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State
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, Liz Allen, is set to embark on a journey to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia from May 12-20. The aim of this trip is to strengthen partnerships with Western Balkan countries and promote our mutual objectives of regional cooperation and European integration. During her visit, Under Secretary Allen will stress the shared democratic values between the United States and the people of the Western Balkans. She will also emphasize the importance of working collaboratively to safeguard free and open societies...
State
Ambassador Murray travels to Peru for APEC Senior Officials' Meeting
U.S. Senior Official for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ambassador Matt Murray is set to travel to Arequipa, Peru from May 13 to 18 for the Second Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM2) of the APEC Peru 2024 host year. While in Arequipa, Ambassador Murray will participate in a series of working group meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements. He will collaborate with senior government officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss U.S. priorities for APEC and explore alignment with Peru’s...
State
State Department reports record-breaking visa issuance in first half of FY 2024
The State Department has reported significant progress in visa processing during the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2024, which spans from October 2023 to March 2024. This period saw the issuance of nearly 5.2 million nonimmigrant visas worldwide, surpassing any previous year's records for the same timeframe. Furthermore, within this six-month span, 30 percent of U.S. embassies and consulates overseas set all-time records for nonimmigrant visas issued.
State
US congratulates Israel on its 76th National Day: Secretary Blinken
On May 13, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement on behalf of the people and government of the United States of America to congratulate the Israeli people and their government as the State of Israel marked its 76th anniversary.
State
Special envoy Perriello embarks on diplomatic mission across four nations
Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, embarked on a diplomatic mission from Washington on May 11, setting course for Uganda, Kenya, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The purpose of his journey is to engage with crucial regional partners in an effort to resolve the ongoing conflict in Sudan, prevent further mass atrocities, address the urgent humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people, and lay out a roadmap for transitioning to a civilian-led democratic government.
State
Under Secretary Fernandez attends 30th Cobalt Congress in New York
Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Jose W. Fernandez, is in New York today to participate in the 30th Cobalt Congress. He will discuss the United States' foreign policy goal to expand and build secure, sustainable, and resilient critical minerals supply chains through the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and associated initiatives such as the MSP Forum.
State
Inaugural U.S.-Philippines Space Dialogue Held in Washington D.C
The inaugural U.S.-Philippines Space Dialogue, a platform designed to strengthen cooperation and advance bilateral exchanges in civil space matters, was held on May 2, 2024. This initiative represents an expansion of U.S.-Philippines cooperation into outer space, including the use of space-based Earth observation satellite data for a wide variety of socio-economic applications.
State
Special Envoy Jessica Stern's visit to Netherlands and France for LGBTQI+ rights
Jessica Stern, the Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons, is set to travel to The Hague, Netherlands, and Paris, France from May 13-19. On May 14, Stern will attend the 11th annual European IDAHOT+ Forum in The Hague. This forum is organized by the Council of Europe (COE) and brings together European policymakers, activists, and civil society organizations to evaluate collective progress, achievements, and challenges in protecting the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in Europe and globally.
State
Secretary Blinken discusses Gaza conflict on CBS's Face the Nation
Secretary Antony J. Blinken, in an interview with Margaret Brennan of CBS’s Face the Nation, discussed the complexities and challenges of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Brennan questioned Secretary Blinken on President Biden's past statements regarding Israel's military actions and the potential pause in delivery of 3,500 bombs to Israel.
State
Secretary Blinken affirms US commitment to Israel's security in call with Minister Gallant
Spokesperson Matthew Miller reported that Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had a conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. During the call, Blinken reaffirmed the U.S.'s unwavering commitment to Israel's security and their mutual goal of defeating Hamas. The two officials discussed the current situation in Gaza and ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages.
State
Blinken discusses Israeli actions and US policy on NBC's Meet the Press
Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently participated in an interview with Kristen Welker on NBC's Meet the Press. During the discussion, Blinken addressed a recent State Department report on Israel's actions and compliance with international law. The report has been criticized by Amnesty International and Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen for its lack of definitive conclusions.
State
Assistant Secretary Stewart to discuss arms control in Germany, Belgium
Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability, Mallory Stewart, is set to travel to Garmisch, Germany, and Brussels, Belgium from May 13-18.
State
Assistant Secretary O'Brien's diplomatic tour of Georgia and Montenegro
Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, James C. O’Brien, is set to travel to Tbilisi, Georgia, and Podgorica and Kotor, Montenegro from May 14-17. During his visit to Georgia, he plans to meet with representatives from the government, civil society, and the private sector. The purpose of these meetings is to express the United States' enduring commitment to the Georgian people and support for Georgia's aspiration for a peaceful, prosperous, and secure Euro-Atlantic future.
State
US and Spain sign MOU on foreign state information manipulation
On May 10, 2024, Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares convened in Washington D.C. to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on foreign state information manipulation.
State
US-Singapore review progress on Free Trade Agreement's Environment Chapter
On May 10, 2024, the Governments of the United States of America and Singapore released a joint statement regarding their recent meetings. These meetings were held to review the implementation of Chapter 18 (Environment) of the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and to complete the eighth Biennial Review under the Memorandum of Intent between the United States of America and the Republic of Singapore on Cooperation in Environmental Matters (MOI). The MOI was negotiated concurrently with the United States-Singapore FTA Environment Chapter.
State
U.S.-China working group advances climate action discussions
On May 8-9, the United States hosted a meeting of the U.S.-China Working Group on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s in Washington, D.C. The group is co-led by Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy John Podesta and PRC Special Envoy for Climate Change Liu Zhenmin, and includes relevant officials from both countries.
State
Department of State's ZephAir app releases machine learning-powered pollution forecast
In observance of Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10), the Office of Management Strategy & Solutions’ Greening Diplomacy Initiative (GDI) has unveiled a machine learning-powered particulate air pollution forecast, now accessible in the ZephAir web version for all cities that host a U.S. diplomatic mission worldwide. This innovative forecast was developed by NASA using machine learning, satellite data, and data from the Department’s air quality monitors at 75 embassies and consulates.
State
US announces $400 million military aid package for Ukraine
On May 10, 2024, the United States announced a significant new package of military assistance for Ukraine. The $400 million package is aimed at supporting the Ukrainian people as they defend their country against Russia's aggression.
State
Blinken meets Spanish foreign minister: Discusses Ukraine, Gaza ceasefire
Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a meeting with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares on May 10, 2024. The discussion was centered around several key international issues, according to Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
State
U.S. Assistant Secretary Lu's upcoming visit to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, is set to visit India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh from May 10 to 15. The purpose of his trip is to fortify bilateral cooperation with each nation and demonstrate the U.S.'s commitment to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
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