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U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin Inbox x U.S. Department of State <usstatebpa@public.govdelivery.com> 7:16 AM (50 minutes ago) to me Maldivian Independence Day 07/25/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Maldivian Independence Day 07/25/2020 08:00 PM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Maldives as you celebrate the 55th anniversary of your independence. The United States and Maldives enjoy a strong and growing relationship.  We are bound by shared democratic values and our mutual interest in a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region that ensures sovereignty and prosperity for all.  I look forward to continued close cooperation with the Government of Maldives as our countries work to deepen our bilateral ties. May the people of Maldives have a joyous and prosperous year ahead. Maldivian Independence Day 07/25/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Maldivian Independence Day 07/25/2020 08:00 PM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Maldives as you celebrate the 55th anniversary of your independence. The United States and Maldives enjoy a strong and growing relationship.  We are bound by shared democratic values and our mutual interest in a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region that ensures sovereignty and prosperity for all.  I look forward to continued close cooperation with the Government of Maldives as our countries work to deepen our bilateral ties. May the people of Maldives have a joyous and prosperous year ahead. 30th Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act 07/26/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. 30th Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act 07/26/2020 08:08 AM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Thirty years ago today, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law.  The ADA broke down barriers to access and opportunity, enabling millions of Americans with disabilities to utilize their talents and skills and contribute to strengthening this country.  Now Americans with disabilities have the right to access the same schools, hospitals, jobs, transportation, stores, and recreational facilities as their non-disabled families and friends.  Advocates across the globe, inspired by the ADA, worked to enact disability rights laws in their countries.  The United States remains an inspiration to those who push for full inclusion worldwide. As we strive to create a more perfect union, we embrace diversity and inclusion and reap the benefits of our diverse citizenry.  As a democracy committed to the rule of law, we continue to use the ADA to dismantle unjust barriers faced by persons with disabilities. We know from our thirty years of experience with the ADA that responses to issues of access and inclusion must be driven by the innovation and leadership of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations.  Building on the progress achieved over the last thirty years, we recommit to promote the rights of persons with disabilities as we address current challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, which requires disability-inclusive responses locally, nationally, and globally.  From the current crisis emerges an opportunity to work together to create an accessible and inclusive future for all.   30th Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act 07/26/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. 30th Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act 07/26/2020 08:08 AM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Thirty years ago today, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law.  The ADA broke down barriers to access and opportunity, enabling millions of Americans with disabilities to utilize their talents and skills and contribute to strengthening this country.  Now Americans with disabilities have the right to access the same schools, hospitals, jobs, transportation, stores, and recreational facilities as their non-disabled families and friends.  Advocates across the globe, inspired by the ADA, worked to enact disability rights laws in their countries.  The United States remains an inspiration to those who push for full inclusion worldwide. As we strive to create a more perfect union, we embrace diversity and inclusion and reap the benefits of our diverse citizenry.  As a democracy committed to the rule of law, we continue to use the ADA to dismantle unjust barriers faced by persons with disabilities. We know from our thirty years of experience with the ADA that responses to issues of access and inclusion must be driven by the innovation and leadership of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations.  Building on the progress achieved over the last thirty years, we recommit to promote the rights of persons with disabilities as we address current challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, which requires disability-inclusive responses locally, nationally, and globally.  From the current crisis emerges an opportunity to work together to create an accessible and inclusive future for all.   Public Schedule – July 27, 2020 07/27/2020 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – July 27, 2020 07/27/2020 08:15 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***   SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO 5:30 p.m. Secretary Pompeo meets with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, at the Department of State. (POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP) 6:00 p.m. Secretary Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper host Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds for an AUSMIN working dinner, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) DEPUTY SECRETARY STEPHEN E. BIEGUN Deputy Secretary Biegun attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State. UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS DAVID HALE Under Secretary Hale attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State. UNDER SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT KEITH KRACH Under Secretary Krach attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State.   Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Georgian Prime Minister Gakharia 07/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Georgian Prime Minister Gakharia 07/27/2020 02:33 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia. Secretary Pompeo and Prime Minister Gakharia discussed the importance of the U.S. Georgia partnership and our close coordination in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary Pompeo also highlighted the importance of holding free, fair, and transparent parliamentary elections this October, noting that a level playing field is integral to democratic elections. He commended the passage of constitutional amendments establishing a partially proportional electoral system and stressed the importance of rigorous implementation of recently passed electoral reforms. The Secretary urged continued efforts to strengthen the independence of Georgia’s judiciary as an essential step for attracting foreign investment and cautioned against politicization of Georgia’s judicial and electoral processes. Secretary Pompeo reiterated unwavering U.S. support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and agreed with Prime Minister Gakharia that Russia must halt its destabilizing actions and fulfill its commitments under the 2008 ceasefire agreement.   Celebrating the 231st Anniversary of the U.S. Department of State 07/27/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Celebrating the 231st Anniversary of the U.S. Department of State 07/27/2020 03:47 PM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Today, the U.S. Department of State celebrates its 231st anniversary as the nation’s first executive agency. This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the essential role of U.S. diplomacy in advancing the interests, security, and economic prosperity of the American people. I commend the State Department team for their extraordinary work to promote and demonstrate our democratic values and advance the cause of a free, peaceful, and prosperous world. Since our last anniversary celebration a year ago, we’ve continued our pressure on the Iranian regime to end their support of terrorism and other destabilizing activities, promoted peace in Afghanistan where parties are on the verge of inter-Afghan negotiations to end forty years of conflict, and revealed the true nature of the Chinese Communist Party to our allies and partners around the world. We also welcomed North Macedonia as the 30th NATO member and released our plan to implement the U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security because empowering women to lead is the right thing to do, and it will make the world safer. In 2020, in response to unprecedented challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, our team of great Americans and locally employed staff have added to the Department’s storied legacy by repatriating more than 100,000 U.S. citizens on 1,140 flights from 136 countries and territories. In partnership with USAID, the team has worked to provide more than $1.5 billion in U.S. support to bolster the ability of our global partners to fight the virus. In addition, the State Department worked hard for the lifting of foreign country export restrictions so that medicine, equipment, and supplies can flow through private sector supply chains into the United States from overseas. This remarkable contribution deserves the thanks of our nation. I am deeply proud of the Department’s champions of diplomacy who exemplify our Professional Ethos daily as they advance U.S. foreign policy as One Team, with One Mission, and One Future.   Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Costa Rican Foreign Minister Solano 07/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Costa Rican Foreign Minister Solano 07/27/2020 03:52 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Costa Rican Foreign Minister Rodolfo Solano Quiros. Secretary Pompeo commended Foreign Minister Solano on our continued security cooperation and track record of success in counter-narcotics efforts, as well as for Costa Rica’s economic reforms over the last 18 months, which were linked to the rigorous OECD process. The Secretary expressed U.S. support for Costa Rica’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Solano also spoke about the upcoming election for president of the Inter-American Development Bank, as well as the People’s Republic of China’s empty promises to Central America.   Celebrating the 231st Anniversary of the U.S. Department of State 07/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Celebrating the 231st Anniversary of the U.S. Department of State 07/27/2020 03:47 PM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Today, the U.S. Department of State celebrates its 231st anniversary as the nation’s first executive agency. This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the essential role of U.S. diplomacy in advancing the interests, security, and economic prosperity of the American people. I commend the State Department team for their extraordinary work to promote and demonstrate our democratic values and advance the cause of a free, peaceful, and prosperous world. Since our last anniversary celebration a year ago, we’ve continued our pressure on the Iranian regime to end their support of terrorism and other destabilizing activities, promoted peace in Afghanistan where parties are on the verge of inter-Afghan negotiations to end forty years of conflict, and revealed the true nature of the Chinese Communist Party to our allies and partners around the world. We also welcomed North Macedonia as the 30th NATO member and released our plan to implement the U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security because empowering women to lead is the right thing to do, and it will make the world safer. In 2020, in response to unprecedented challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, our team of great Americans and locally employed staff have added to the Department’s storied legacy by repatriating more than 100,000 U.S. citizens on 1,140 flights from 136 countries and territories. In partnership with USAID, the team has worked to provide more than $1.5 billion in U.S. support to bolster the ability of our global partners to fight the virus. In addition, the State Department worked hard for the lifting of foreign country export restrictions so that medicine, equipment, and supplies can flow through private sector supply chains into the United States from overseas. This remarkable contribution deserves the thanks of our nation. I am deeply proud of the Department’s champions of diplomacy who exemplify our Professional Ethos daily as they advance U.S. foreign policy as One Team, with One Mission, and One Future.   