News and reports from the State Department.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza that enables the release of hostages and facilitates increased and sustained levels of humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The Secretary reiterated the U.S. commitment to reach an agreement. The Secretary also emphasized the importance of preventing the conflict from escalating. He expressed appreciation for the UAE’s significant humanitarian...

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Thursday, August 1 and Friday, August 2 to engage with Dominican partners on aviation topics.

The U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the National Geographic Society, announced the recipients of the 2024 Fulbright-National Geographic Award on August 1, 2024. Five individuals have been recognized for their efforts to support conservation and cultural heritage globally. These awardees will conduct research in Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Iceland, Papua New Guinea, and Sri Lanka.

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.

The United States has expressed its commendation for the Venezuelan populace's participation in the July 28 presidential election, despite facing significant challenges. At least 12 million Venezuelans cast their votes peacefully, exercising a fundamental democratic right. However, the vote processing and result announcement by the Maduro-controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) have been criticized as flawed and unrepresentative of the people's will.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in a discussion with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on August 1, 2024, concerning ongoing tensions and developments in the Middle East. The conversation was detailed in a readout provided by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Alsu Kurmasheva are now on their way back to the United States from Russia. Through the efforts of numerous individuals in the State Department and across the government, the United States was able to secure their freedom, as well as that of Vladimir Kara-Murza and twelve others held prisoner inside Russia.

On July 31, the White House and Department of State hosted an inaugural meeting with key allies, partners, and industry leaders to address the national security risks associated with connected vehicles. This follows the launch of a U.S. regulatory process earlier this year.

The United States has expressed commendation for the Guinean justice sector following the conclusion of the Stadium Massacre trial. The verdict, which includes the conviction of former junta President Moussa Dadis Camara and court-ordered reparations, is seen as providing a sense of justice for victims and survivors.

Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan chaired the second U.S.-Singapore Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) Dialogue in Singapore today. This event built on the inaugural dialogue held in Washington D.C. in October 2023.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, to discuss ongoing tensions and developments in the Middle East.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken attended the signing ceremony for the 123 Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement and the Third Country Training Program in Singapore on July 31, 2024. During his remarks, Blinken expressed gratitude to his colleague Vivian for the hospitality and fruitful discussions held during their meeting.

The United States has welcomed the open-ended ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) announced by Angola on July 30. The announcement was made by Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson, on July 31, 2024.

The Department of State’s Bureau of Global Public Affairs has formed a public-private partnership with Meridian International Center to support global media business models in vulnerable international markets. The initiative, named the Global Business of Media partnership, aims to provide resources for exchange and training programs targeting high-potential media professionals. These efforts are designed to equip journalists with the tools and networks necessary to maintain journalism's independence and integrity.

Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, relies on a global network of procurement operatives, facilitators, and suppliers to acquire and transport dual-use components and equipment needed to develop and deploy advanced weapons systems. These systems are used to threaten commercial shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways. Today, the United States is sanctioning two individuals and four entities connected to the procurement of weapons for the Iran-backed Houthis and the provision of military-grade and dual-use equipment.