News and reports from the State Department.

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program has deepened the relationship between the United States and Germany for the last four decades, with more than 26,000 American and German participants since its start in 1983. In celebration of the program’s 40th anniversary, a reception was hosted this week at the Library of Congress for American CBYX participants who just returned from Germany, along with other CBYX alumni, American host families, host school representatives, implementing program partners, and State Department officials.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on eight individuals affiliated with La Nueva Familia Michoacana, including leaders Rodolfo Maldonado Busto and Josue Ramirez Carrera. This action is in close coordination with the Government of Mexico and supports President Biden’s Unity Agenda. La Nueva Familia Michoacana is involved in significant fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking as well as migrant smuggling into the United States.

On World Refugee Day, the United States reaffirms its longstanding tradition as a beacon of hope for refugees and persecuted people globally. "We are committed to standing with the millions of refugees worldwide who have been forced to flee violence and persecution," stated Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, on June 20, 2024. He also expressed gratitude towards generous host communities, vital humanitarian partners, and private sponsors supporting these individuals.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar joined U.S. Consul General in Guadalajara Amy Scanlon, along with representatives from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) and Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Mission personnel, and Mexican officials, at the formal dedication of the new U.S. consulate general in Guadalajara. The new consulate will formally begin offering services to the public later this summer. This ribbon cutting is the first in a series of upcoming U.S. embassy and consulate project completions in Mexico.

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam from June 21 to 22. He will meet with senior Vietnamese government officials to underscore the strong U.S. commitment to implementing the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to working with Vietnam in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer today. The Secretary reiterated the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security. He discussed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of all hostages.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the Government of Mexico and in support of President Biden’s Unity Agenda, has imposed sanctions on eight individuals affiliated with La Nueva Familia Michoacana. Among those sanctioned are leaders Rodolfo Maldonado Busto and Josue Ramirez Carrera. La Nueva Familia Michoacana is involved in significant fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking as well as migrant smuggling into the United States.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo regarding the People’s Republic of China’s actions against the Philippines in the South China Sea, according to Spokesperson Matthew Miller.

The United Nations reported a 50 percent increase in verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence from 2022 to 2023. It is evident that the international community must intensify efforts to prevent and respond to all forms of gender-based violence. This includes promoting access to immediate and long-term comprehensive services, as well as fully funding and making accessible survivor-centered humanitarian assistance.

The U.S. Department of State has awarded 10 small grants to alumni of the OneBeat international music exchange as part of its Global Music Diplomacy Initiative. This initiative aims to use music as a tool to promote peace and democracy.

The United States condemns the persistent efforts of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik to erode the regional peace frameworks that have brought stability and security to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Today, two individuals and seven entities that provide major sources of revenue for Dodik’s patronage network and enable his corruption have been designated.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Republic of Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. The Secretary and Foreign Minister reaffirmed the importance of the strong U.S.-Republic of Cyprus bilateral relationship and announced an upcoming bilateral Strategic Dialogue.

The following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Austria on the occasion of the U.S.–Austria Strategic Dialogue.

More Americans can travel abroad today than at any time in history. In 1990, only five percent of Americans had a passport. Today, that number has risen to 48 percent. In Fiscal Year 2023, the Department of State issued over 24 million passport books and cards, marking a record high.

Deputy Secretary Campbell met with Indian Foreign Secretary Kwatra and Deputy National Security Advisor Misri in New Delhi, India, to discuss their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-India partnership. The meeting took place on June 18, 2024.