News and reports from the State Department.

On June 14, 2024, the European Commission hosted the United States in Brussels for a bilateral dialogue on the impacts of the climate crisis and environmental degradation on global peace, security, and defense. Representatives from U.S. and European Union diplomatic, defense, and development agencies convened to discuss their respective whole-of-government approaches to addressing the security implications of climate change through national security and foreign policy strategies.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. They discussed the urgent need for collective international action to end the war in Sudan and prevent famine and further atrocities in what is described as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will deliver remarks to launch the U.S. Department of State-YouTube Global Music Partnership, as part of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, at 4:30 p.m. ET on Monday, June 24, at the Department of State. His remarks will outline the global scope of the Department’s partnership with YouTube to further the United States’ elevated commitment to use music to promote peace and democracy, as well as announce a new roster of U.S. Global Music Ambassadors.

On June 13 and 14, 2024, the United States Department of State hosted representatives from 22 countries and the European Union to discuss efforts to deter malicious cyber activity and coordinate international responses. The event was led by Liesyl Franz, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau’s Office of International Cyberspace Security.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Republic of Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos convened at the State Department, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Cyprus relations.

The Department of State has designated Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya (HAAA) and its Secretary General, Haydar Muzhir Ma’lak al-Sa’idi, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. HAAA is an Iraq-based militia group aligned with Iran and is part of the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI)," a coalition that includes several Iran-aligned terrorist organizations such as Kata’ib Hizballah, Harakat al-Nujaba, and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada. These groups have been responsible for multiple attacks on Global Coalition forces in Iraq and Syria.

The United States has expressed its support for the Philippines and condemned what it described as "escalatory and irresponsible actions" by the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the South China Sea. The condemnation follows an incident on June 17, where PRC vessels allegedly obstructed the lawful delivery of humanitarian supplies to Philippine service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre.

Special Representative for International Labor Affairs Fay Rodríguez and USAID Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Hub and Inclusive Development Hub Deputy Assistant Administrator Bama Athreya will travel to the Dominican Republic from June 16-20. The purpose of their visit is to discuss President Biden’s Memorandum on Advancing Workers’ Rights, Empowerment, and High Labor Standards Globally. They will emphasize the importance of equality and inclusion in the workplace with government officials, trade unions, employer representatives, and civil society organizations.

On behalf of the United States, warm wishes are extended for a blessed Eid al-Adha to Muslims celebrating here and across the world. For the millions of Muslims who performed the Hajj pilgrimage, returning pilgrims are wished a Hajj Mabroor.

Last week, the United States Government participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin, Germany. The conference convened over 1,500 representatives from governments, businesses, and civil society to mobilize support for the recovery, reconstruction, reform, and modernization of Ukraine.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma and President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan inaugurated the U.S.-Armenia Local Democracy Forum on June 17 in Yerevan, Armenia. This inaugural event brought together U.S. and Armenian mayors along with regional, state, and provincial leaders for a two-day discussion on local leadership in a democratic context.

Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability Mallory Stewart will travel to Prague, Czechia, from June 17-18. During her visit, Assistant Secretary Stewart will attend the 7th Prague Space Security Conference, organized by the Prague Security Studies Institute (PSSI). She will speak on a panel focused on securing the stability of the space domain.

On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty King Charles III, Her Majesty Queen Camilla, and to the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the occasion of His Majesty’s official birthday.

The United States remains deeply concerned about the racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist (REMVE) threat worldwide and is committed to countering the transnational components of violent white supremacy.

The G7 took an important step today by recognizing the urgent need to create resilient and nutritious food systems that feed growing populations in the face of climate change. Through the Apulia Food Security Initiative, the G7 is endorsing the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) and integrating soil health and crop diversity practices into agricultural policies, programs, and development activities.