News and reports from the State Department.

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Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met on September 18, 2024, to initiate the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue.
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U.S.-EU Trade Council discusses advancements in technology cooperation

On September 16, the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) convened virtually at the Deputy level. Under Secretary of State Jose Fernandez, Under Secretary of Commerce Marisa Lago, and U.S. Trade Representative Senior Advisor Cara Morrow were joined by EU TTC Deputies European Commission Directors-General Sabine Weyand and Roberto Viola.
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Campbell discusses global issues with Spanish foreign affairs secretary

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell spoke with Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs Diego Martínez Belío. The Deputy Secretary and the State Secretary discussed the importance of bringing lasting peace to the Middle East, defending democratic values in Venezuela, and their shared commitment to Ukraine. They also discussed shared priorities, including the Indo-Pacific region, economic prosperity, and migration.
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Secretary Blinken discusses democracy with Venezuelan opposition leaders

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado
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Justin Tranter headlines Clinton Global Initiative event on unconventional approaches

The U.S. Department of State announced today that Justin Tranter will continue their public service as a U.S. Global Music Ambassador at the Clinton Global Initiative’s (CGI) 2024 Annual Meeting on September 22 and 23 in New York. Tranter will headline a session of CGI’s Story Studio, titled “Uncharted Paths, Unconventional Approaches to Global Challenges,” where they will emphasize the positive power of music to bring people together, promote peace, and address global issues, particularly those affecting the LGBTQI+ community.
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Assistant Secretary Stewart travels to Belgium for NATO and EU meetings

Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability (ADS) Mallory Stewart will travel to Brussels on September 18-19. Assistant Secretary Stewart will hold meetings with officials from NATO and the European External Action Service.
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Todd D. Robinson visits Kyiv for anti-corruption talks; heads next to Brussels

Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Todd D. Robinson traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine on September 16 to engage Ukrainian partners on combatting corruption, strengthening the justice sector, and supporting police and other first responders.
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Secretary Blinken sends best wishes on Mexico's National Day

On behalf of the United States of America, I send our best wishes to the people of Mexico as they celebrate the 214th anniversary of their independence.
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Deputy Secretary Richard Verma to visit New York City for forum and meetings

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma will travel to New York City from September 17-18. In New York, Deputy Secretary Verma will speak at the Skift Global Forum and meet with industry executives about the Department’s work to support global travel and tourism.
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U.S.-India officials meet in New Delhi for 8th intersessional dialogue

U.S. and Indian officials convened today in New Delhi, India, to discuss opportunities to expand collaboration during the eighth U.S.-India 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue. Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P. Royal co-chaired the Dialogue for the United States with Indian Ministry of External Affairs Joint Secretary for the Americas Nagaraj Naidu and Indian Ministry of Defense Joint Secretary for International Cooperation Vishwesh...
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Secretary Blinken's upcoming visit to Egypt focuses on strategic dialogue

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Egypt from September 17-19 to co-chair the opening of the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The strategic dialogue aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship, deepen economic development, and increase people-to-people ties through culture and education.
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United States signs child protection compact with Romania

The United States and Romania have signed a Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership aimed at preventing child sex trafficking and forced child labor in Romania. The agreement, which is non-binding and spans five years, was formalized by U.S. Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec and Head of the Office of the Prime Minister Mihai Alexandru Ghigiu.
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Denyce Graves travels to France as part of global music ambassador role

The U.S. Department of State announced today that globally renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves will continue her public service as a U.S. Global Music Ambassador by traveling to Paris, France, to engage with audiences on September 18 in support of the U.S. Mission to UNESCO.
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President Biden announces selection of 29 Fulbright-John Lewis Civil Rights Fellows

President Joseph R. Biden announced on Saturday that the Department of State has selected 29 Fulbright U.S. Students as Fulbright-John Lewis Civil Rights Fellows. In his remarks at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards dinner, President Biden highlighted the significance of this new Fulbright opportunity for Americans. Established with the direction and support of the U.S. Congress, these fellowships honor the legacy of the late John Lewis, a civil rights leader and member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and aim to promote understanding of...
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United States signs MOU with Uzbekistan on critical minerals partnership

Today, Ambassador Jonathan Henick and First Deputy Minister of Geology Omonullo Nasritdinxodjaev signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Uzbekistan on critical minerals. The signing ceremony took place in Tashkent, ahead of the Government of Uzbekistan’s participation in MINExpo INTERNATIONAL, the mining industry’s largest global event, taking place in Las Vegas.
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Deputy Secretary Verma to speak on U.S.-India relations at Hudson Institute

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will deliver remarks at the Hudson Institute in Washington D.C. on Monday, September 16. He will discuss milestones achieved in the U.S.-India relationship since 2000 and chart a pathway forward for strengthening bilateral ties. After delivering his remarks, Deputy Secretary Verma will participate in an open conversation with Dr. Aparna Pande, Research Fellow on India and South Asia at the Hudson Institute.
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Secretary Blinken congratulates El Salvador on its National Day

On behalf of the United States of America, I convey my heartfelt congratulations to the people of El Salvador as they celebrate their Independence Day.
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United States extends congratulations on Papua New Guinea National Day

On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Papua New Guinea as you celebrate your National Day on September 16.
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Secretary Blinken congratulates Costa Rica on its National Day

On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warm congratulations to the people of Costa Rica on the 203rd anniversary of your independence.
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Under Secretary Bass travels to Pakistan and Türkiye for diplomatic meetings

Acting Under Secretary of State John Bass will travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, and Ankara, Türkiye, from September 14 to 18.
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