News and reports from the State Department.

State News

State
On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Malta as you celebrate 60 years of independence. The United States cherishes its deep-rooted friendship with Malta, a bond that has flourished since the founding of our nation over two centuries ago.
State

United States congratulates Armenia on 34th Independence Day

On behalf of the United States of America, congratulations and warm wishes are extended to the people of Armenia on their 34th Independence Day. As the first country to recognize Armenia’s independence, the United States continues to support Armenia as it thrives within the community of democracies.
State

U.S. imposes visa restrictions for involvement in commercial spyware

The U.S. Department of State has announced additional visa restrictions on several individuals involved in the development or sale of commercial spyware. These measures are part of the United States' ongoing efforts to counter the proliferation and misuse of such technology, as outlined in the U.S. International Cyberspace and Digital Policy Strategy.
State

Assistant Secretary Stewart to discuss arms control at Harvard

Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability Mallory Stewart will travel to Boston, Massachusetts on September 23. In Boston, Assistant Secretary Stewart will engage in discussions with scholars and experts in the nuclear field, hosted by the Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center. She will speak on the future of arms control and discuss global stability issues.
State

Secretary Blinken to attend 79th United Nations General Assembly

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to New York City from September 23-27 to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.
State

South Korean missionary marks 4,000 days in detention by North Korea

Today marks the 4,000th day that South Korean missionary Kim Jung-Wook has been detained by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
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Blinken and Séjourné discuss Middle East tensions and Ukraine conflict

French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné and U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting in Paris on September 19, 2024, to discuss several pressing international issues.
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Lee Satterfield to attend G7 Ministers' Meeting on Culture in Naples

Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Lee Satterfield will travel to Naples, Italy, from September 19-21, where she will serve as the U.S. Head of Delegation to the 2024 G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Culture.
State

Department releases findings from annual fiscal transparency report

On September 19, 2024, the United States Department of State released the 2024 Fiscal Transparency Report. Fiscal transparency is a critical element of effective public financial management, helps build market confidence, and underpins global economic sustainability. It fosters greater government accountability by providing a window into government budgets and spending. Fiscal transparency helps citizens hold their elected leaders and public officials accountable and facilitates better-informed public debate. Annual reviews of the fiscal transparency of governments that are...
State

Blinken meets with French minister Séjourné to discuss international crises

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné in Paris on September 19, 2024. According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, the Secretary expressed gratitude to Foreign Minister Séjourné for hosting a meeting of the Transatlantic Quint.
State

Blinken discusses Haiti situation with UN Secretary-General Guterres

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about the situation in Haiti. Secretary Blinken discussed his September 5 visit to Haiti, where he met with the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to review progress in supporting the Haitian National Police as they counter gang violence and re-establish security for the Haitian people.
State

Blinken meets with Quint representatives in Paris

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today in Paris with French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and German Political Director Gunter Sautter. The meeting focused on various international issues.
State

U.S. extends greetings on Saint Kitts and Nevis' National Day

On behalf of the United States of America, I send my warmest greetings to the people and government of Saint Kitts and Nevis on your 41st anniversary of independence.
State

Blinken meets with Macron to discuss Ukraine and Middle East crises

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The Secretary thanked President Macron for France’s leadership in addressing Ukraine’s urgent defense needs in the face of Russia’s war of aggression.
State

U.S., Australia, Canada sanction Iranian officials over human rights violations

The United States has designated 12 individuals in connection with Iran's violent and coercive tactics, both within and outside the country. This move is coordinated with Australia and Canada, which are also implementing new sanctions against those responsible for human rights abuses in Iran this week.
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Blinken meets with Egyptian President El-Sisi on strategic dialogue

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi today in Cairo during the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue. According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Secretary Blinken emphasized that the strategic dialogue aims to expand the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries. The discussions included Egypt’s growing water needs and the critical importance of the Nile River to its people.
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Department of State launches online passport renewal system

The Department of State has launched a new online passport renewal system, now fully available to the public. This initiative aims to simplify the process for Americans seeking to renew their passports by allowing them to complete the procedure online instead of using paper applications and mailing checks.
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United States extends best wishes to Chile on National Day

On behalf of the United States of America and the American people, I extend our best wishes to the people of Chile as they celebrate 214 years of independence.
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U.S., Serbia sign strategic cooperation agreement in energy sector

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić signed an agreement on U.S.-Serbia strategic cooperation in the field of energy in Serbia today. This agreement aims to expand opportunities for U.S. companies to invest in Serbia’s energy sector, promoting investments that will strengthen the U.S.-Serbia strategic partnership.
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U.S. congratulates Nepal on Constitution Day

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer my sincere congratulations to the people of Nepal as you celebrate Nepal’s Constitution Day on September 19.
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