release of hostages, with a specific emphasis on urging Hamas to accept the current proposal on the table. Additionally, Secretary Blinken and King Abdullah explored diplomatic endeavors aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region, which includes a pathway...
State
Publication of U.S. Government-Funded Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Handbook for Policymakers
The Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources and the Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program have announced the launch of the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage: Handbook for Policymakers. According to Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Assistant Secretary of the Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources, the handbook is designed to empower key stakeholders to deploy carbon capture, utilization, and storage capabilities effectively.The handbook aims to support global climate ambitions by promoting the responsible deployment of carbon capture,...
State
2024 U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission Concludes in Abuja
The sixth round of the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) concluded in Abuja on April 29-30, 2024, with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar co-chairing the event.According to the U.S. Department of State, the BNC, established in 2010, serves as a crucial platform for official engagement between the two governments to expand cooperation and advance shared goals and democratic values. This year's commission was highlighted by discussions that built upon the strong foundation set during previous meetings between...
State
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Safadi
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently held a meeting with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi. In a readout of the meeting, Spokesperson Matthew Miller conveyed that Secretary Blinken expressed gratitude towards Jordan for its efforts in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Miller stated, "Secretary Blinken thanked Jordan for its strong coordination in facilitating the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, including through airdrops and overland deliveries."...
State
United States Congratulates Republic of the Marshall Islands on 45th Constitution Day
On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, the citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands have been congratulated as they celebrate their 45th Constitution Day on May 1. This message was conveyed as part of the strong bond between the two nations.The United States values the unique friendship and cooperation with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, considering it as the cornerstone of a shared vision for a free, open, resilient, and flourishing Pacific Islands region. The commitment to this partnership is evident in the anticipation of further...
State
Secretary Blinken Expresses Support for UN Coordinator’s Efforts in Gaza
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently met with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, in Amman, Jordan. During the meeting, discussions centered on ongoing efforts to provide critical humanitarian assistance in Gaza, with a focus on accelerating and sustaining recent increases in delivery. Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "Secretary Blinken and Coordinator Kaag discussed ongoing efforts and a shared commitment to surge critical humanitarian assistance in Gaza and ensure the recent increase in delivery of assistance is...
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