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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.
State
Secretary Blinken outlines FY25 State Department budget amid protests
Secretary Antony J. Blinken delivered opening remarks before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations regarding the FY25 Department of State budget request on May 21, 2024. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to testify and emphasized the importance of U.S. global leadership.
State
US hosts Italy for dialogue on Indo-Pacific strategies
The United States hosted Italy for a dialogue on the Indo-Pacific on May 21 in Washington, D.C. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary General Riccardo Guariglia co-chaired the dialogue. The U.S. delegation included senior government officials from the Department of State, the National Security Council, and the Department of Defense.
State
U.S., Philippines, Japan launch steering committee to boost Luzon economic corridor
On the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Manila, U.S. Senior Advisor to the President for Energy and Investment Amos Hochstein, along with Acting Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Helaina Matza, joined fellow co-chairs Philippine Senior Advisor to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go and Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for International Cooperation Bureau Ishizuki Hideo for the inaugural Luzon Corridor Steering Committee meeting. The committee aims to drive...
State
U.S. expresses concern over escalating violence in Burma's Rakhine State
The United States has expressed deep concern over reports of escalating violence and intercommunal tension in Burma's Rakhine State. These reports include incidents of towns being burned and residents, including Rohingya, being displaced. Additionally, there have been troubling accounts of forced conscription of Rohingya and the spread of disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech.
State
US-Brazil high level dialogue: Deputy Secretary Campbell meets Brazilian counterpart
On May 20, 2024, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell met with Brazilian Secretary General of the Ministry of External Relations Maria Laura da Rocha in Washington, D.C. The meeting was part of the semi-annual U.S.-Brazil High Level Dialogue.
State
US-Kazakhstan high-level dialogue focuses on human rights reforms
The United States and the Republic of Kazakhstan convened the third annual United States-Kazakhstan High-Level Dialogue on Human Rights and Democratic Reforms on May 20, 2024, in Astana, Kazakhstan. The U.S. delegation was led by Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya. The Kazakh delegation was led by Assistant to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for External Affairs, Ambassador Erzhan Kazykhan.
State
Kenyan president initiates diplomatic engagement with US through Atlanta visit
The United States has extended a warm welcome to President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto of the Republic of Kenya, who arrived in Atlanta, Georgia today. This visit marks the beginning of Kenya's diplomatic engagement with the United States, which will be followed by a State Visit to Washington, D.C. on May 23.
State
US rejects ICC's warrant applications for Israeli officials and Hamas terrorists
The United States has categorically dismissed the announcement from the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding his application for arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials and Hamas terrorists. The U.S. government firmly opposes the Prosecutor's comparison of Israel to Hamas, a brutal terrorist organization responsible for one of the most severe massacres of Jews since the Holocaust and currently holding numerous innocent people, including Americans, hostage.
State
Special Envoy Turner addresses North Korean human rights during Korea visit
Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues, Julie Turner, is set to travel to the Republic of Korea (ROK) from May 21-25, 2024. The visit will see her participating in the Asian Leadership Conference in Seoul, where she will engage with ROK government officials, civil society representatives, and North Korean escapees.
State
US expresses condolences over death of Iranian President in helicopter crash
The United States has officially expressed its condolences following the tragic helicopter crash in northwest Iran that claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and other members of their delegation. In this period of transition as Iran selects a new president, the U.S. has reiterated its support for the Iranian people and their ongoing struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
State
U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen embarks on peace mission to Middle East
U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, is set to travel to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman this week. The trip is aimed at continuing discussions with partners regarding the peace process in Yemen and bringing an immediate end to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways.
State
Senior official visits Ecuador and Costa Rica to promote sustainable food production
Ambassador Lisa Kubiske, the U.S. Senior Official for Foreign Affairs for the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (Americas Partnership), and Dr. Jonathan McFadden, research economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are set to participate in the inaugural Americas Partnership Food Security Conference. The conference, which will focus on Global Food Security and the Bioeconomy, is scheduled to take place on May 20-21, 2024, in Quito, Ecuador.
State
U.S. designates former Bangladeshi official over significant corruption
The U.S. Department of State has publicly designated former General Aziz Ahmed, previously Chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, due to his involvement in significant corruption. The announcement was made by Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson on May 20, 2024.
State
US congratulates Luis Abinader on his presidential victory in Dominican Republic
The United States has extended its congratulations to Luis Abinader following his electoral victory as President of the Dominican Republic. The Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, commended the Dominican people for their active participation in the democratic process and praised the diligent work of electoral observers in supporting a fair and transparent election.
State
US-Kosovo MOU strengthens fight against information manipulation
Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Liz Allen, held a meeting with Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu in Pristina, Kosovo. The key agenda of their discussion was the strategic priority to advance Kosovo along its path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. They also stressed the importance of close coordination to achieve this goal. Under Secretary Allen emphasized the benefits of regional economic integration and underscored the significance of European and transatlantic values such as minority rights and media freedom.
State
Under Secretary Allen discusses U.S.-Kosovo relations with Prime Minister Kurti
Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Liz Allen, held a meeting with Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti in Pristina, Kosovo. The primary focus of their discussion was the U.S.-Kosovo bilateral relationship. This included a shared commitment to bolstering Kosovo's security, prosperity, and multiethnic democracy.
State
Presidential envoy Carstens to discuss hostage affairs in Qatar
Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Roger Carstens, is set to visit Doha, Qatar from May 20 to 22. The purpose of his visit includes delivering remarks and participating in a panel discussion titled "The Impacts of Hostage-Taking by State and Non-State Actors" at the Global Security Forum.
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