News and reports from the State Department.

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Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez is set to travel to Miami, Florida, on May 2, 2024. His visit is in conjunction with the annual Chiefs of Mission Conference hosted by the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).During the conference, "Under Secretary Fernandez will address senior level diplomats from the Western Hemisphere and senior leadership from the National Security Council, Departments of State and Defense, and relevant U.S. government agencies" to discuss economic security challenges and opportunities throughout...
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Under Secretary Jenkins Travels to New York

Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins is set to travel to Syracuse, New York from April 29 to May 1, 2024.During her visit, Under Secretary Jenkins will engage with students at Syracuse University, discussing current U.S. foreign policy priorities on NATO and nonproliferation and disarmament.The trip aims to facilitate dialogue and exchange of views on critical international security issues.For further updates on Under Secretary Jenkins' activities, you can follow @UnderSecT on X.
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Negotiations on U.S.-Ukraine Bilateral Security Agreement Continue

Negotiations between the United States and Ukraine regarding a bilateral security agreement are ongoing, following the passage of the President's supplemental funding request. Representatives from key U.S. government agencies, including the Department of State, Department of Defense, and National Security Council, engaged in discussions with Ukrainian counterparts to advance critical security arrangements.The talks aim to solidify long-term bilateral security commitments and uphold other obligations outlined in the G7 Joint Declaration of Support to Ukraine, which was...
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Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UN Official Discuss Humanitarian Assistance for Gaza

Secretary Antony J. Blinken met with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, to discuss the ongoing efforts in pursuit of Security Council Resolution 2720. During the meeting, Kaag welcomed Blinken and his team, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to update them on the work being done to upscale humanitarian assistance in Gaza."I’d like to obviously welcome you, Secretary of State Antony Blinken. And my team, we’re delighted to have precious moments of your time to update you and brief you very much on all the work that’s ongoing...
State

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Addresses Humanitarian Assistance in Gaza

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently addressed the ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need in Gaza amidst the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Blinken emphasized the importance of ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable populations in Gaza, stating, "We’ve put a focus on trying to make sure that those so desperately in need in Gaza get the humanitarian assistance they require."During his visit to Jordan, Blinken met with Gazan women who shared their stories of suffering, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He also...
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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Jordanian King Abdullah II

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a crucial meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan in Amman today, as confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. The meeting revolved around various significant topics concerning the region.The discussions focused on efforts to establish a ceasefire to secure the release of hostages, with a specific emphasis on urging Hamas to accept the current proposal on the table. Additionally, Secretary Blinken and King Abdullah explored diplomatic endeavors aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region, which includes a pathway...
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Publication of U.S. Government-Funded Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Handbook for Policymakers

The Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources and the Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program have announced the launch of the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage: Handbook for Policymakers. According to Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Assistant Secretary of the Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources, the handbook is designed to empower key stakeholders to deploy carbon capture, utilization, and storage capabilities effectively.The handbook aims to support global climate ambitions by promoting the responsible deployment of carbon capture,...
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2024 U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission Concludes in Abuja

The sixth round of the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) concluded in Abuja on April 29-30, 2024, with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar co-chairing the event.According to the U.S. Department of State, the BNC, established in 2010, serves as a crucial platform for official engagement between the two governments to expand cooperation and advance shared goals and democratic values. This year's commission was highlighted by discussions that built upon the strong foundation set during previous meetings between...
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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Safadi

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently held a meeting with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi. In a readout of the meeting, Spokesperson Matthew Miller conveyed that Secretary Blinken expressed gratitude towards Jordan for its efforts in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Miller stated, "Secretary Blinken thanked Jordan for its strong coordination in facilitating the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, including through airdrops and overland deliveries."...
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United States Congratulates Republic of the Marshall Islands on 45th Constitution Day

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, the citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands have been congratulated as they celebrate their 45th Constitution Day on May 1. This message was conveyed as part of the strong bond between the two nations.The United States values the unique friendship and cooperation with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, considering it as the cornerstone of a shared vision for a free, open, resilient, and flourishing Pacific Islands region. The commitment to this partnership is evident in the anticipation of further...
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Secretary Blinken Expresses Support for UN Coordinator’s Efforts in Gaza

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently met with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, in Amman, Jordan. During the meeting, discussions centered on ongoing efforts to provide critical humanitarian assistance in Gaza, with a focus on accelerating and sustaining recent increases in delivery. Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "Secretary Blinken and Coordinator Kaag discussed ongoing efforts and a shared commitment to surge critical humanitarian assistance in Gaza and ensure the recent increase in delivery of assistance is...
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DOS welcomes Switzerland and Sweden to Artemis Accord

Switzerland and Sweden have joined the Artemis Accords program, an initiative established by NASA and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) in 2020. The program seeks to foster international cooperation in space exploration and promote peaceful relations among nations.
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US to commit $65 million to help the prosperity of Armenia democracy

The United States has reiterated its commitment to assist Armenia in bolstering its democracy and achieving economic prosperity through regional integration. In a meeting with Armenian and European Union (EU) leaders, U.S. Department of State (DOS) Secretary Antony Blinken announced that the U.S. would allocate $65 million towards this initiative.
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Blinken: 'We continue to fight for a world in which trans people can live safely and openly as themselves'

Despite facing criticism for recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday, President Joe Biden was not alone in his acknowledgement. U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken also chose to honor the day, describing it as "a celebration of the courage and resilience" of transgender individuals worldwide.
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Most Hispanics born in the U.S. get their news in English and prefer it in English, Pew research shows

New research conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that the vast majority of US-born Hispanics predominantly consume news in English and prefer it that way. In contrast, a significant percentage of Hispanic immigrants, those born outside the United States, primarily consume and prefer their news in Spanish.
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Blinken: ‘Russia’s election occurred under intense repression and the imprisonment, death, or exile of virtually all political opposition’

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the Russian election produced inaccurate results. According to Blinken, the reelection of Vladimir Putin took place 'under intense repression,' stripping the Russian citizens of the means to participate.
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Blinken: 'Urge Congress to advance our national security interests by helping Ukraine defend itself'

Ukraine is set to receive a $300 million package of weapons from the United States, aimed at bolstering its defense against Russia. This announcement was made by U.S. Department of State (DOS) Secretary Antony J. Blinken.
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Blinken: 'Sweden officially joined NATO'

Sweden has recently become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a development that U.S. Department of State (DOS) Secretary Antony Blinken took to social media to celebrate. This news followed closely on the heels of his meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
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Blinken: ‘This year’s International Women of Courage are simply extraordinary’

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently attended the 18th Annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony, where he delivered a speech. He expressed his privilege to be in the company of such distinguished women of high character.
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Blinken speaks at summit highlighting struggles of Afghan women under Taliban regime

U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently presided over the Alliance for Afghan Women’s Economic Resilience Summit, discussing new partnerships to promote entrepreneurship, employment, and education for Afghan women. His speech primarily centered on the resilience demonstrated by the country's women and girls.
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