News and reports from the State Department.

The United States and Iceland engaged in the annual U.S.-Iceland Strategic Dialogue in Reykjavik and Keflavik on May 2-3. The dialogue was led by various officials from both countries, including Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Douglas Jones and Icelandic Permanent Secretary of State Martin Eyjólfsson, among others.During the dialogue, it was noted that both countries have seen significant progress in their security cooperation since the previous meeting in Washington, D.C. The discussions ranged from expanding defense cooperation to...

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma is scheduled to embark on a trip to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Philippines from May 6 to May 10, as announced on May 3, 2024.During his visit to China, Deputy Secretary Verma will express gratitude and ensure the readiness of U.S. Embassy personnel in Beijing and U.S. Consulates General in Shenyang, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Verma's aim is to guarantee that the teams have the necessary equipment and facilities to effectively serve U.S. interests. Additionally, he plans to engage with...

The Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, has strongly condemned the recent attack on the Mugunga camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Miller expressed deep concern over the violence that resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals and left 33 others injured, including women and children.In a press statement, Miller highlighted the impact of the RDF and M23 expansion in eastern DRC, leading to the displacement of over 2.5 million people. He called on all parties involved to uphold human rights and abide...

On May 2, 2024, the United States and Sweden convened for their inaugural bilateral Cyber and Digital Dialogue in Washington, DC. In a joint statement released by the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden, both nations reiterated their commitment to collaboration on cyberspace and digital policy issues.During the dialogue, officials from both countries exchanged views on various critical topics. They emphasized the importance of promoting an open, free, global, secure, and reliable Internet while protecting human rights...

The United States has strongly condemned the malicious cyber activities carried out by Russia's General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) against several European countries. In a statement, the U.S. expressed its condemnation of the cyber attacks targeting Germany, Czechia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden, attributing the actions to APT28, also known as Fancy Bear, Strontium, and Forest Blizzard.Describing APT28 as a well-known threat actor with a history of engaging in nefarious behavior, the United States highlighted previous indictments and sanctions...

"The U.S. Department of State has revealed that it has granted the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to about 2,100 American undergraduate students from various regions in the recent spring 2024 cycle. These students, who hail from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are all recipients of the Pell Grant, a federal grant intended for U.S. undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.According to the announcement, 70 percent of the Gilman recipients self-identify as racial or ethnic minorities, with 60...

The United States has expressed encouragement towards the progress achieved during the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution held in Ottawa, Canada. Engaging with stakeholders from various sectors, including non-governmental organizations and the business community, the U.S. worked collaboratively with over 170 countries to develop an international legally binding agreement aimed at addressing plastic pollution.During the session, countries made significant progress in negotiations on various aspects contained in the draft...

Secretary Blinken is set to embark on a visit to Arizona, with scheduled engagements in Tucson and Sedona on May 3, 2024.During his time in Tucson, Secretary Blinken will tour the Tucson Passport Center to observe operations and meet with staff from the Western Passport Center. Additionally, he will visit an emergency call center where he plans to engage with Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and other key officials from the health and law enforcement sectors to discuss the impacts and challenges posed by substances like fentanyl and other synthetic drugs in the local community....

Today the Department of State, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Security Agency have issued a Cybersecurity Advisory alerting the public to a new strategy employed by the DPRK cyber group Kimsuky in their social engineering operations. According to an unnamed spokesperson for the agencies, the DPRK is utilizing improperly configured DNS DMARC record policies to enhance their spearphishing attempts.The Cybersecurity Advisory highlights that Kimsuky, a cyber group within the DPRK's military intelligence organization, the Reconnaissance General Bureau,...

In response to Russia's ongoing full-scale war and use of chemical weapons against Ukraine, the United States and its Allies have announced new measures to increase pressure on the Kremlin. The United States Departments of State and the Treasury have taken significant actions to impose sanctions on individuals and entities enabling Russia's illegal war.The Department of State has targeted over 80 entities and individuals involved in various sectors crucial for Russia's military operations in Ukraine. According to the Department, these sanctions are aimed at disrupting...

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is set to take center stage at the McCain Institute’s 2024 Sedona Forum, where he will engage in a keynote conversation with U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (Utah) on May 3, 2024. The event, scheduled for 7:50 p.m. MST / 10:50 p.m. EDT, will be a platform to discuss global challenges and opportunities in light of Blinken's recent diplomatic travels to China and the Middle East.The forum, open to the press, will also be livestreamed on the Department homepage and YouTube channel, allowing a wider audience to tune in to the insightful dialogue...

The United States congratulates Jeremiah Manele on his election as the prime minister of Solomon Islands, as confirmed by the vote results certified on May 2. In a statement, the U.S. expressed its support for Manele's new role, stating, "We look forward to working with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to further strengthen the U.S.-Solomon Islands relationship and move our nations toward a better future."The U.S. also extended its congratulations to the people of Solomon Islands for their active participation in the electoral process. The U.S. praised the efforts of...

The United States has taken significant steps in designating individuals and entities involved in sanctions evasion linked to U.S.-designated Hizballah financial advisor Hassan Moukalled. This move comes as part of the ongoing efforts to combat terrorist financing and hold accountable those who support such activities.In a statement, it was highlighted that the actions taken aim to prevent Hassan Moukalled from providing financial support to the terrorist group Hizballah and its leadership. The U.S. authorities emphasized their unwavering commitment to disrupting...

Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security, including from Iranian threats and attacks."According to the same source, Secretary Blinken and Chairman Lapid discussed efforts to secure the safe return of hostages and to increase life-saving humanitarian assistance to Gaza.In the call, Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to advance regional peace and security.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken recently engaged in a conversation with Andrea Mitchell of NBC, addressing various aspects of the Israeli-Hamas conflict and aid delivery in the region. When discussing the possibility of a hostage deal and ceasefire, Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of focusing on the hostages and the willingness of the Israeli Government to make compromises for a deal. He stated, "We’re focused on the hostages, and I believe the Israeli Government is as well. And that’s, I think, evident from the fact that the proposal, the most recent proposal they...