News and reports from the State Department.

State News

State
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will co-host Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles on August 6 in Annapolis, Maryland, for the 34th Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN). The ministerial and related bilateral meetings aim to build on commitments made during Prime Minister Albanese's official visit to the United States in October 2023 and last year’s AUSMIN.
State

U.S., Fiji finalize air transport agreement enhancing civil aviation partnerships

The U.S. Department of State Director of Aviation Negotiations, Juha Salin, signed a Memorandum of Consultations (MOC) finalizing negotiations on an Air Transport Agreement between the Government of the United States and the Government of Fiji on July 19. The MOC was signed in Suva, Fiji, by Fiji Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Permanent Secretary Salaseini Daunabuna.
State

U.S. congratulates Maldives on Independence Day

On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Maldives as they celebrate the anniversary of their country’s independence on July 26.
State

Blinken discusses US-Philippines alliance ahead of ministerial dialogue

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo to discuss the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro in Manila.
State

State Department offers $10M reward for info on North Korean hacker

The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of any person who, while acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, engages in certain malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
State

Secretary Blinken discusses democracy and security with Kenyan President Ruto

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in a conversation with Kenyan President William Ruto on July 25, 2024. The discussion, as reported by Spokesperson Matthew Miller, centered around several key issues.
State

U.S. sanctions Congo River Alliance over violence in eastern DRC

The United States has announced sanctions on the Congo River Alliance, also known by its French name Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), a coalition of armed groups responsible for violent conflict and civilian displacement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The measures extend to individuals and entities associated with AFC.
State

Special Advisor on International Disability Rights travels through Asia for policy discussions

Special Advisor on International Disability Rights (SAIDR) Sara Minkara will travel to the Republic of Korea (ROK), Brunei, Malaysia, and Cambodia from July 25 to August 2 to promote the continued integration of disability policy in ASEAN and APEC. In the ROK, SAIDR Minkara will meet with government officials to discuss building upon the United States’ and ROK’s efforts to mainstream disability policy across APEC working groups. In Brunei, SAIDR Minkara will meet with government officials to discuss fostering disability inclusion across faith-based and sporting communities....
State

Secretary Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire efforts with Qatari PM

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
State

United States imposes sanctions on PRC-based network aiding DPRK's WMD programs

The United States has imposed sanctions pursuant to Executive Order 13382 on a network of six individuals and five entities based in the People's Republic of China (PRC) for their involvement in procuring items that support North Korea's (DPRK) unlawful weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs. This network facilitated activities for a U.S.-designated, Beijing-based representative of the DPRK’s Second Academy of Natural Sciences (SANS), which is also designated by both the United States and the United Nations. Executive Order 13382 targets...
State

Secretary Blinken emphasizes renewal of AGOA at Private Sector Forum

Secretary Antony J. Blinken addressed the AGOA Private Sector Forum at the U.S. Institute for Peace on July 24, 2024. Expressing gratitude to Ambassador Moose and the institute's team, Blinken highlighted the longstanding partnership with the Department of State.
State

United States invites Sudanese factions for ceasefire talks co-hosted by Saudi Arabia

Over the past 15 months, the conflict in Sudan has pushed millions to the brink of starvation and displaced nearly 10 million people. It continues to cause significant suffering for the Sudanese population. The United States remains committed to working with partners to end this devastating war.
State

Blinken meets with Mongolian foreign minister to enhance strategic partnership

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh today in Washington, D.C. According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Battsetseg discussed concrete steps to advance U.S.-Mongolia ties and further strengthen the Strategic Third Neighbor Partnership.
State

US imposes sanctions on key ISIS affiliates in Africa

The United States is taking action to advance the mission of the Counter ISIS Finance Group (CIFG), which supports international efforts to curb financing of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) worldwide. Against the backdrop of the 20th meeting of the CIFG, the United States is designating three individuals in a network associated with expanded ISIS activities in Africa.
State

Blinken addresses Yezidi leaders ahead of ten-year ISIS genocide commemoration

Secretary Antony J. Blinken addressed Yezidi civil society leaders in Washington, D.C., ahead of the ten-year commemoration of the ISIS genocide against Yezidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims. The meeting took place in the Thomas Jefferson Room on July 23, 2024.
State

Secretary Blinken addresses President Biden’s decision not to seek re-election

Secretary Antony J. Blinken addressed the press on July 23, 2024, responding to questions about President Biden’s decision not to seek a second term and Vice President Harris's potential as a replacement.
State

United States extends best wishes to Egypt on National Day

On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the people and Government of Egypt on your National Day.
State

U.S. welcomes release of Reverend Samson in Burma

The United States has welcomed the release of Reverend Dr. Hkalam Samson from prison in Burma after he served more than a year of a six-year sentence on charges led by the military. Rev. Dr. Samson is recognized as a prominent religious leader whose work includes advocating for freedom of religion or belief for all individuals. "We are pleased that he is finally able to return home to his family and continue his important work," stated an official.
State

Blinken to address AGOA Private Sector Forum

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will deliver remarks at the opening of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Private Sector Forum on Wednesday, July 24, at 9:00 a.m. EDT. The event will take place at the United States Institute of Peace.
State

Blinken welcomes Mongolian foreign minister for strategic dialogue

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken welcomed Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh to Washington, D.C., on July 23, 2024, for the launch of a Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue between the United States and Mongolia.
Your news, delivered.
Subscribe and personalize your weekly Newswire round-up.