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On August 21, 2024, Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights and Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Uzra Zeya traveled to New York City for an audience with His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. Under Secretary Zeya was accompanied by Special Assistant to the President and National Security Council Senior Director for Democracy and Human Rights Kelly Razzouk.
State
U.S. officials travel to Costa Rica for economic summit planning
Senior Director for International Economics at the National Security Council, Nora Todd, is traveling to Costa Rica from August 21-23 to participate in an Americas Partnership planning meeting. The focus of the meeting is the 2025 Americas Partnership Leaders’ Summit, which will be hosted by Costa Rica. The U.S. delegation includes Senior Coordinator for the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity at the Department of State, Ambassador Lisa Kubiske; Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Kevin Sullivan; and Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for the...
State
U.S. envoy visits Congo, Tanzania to boost infrastructure investments
Acting Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Helaina Matza will travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania from August 21-28. The visit aims to advance ongoing U.S.-led investments in the development of the Lobito and Trans-Africa Corridor and explore opportunities to expand the economic corridor to the Indian Ocean.
State
Blinken discusses Middle East trip with Turkish foreign minister
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on August 21, 2024, regarding the Secretary’s recent trip to the Middle East. The conversation focused on ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent regional escalation and their shared commitment to creating conditions for a durable ceasefire, bringing hostages home, and ensuring vital humanitarian aid reaches those in need in Gaza. Additionally, they discussed a range of regional issues.
State
Fernandez travels to South America for critical minerals talks
Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Argentina, Ecuador, and Peru from August 21-29 to engage key partners in the Western Hemisphere on critical minerals supply chains and developments in the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, and to promote trade and economic opportunities with the United States.
State
World Humanitarian Day highlights sacrifices amid rising dangers
This week, World Humanitarian Day was celebrated to honor the daily sacrifices of humanitarian aid workers who operate in some of the world's most challenging environments. These individuals often face significant risks to their own safety as they provide aid and relief to vulnerable and desperate populations. The United States acknowledges their dedication, compassion, and humanity.
State
Assistant Secretary Pyatt travels to Pittsburgh to discuss energy initiatives
Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt will travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from August 21-22 to engage with industry representatives, academia, community leaders, and NGOs. The visit aims to highlight the Bureau of Energy Resources' (ENR) work on energy security, the energy transition, and U.S. support for Ukraine’s energy sector.
State
Blinken discusses ceasefire and humanitarian aid with Jordanian foreign minister
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi. The Secretary emphasized the urgent need to finalize the ceasefire deal aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people and securing the release of hostages.
State
Assistant Secretary Michele Sison to visit Central America and Chile
Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Michele Sison will travel to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Chile from August 21-27, 2024. The trip aims to facilitate meetings with senior officials such as Salvadoran Vice President Felix Ulloa and Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill, Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martínez, and Chilean Foreign Ministry Secretary General Rodrigo Olsen. Additionally, Sison will engage with UN officials to reinforce the U.S. commitment to addressing common global challenges.
State
Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire and Ukraine support with UK’s Lammy
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on August 20, 2024. The discussion focused on the importance of completing the ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, bringing the hostages home, and increasing the flow of humanitarian assistance. Additionally, Secretary Blinken and Foreign Secretary Lammy addressed the need to deescalate tensions in the region. Both officials reaffirmed their enduring support for Ukraine.
State
Secretary Blinken meets with Egyptian President El-Sisi on ceasefire and Sudan conflict
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi today in Al Alamein. The Secretary thanked the President for Egypt’s partnership as a mediator on the ceasefire talks to secure the release of hostages and allow a surge of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The Secretary also stressed the importance of continuing to work together to prevent regional escalation in this critical time.
State
US sanctions former Haitian President Michel Martelly over drug trafficking allegations
The United States has designated former Haitian President Michel Martelly for his involvement in the global illicit drug trade. According to a press statement by Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Martelly abused his influence to facilitate drug trafficking and sponsored multiple Haiti-based gangs. The activities related to narcotics trafficking and gang violence have significantly contributed to political instability and insecurity in Haiti, creating a difficult living situation for its citizens.
State
Blinken meets with Egyptian foreign minister Abdelatty in Al Alamein
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty today in Al Alamein.
State
Deputy Secretary Verma to discuss U.S.-India relations at CSEP
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma is scheduled to deliver remarks at the Centre for Social & Economic Progress (CSEP) in New Delhi, India on Wednesday, August 21. The address will focus on the progress made in the U.S.-India bilateral relationship and highlight key areas of cooperation aimed at enhancing global prosperity and security.
State
Blinken discusses ceasefire efforts with Qatari Prime Minister
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on August 20, 2024. The discussion focused on ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire agreement aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people and securing the release of hostages.
State
Blinken discusses regional tensions with Israeli defense minister
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv on August 19, 2024. The meeting, as reported by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, focused on efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.
State
U.S. and Philippines agree on processing Afghan SIV applicants
The United States and the Philippines have reached an agreement to allow a limited number of Afghan nationals to transit through the Philippines to complete their visa processing for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and resettlement in the United States. The U.S. government is providing necessary services for these Afghans during their temporary stay in the Philippines, including food, housing, security, medical care, and transportation to complete visa processing.
State
Assistant Secretary Noyes visits Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal
Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes will travel to Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal from August 19-27, 2024.
State
Secretary Blinken meets Israeli President Herzog amid rising tensions
PRESIDENT HERZOG: Good morning, Mr. Secretary. Welcome again to Israel. I must say that we feel you are a part of our nation in coming here again and again, and so showing such great friendship and support for the state of Israel, and we are indeed grateful for that.
State
U.S. envoy discusses cybersecurity in Moldova visit
Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel C. Fick traveled to Chisinau, Moldova from August 15 to 17, 2024.
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