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Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will travel to Bogotá, Colombia, and St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, from May 27 to 30. In Bogotá, he will lead the U.S. delegation to the 11th U.S.-Colombia High Level Dialogue and reaffirm the ties of friendship and cooperation that unite the United States and Colombia. While in Bogotá, he will underscore the two countries’ continued commitments to address shared priorities, including environmental protection, counternarcotics and security, migration management, human rights, and economic development.

State
Secretary Blinken discusses Ukraine, China, and Middle East with German foreign minister
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock today. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Baerbock reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s aggression and discussed challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China, including the PRC’s support for Russia’s defense industrial base.

State
Secretary Blinken to visit Moldova and Czechia for diplomatic talks
Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Moldova and Czechia

State
Blinken discusses ceasefire efforts with Israeli Minister Gantz
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Israeli Minister Benny Gantz today, according to Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The discussion centered on ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire, release hostages, and prevent the conflict from expanding across the region.

State
U.S., EU launch coordination mechanism against disinformation in Western Balkans
Following the U.S.-EU Trade & Technology Council Ministerial held in Belgium last month, the U.S. Department of State and the European Union’s External Action Service (EEAS) have launched a joint U.S.-EU Coordination Mechanism on the Western Balkans. This initiative is focused exclusively on foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), which includes disinformation and propaganda.

State
United States acknowledges Vesak Day and Buddhist contributions
This full moon marks the celebration of Vesak, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. "I wish Buddhists across the globe who are celebrating a Happy Buddha Purnima."

State
Nelson Cunningham appointed senior advisor at State Department
Nelson W. Cunningham will be joining the U.S. Department of State as a Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment. In this role, he will focus on several special projects, including encouraging greater private sector participation in overseas critical minerals projects, finding common ground among stakeholders on addressing plastics pollution, and developing a coherent framework for engaging with India on economic, energy, and environmental cooperation.

State
State Department launches Afro-Connections to mark U.S.-Brazil bicentennial
The U.S. Department of State has introduced Afro-Connections, a new exchange program aimed at museum and cultural heritage professionals from Brazil. The initiative seeks to promote ethical and inclusive museum practices that emphasize community engagement and highlight the voices, history, and culture of communities of African descent.

State
U.S. delegation set for UN conference on small island developing states
From May 27-30, UN Member States will gather in Antigua and Barbuda for the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland will lead the U.S. delegation. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Michele J. Sison, and U.S. Representative to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Lisa Carty will serve as alternate heads of delegation.

State
U.S.-Germany joint committee meeting focuses on enhancing science cooperation
On May 22-23, 2024, the United States and Germany convened in Berlin for the biannual Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on science and technology cooperation. The meeting aimed to chart the future course of their partnership, grounded in shared values. State Secretary for the Federal Ministry of Education and Research Sabine Döring opened the discussions. Armin Reinartz, Director General for European and International Cooperation from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, co-chaired the discussion with Rahima Kandahari, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of...

State
Secretary Blinken condemns attack on DRC political leaders, offers investigative support
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi on May 22, 2024. According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Secretary Blinken condemned the attack on political leaders and institutions in Gombe and offered U.S. support for the government’s investigation into the incident.

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United States-Germany commit to joint efforts in quantum information science
The following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany on the occasion of the Joint Committee Meeting on Science and Technology.

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Secretary Blinken presents FY25 State Department budget request before House Committee
Secretary Blinken addressed the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on May 22, 2024, to discuss the FY25 Department of State budget request. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of U.S. global leadership and cooperation with allies in facing contemporary challenges.

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Under Secretary Jenkins visits Austria and Sweden for key nuclear security discussions
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins is traveling to Vienna and Stockholm from May 18-24, 2024.

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Secretary Blinken extends congratulations on Yemen's 34th National Unity Day
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the government and people of Yemen on your 34th National Unity Day.

State
Secretary Blinken addresses House committee on FY25 budget priorities
Secretary Antony J. Blinken presented his opening remarks before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs regarding the FY25 Department of State budget request.

State
Indo-Pacific Business Forum focuses on collaboration and investment
The Governments of the United States and the Philippines co-hosted the sixth Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) on May 21, 2024, in Manila. The IPBF is a significant U.S. government commercial diplomacy event in the region, bringing together CEOs, project developers, government officials, and financing sources for priority infrastructure projects in emerging Indo-Pacific economies. Participants engaged through keynote remarks, plenary panels, breakout sessions, and business matchmaking to discuss trends, opportunities, and solutions for critical projects across various sectors.

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U.S.-UK committee meeting focuses on emerging technology cooperation
On May 20-21, 2024, delegations from the United States and the United Kingdom convened in London for the inaugural Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on science and technology cooperation. This meeting builds upon the Atlantic Declaration’s commitment to bilateral research and development cooperation. The JCM focused on synthetic biology, quantum technology, and artificial intelligence as outlined in the June 2023 Action Plan for a Twenty-First Century U.S.-UK Economic Partnership. It builds upon existing bilateral and multilateral science and technology cooperation spanning...

State
Secretary Blinken testifies on FY25 State Department budget request amid protests
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken delivered opening remarks before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs regarding the FY25 Department of State Budget Request on May 21, 2024.

State
U.S., Nordic-Baltic nations hold EPINE dialogue to discuss regional security
The United States and the eight Nordic and Baltic nations of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden held the Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe (EPINE) Dialogue on May 20-21 in Stockholm, Sweden. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Douglas Jones led the U.S. delegation.

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