News and reports from the State Department.

State News

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On behalf of the United States, I send my best wishes to Jamaica as you celebrate your 62nd year of independence.
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Penny Pritzker concludes term as special representative for Ukraine's economic recovery

Over the last year, Special Representative Penny Pritzker has been a dedicated advocate for Ukraine’s economic recovery. She has traveled to Ukraine six times, leading multiple CEO delegations to Kyiv and making stops across Europe, all with the primary objective of helping the people of Ukraine lay the groundwork for full-scale economic recovery and EU accession.
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United States hosts Sweden for talks on Indo-Pacific strategy

The United States hosted Sweden for a dialogue on the Indo-Pacific on August 5 in Washington, D.C. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Jan Knutsson co-chaired the dialogue. The U.S. delegation included senior government officials from the Department of State, the National Security Council, and the Department of Defense.
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Under Secretary Jenkins visits U.S. Strategic Command in Omaha

Under Secretary Jenkins Travels to Omaha, Nebraska
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Blinken discusses Middle East tensions with Qatari Prime Minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The Secretary and the Prime Minister discussed efforts to calm tensions in the Middle East and prevent further escalation of the conflict. They also discussed ongoing work to reach a ceasefire to the conflict in Gaza that secures the release of hostages, allows for a surge of humanitarian assistance, alleviates the suffering of the Palestinian people, and unlocks the possibility of broader regional stability. The Secretary thanked the...
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U.S.–Thailand extend science & technology agreement for ten years

On August 5, 2024, the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand Science and Technology Agreement was extended for ten years. Since the Agreement was first signed in 2013, and extended in 2018, the strategic partnership between both nations has continued to grow into a robust and enduring relationship.
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U.S., Vietnam reaffirm strategic partnership during high-level meeting

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell met with President of Ho Chi Minh Academy Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang on Friday in Washington, D.C., following Secretary Blinken’s recent trip to Hanoi. Deputy Secretary Campbell reiterated U.S. condolences for the loss of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and stated the United States will continue to work closely with Vietnam’s leadership, including President To Lam as he carries out the duties of General Secretary. The Deputy Secretary underscored the United States’ support for a strong, independent, prosperous, and resilient Vietnam...
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Blinken urges Sudan's SAF to join ceasefire talks amid ongoing conflict

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a phone conversation with Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Head of the Sovereign Council of Sudan, on August 5, 2024. The call was summarized by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
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U.S., Australia sign MOUs on combating disinformation and satellite program

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Countering Foreign State Information Manipulation and a Joint Communiqué on the U.S.-Australia Landsat Next 2030 International Partnership Initiative in Washington, D.C., on August 5, 2024.
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G7 foreign ministers call for de-escalation in Middle East

The following statement was released by the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, along with the High Representative of the European Union.
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Blinken meets with Australian foreign minister ahead of key consultations

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong
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Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire with Egyptian foreign minister

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty
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Blinken discusses Middle East de-escalation with G7 foreign ministers

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with the G7 Foreign Ministers to discuss the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East. The Secretary and Foreign Ministers discussed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire that secures the release of hostages and allows a surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
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U.S. congratulates Cook Islands on 59th National Day

On behalf of the United States Department of State, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the people of the Cook Islands on the occasion of your 59th anniversary of self-governance.
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Iraq commemorates 10th anniversary of ISIS genocide

Today marks the 10th anniversary of ISIS's genocide, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing against Yezidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims. The day also commemorates the Sunni Muslims, Kurds, and other minorities who suffered under ISIS. Thousands of Yezidis were killed or enslaved by ISIS, with over 2,600 Yezidi women and girls still missing. The identification and exhumation of mass graves continue as survivors bear the scars of these events.
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Blinken and Lammy discuss Middle East tensions, emphasize ceasefire

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy today. Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that Secretary Blinken and Foreign Secretary Lammy reaffirmed the need to deescalate rising tensions in the Middle East and prevent the conflict from spreading. They stressed the importance of finalizing the ceasefire and hostage release deal under negotiation as soon as possible.
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Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire efforts with French foreign minister

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné today. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire to secure the release of hostages and surge humanitarian aid to Gaza, as well as the importance of preventing further escalation of conflict in the Middle East and the challenges posed by threats from Iran.
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U.S., Dominican Republic sign Open Skies Agreement

The United States and the Dominican Republic have signed an Open Skies Agreement aimed at advancing bilateral aviation cooperation. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez and Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism David Collado signed the agreement at the National Palace in Santo Domingo. The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, provided remarks during the signing ceremony. Under Secretary Fernandez was joined by U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and representatives from the U.S. Department of...
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Commemorating 80th anniversary of Roma genocide at Auschwitz-Birkenau

Eighty years ago today, the Nazis murdered more than 4,200 Roma in the gas chambers of Auschwitz-Birkenau, most of them ill, elderly, women, and children. By the end of World War II, at least 250,000 Roma had been killed by the Nazis and their collaborators. Today, we commemorate and honor them all.
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Uzra Zeya to visit Kenya and Ethiopia focusing on human rights

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya will travel to Nairobi, Kenya, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from August 4-8, 2024. The purpose of the trip is to engage on human rights, democratic governance, and humanitarian cooperation.
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