State News
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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Guatemalan President Arévalo

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Title: US Offers $10 Million Reward for Capture of LockBit Ransomware Group Leader
The Department of State is offering up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Russian national Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, a leader of the LockBit ransomware group. This announcement follows a federal grand jury indictment in New Jersey charging Khoroshev with crimes related to the LockBit ransomware variant.

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Guatemalan President and US Secretary of State Discuss Bilateral Collaboration and Shared Goals
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo Before Their Meeting

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Celebrating Finance Agreements for Angola Projects in Lobito Corridor Development
The Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) celebrated the signing of finance agreements for Republic of Angola projects, marking a significant step in advancing economic investment priorities. The agreements, totaling over $1.3 billion, will support clean power, radio connectivity, and transportation infrastructure in the Lobito Corridor.

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Secretary Blinken’s Call with President-elect Mulino of Panama
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Panamanian President-elect José Raúl Mulino by phone today. Secretary Blinken and the President-elect discussed the importance of working together to safely and humanely manage migration. Secretary Blinken underscored strong U.S. support for Panama’s efforts to tackle corruption and organized crime and expressed the U.S. commitment to ensuring the continued success of the Panama Canal, including support for efforts to enhance the Canal’s resilience to climate change. The Secretary and the President-elect affirmed that bilateral...

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Secretary Blinken Condemns Attacks on Humanitarian Aid Convoys to Gaza
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi. Secretary Blinken expressed his continued appreciation for Jordan’s leading role in facilitating the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. The Secretary strongly condemned the recent violent attacks on humanitarian aid convoys from Jordan to Gaza by extremists seeking to prevent aid from reaching Palestinian civilians in need. He reiterated that the United States expects the government of Israel...

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Suggested Headline
The U.S. Department of State Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues Abby Finkenauer will travel to Bolivia and Mexico from May 8-14, 2024, to communicate the work of the State Department and emphasize the United States’ commitment to fostering youth leadership and cooperation in the Americas.

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United States Announces $578 Million Humanitarian Aid for Western Hemisphere
On May 7, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken announced "$578 million in humanitarian, development, and economic assistance to support partner countries and help communities to respond to urgent humanitarian needs, expand lawful pathways, and support the regularization and integration of migrants during the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection Ministerial in Guatemala City.

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Under Secretary Jenkins Travels to Boston
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins will travel to Boston, Massachusetts, on May 6 – 8, 2024.

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Assistant Secretary Robinson Travels to Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago
Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Todd D. Robinson is embarking on a significant journey to Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago from May 6-10, 2024.During his visit to Saint Lucia, Assistant Secretary Robinson will focus on U.S. initiatives to assist Caribbean nations in combating firearms trafficking. He will also announce additional support from INL to enhance the capabilities of frontline customs officers in intercepting small arms and light weapons at key Caribbean ports of entry. Moreover,...

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Congratulations to Panama’s President-Elect Mulino
José Raúl Mulino has emerged victorious as the President-elect of the Republic of Panama, earning congratulations from various quarters. The United States, in particular, expressed optimism about the future relationship with the incoming leader. In a statement, the United States highlighted the importance of the partnership between the two nations, emphasizing their shared objectives of democratic governance and inclusive economic prosperity. The United States also commended the people of Panama for their active participation in the electoral process, lauding their...

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U.S. Imposes Visa Restrictions on Colombian Maritime Executives Facilitating Irregular Migration
Step 2:The United States has taken decisive action against executives of Colombian maritime transportation companies involved in facilitating irregular migration. In a press statement released on May 6, 2024, it was stated that these companies are preying on vulnerable irregular migrants by providing services primarily designed to aid in irregular migration to the United States.According to the statement, the U.S. government has imposed visa restrictions on these executives to promote accountability and deter profiting from vulnerable migrants. The actions are part of a...

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World Food Prize Laureate Announcement Ceremony to Take Place on May 9
The World Food Prize Laureate for 2024 will be unveiled at the upcoming World Food Prize Announcement Ceremony on May 9, as announced by the Office of the Spokesperson on May 6, 2024. The event, which will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the Department of State Benjamin Franklin Room, will see Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken delivering remarks alongside Ambassador Terry Branstad, the President of the World Food Prize Foundation, who will announce this year's Laureates.In a statement, the Office of the Spokesperson highlighted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of...

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Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Elizabeth M. Allen Participates in 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Elizabeth M. Allen recently traveled to Los Angeles, California, to participate in the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference. The event featured a panel titled "The Future of Diplomacy and Statecraft," which explored how emerging technologies and global shifts are reshaping diplomacy and international collaboration. The session was moderated by Ambassador Stuart Holliday, CEO of the Meridian International Center.During her visit to Los Angeles, Under Secretary Allen also met with leadership from Film Independent and USC’s...

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Joint Statement on the 2024 U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission
The Governments of the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Nigeria recently issued a joint statement following the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission held in Abuja on April 29-30, 2024.The two nations reiterated their commitment to cooperation in various fields, as expressed by Foreign Minister Yusuf M. Tuggar, who led the Nigerian interministerial delegation. The U.S. delegation, including Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, engaged in strategic discussions covering bilateral...

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United States Hosts PRC Special Envoy for Climate Change
On May 8-9, the United States will host People’s Republic of China (PRC) Special Envoy for Climate Change Liu Zhenmin in Washington, DC, for a meeting of the bilateral Working Group on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, aimed at accelerating concrete climate actions this decade.The meeting will focus on areas identified in the Sunnylands Statement, including energy transition, methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases, circular economy and resource efficiency, low-carbon and sustainable provinces/states and cities, and deforestation, among others.The Working Group...

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Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Minkara Travel to Peru and Chile
U.S. Department of State Special Advisor on International Disability Rights (SAIDR) Sara Minkara is embarking on a mission to Chile and Peru, aiming to enhance the integration and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in international economic policy. In her upcoming itinerary, Minkara is set to engage in various impactful activities in both countries.In Chile, Minkara will take part in a Disability and Inclusion panel at the National Congress of Chile on May 6. Following this, on May 7, she will deliver remarks during the closing ceremony of the Zero Project Latin...

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United States and Republic of Korea Discuss Energy Security and Climate Goals
The 10th Annual United States – Republic of Korea (ROK) Energy Security Dialogue took place at the Baker Institute at Rice University in Houston, Texas from April 29 to May 1, 2024. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two nations in various energy-related areas.During the dialogue, it was noted that Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine's energy systems have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region. The United States welcomed the Republic of Korea as a new member of the G7+ Energy Coordination Group, emphasizing the importance of reducing...

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Commemorating the Days of Holocaust Remembrance
On May 5, 2024, during this week of National Holocaust Remembrance, the world solemnly reflects on the atrocities committed during one of the darkest chapters in human history. In a statement, it was expressed, "During this week of National Holocaust Remembrance, we remember the six million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, as well as the millions of others, including Roma, LGBTQI+ persons, Slavs, and persons with disabilities who were persecuted and killed."The resilience and bravery of Holocaust survivors and their families have been...

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Secretary Blinken's Engagement in Technology and Migration Matters During Trips to San Francisco and Guatemala
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is set to embark on a significant journey spanning across San Francisco, California, and Guatemala in the coming days. On May 6, Secretary Blinken will attend the RSA Conference in San Francisco, where he will interact with technology industry stakeholders. Additionally, he will engage with emerging technology experts in areas such as biotechnology and quantum information science and technology. During his time at the conference, Blinken will elaborate on the United States' efforts to promote a more inclusive, secure, and...

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