News and reports from the State Department.

On May 28, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement on behalf of the United States, extending well wishes to the people of Azerbaijan on their Independence Day.

The United States has designated three nationals from the People's Republic of China for activities associated with a malicious botnet known as 911 S5. Additionally, three entities located in Thailand have been identified for being owned or controlled by one of these individuals.

Under Secretary Fernandez will travel to Michigan from May 28 to 30 to participate in the Mackinac Policy Conference. This event is a significant Midwest policy and economic gathering of government and industry leaders aimed at discussing current policy challenges and opportunities in the critical minerals, batteries, and electric vehicle sectors, along with their associated supply chains. Additionally, he will meet with industry and labor representatives in Detroit.

Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) Julieta Valls Noyes will travel to Bogotá, Colombia from May 27-30. She will accompany Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma and other delegation members in the 11th round of the U.S.-Colombia High-Level Dialogue. The dialogue aims to underscore areas of shared interest including migration management, counternarcotics and security, human rights and equity, education, economic opportunities, energy transition, and climate action.

On May 23, U.S. Department of State China Coordinator and Deputy Assistant Secretary for China and Taiwan Mark B. Lambert held a virtual meeting with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Director-General for Boundary and Ocean Affairs Hong Liang. The dialogue centered on the current situation in the South China Sea and East China Sea, alongside other maritime issues.

U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power announced nearly $593 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance for Syria at the Brussels VIII Conference on "Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region." This announcement increases the total U.S. government humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region to nearly $2 billion since FY 2023 began, and more than $17.8 billion since the start of the 13-year crisis.

On behalf of the Government of the United States, I extend warm congratulations to the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on your 58th anniversary of independence.

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will host Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Okano Masataka and Republic of Korea (ROK) First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong Kyun for a trilateral dialogue in Little Washington, Virginia, on May 31. This dialogue, a key deliverable from the 2023 Camp David Summit, aims to reaffirm the importance of trilateral cooperation in advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Today, the United States and Brazil mark 200 years of diplomatic relations. On May 26, 1824, U.S. President James Monroe received Brazilian Chargé d’Affaires José Silvestre Rebello in Washington, D.C. With this welcome, the United States recognized Brazil’s independence and established a partnership that has now lasted two centuries.

On behalf of the United States of America, I wish the people of Georgia a happy Independence Day. Throughout the 32 years of our bilateral relationship, the United States has shown unwavering commitment to Georgia’s democratic, prosperous future and has been among the strongest supporters of Georgia’s sovereignty and integrity. We have been proud to support efforts to strengthen Georgia’s economy, democracy, and ability to deter Russian aggression, and we reaffirm our commitment to the Georgian people and to Georgia’s future.

On May 25, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a press statement extending congratulations to the people of Jordan on the occasion of their National Day. This year marks the 78th anniversary of Jordan's independence and the 25th anniversary of King Abdullah’s accession to the throne.

The United States and ASEAN convened for the 36th annual ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue on May 24 in Washington, D.C., to discuss expanded cooperation under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink co-chaired the dialogue with Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General of ASEAN Cooperation Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader today to congratulate him on his re-election to the presidency. The Secretary reaffirmed the enduring partnership with the Dominican Republic and a shared commitment to advancing democratic governance, regional security, anti-corruption efforts, and inclusive growth and prosperity. The Secretary and President Abinader also discussed support for human rights protections and the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission to Haiti.

The United States has expressed deep concern over the recent joint military drills conducted by the People’s Liberation Army in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan. A statement emphasized that U.S. authorities are closely monitoring these activities and coordinating with allies and partners regarding shared concerns.

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will travel to Brussels, Belgium, from May 28-29 for meetings with counterparts at NATO, the European Union, and the Government of Belgium. His visit aims to underscore the strength and unity of the transatlantic partnership and its critical role in global security and prosperity.