Osman Kavala Should be Released 07/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Osman Kavala Should be Released 07/27/2020 03:59 PM EDT Cale Brown, Deputy Spokesperson As of this week, Turkish philanthropist and civil society leader Osman Kavala has spent 1,000 days in detention without being convicted of any crime. The United States underscores the importance of respecting international obligations and commitments. We call upon Turkey to comply with its own commitment to justice and rule of law and to release Osman Kavala from detention, while pursuing a just, transparent, and speedy resolution to his case. Special Representative for Iran and Senior Advisor to the Secretary Brian Hook Traveled to Tunisia, Qatar, and Kuwait to Discuss Extending the UN Arms Embargo on Iran 07/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Special Representative for Iran and Senior Advisor to the Secretary Brian Hook Traveled to Tunisia, Qatar, and Kuwait to Discuss Extending the UN Arms Embargo on Iran 07/27/2020 05:39 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson On July 24-26, Special Representative for Iran and Senior Advisor to the Secretary Brian Hook traveled to Tunisia, Qatar, and Kuwait to discuss extending the UN arms embargo on Iran, which is scheduled to expire on October 18, 2020.   In Tunisia, Special Representative Hook met with Foreign Minister Noureddine Erray.  He discussed the range of threats Iran poses to international peace and security and requested Tunisia’s support as a non-permanent member of the Security Council to extend the arms embargo.  In Qatar and Kuwait, Special Representative Hook discussed the need to extend the arms embargo to preclude a regional arms race and halt Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region.  He also emphasized the benefits of regional cooperation and reiterated the need for members of the Gulf Cooperation Council to take steps to rebuild trust and restore unity.  In Doha, he met with Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani. In Kuwait City, he met with His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmad Nasser al-Mohammad Al Sabah. Special Representative Hook will travel to Estonia and the United Kingdom on July 28-29 for consultations with our European allies.   Public Schedule – July 28, 2020 07/27/2020 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – July 28, 2020 07/27/2020 08:30 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson                                     ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO 8:00 a.m.  Secretary Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper host the 2020 AUSMIN Ministerial, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) 11:45 a.m.  Secretary Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper host Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds for an AUSMIN working lunch, at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) 1:00 p.m.  Secretary Pompeo holds a joint press availability with Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, and Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, at the Department of State. (POOLED PRESS COVERAGE) The joint press availability will be live streamed on www.state.gov.  DEPUTY SECRETARY STEPHEN E. BIEGUN 6:00 p.m. Deputy Secretary Biegun participates in the Embassy of Vietnam’s virtual event celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of U.S.-Vietnam Diplomatic Relations, from the Department of State. (MEDIA DETERMINED BY HOST) ACTING USAID ADMINISTRATOR JOHN BARSA 2:15 p.m. Acting Administrator Barsa participates in a ceremony with Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Secretary Frances Adamson to sign an MOU underscoring the two countries’ shared efforts to advance an open, inclusive, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region, at the U.S. Agency for International Development. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS DAVID HALE Under Secretary Hale attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State. UNDER SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT KEITH KRACH Under Secretary Krach attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State.     Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Payne 07/28/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Payne 07/28/2020 08:08 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown:‎ Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met yesterday with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne in Washington, D.C.  Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Payne discussed the unbreakable U.S.-Australia alliance, emphasizing its importance to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world.  The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed the 30th Australia – United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN), which they will participate in today along with their Defense counterparts.   Public Designation of Former Officials of the Illegitimate Maduro Regime Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption 07/28/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Designation of Former Officials of the Illegitimate Maduro Regime Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption 07/28/2020 11:13 AM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Today, I am announcing the designation of former Venezuelan Minister of Electric Power and President of Corpoelec, Luis Alfredo Motta Dominguez, and former Venezuelan Deputy Minister of Finance, Investment, and Strategic Alliances for the Ministry of Electric Power and Director of Procurement of Corpoelec, Eustiquio Jose Lugo Gomez.  They have been designated for accepting monetary benefits, including bribes and kickbacks, in exchange for awarding lucrative supply equipment contracts for Venezuela’s state-owned electricity company, Corpoelec, and for misappropriating public funds for their own self-enrichment.  In June 2019, the Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the Department of State, sanctioned Lugo and Motta for undermining democracy in Venezuela under EO 13692. The designations announced today are made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2020 (Div. G, P.L. 116-94).  Under Section 7031(c), once the Secretary of State designates officials of foreign governments, along with their immediate family members, for their involvement, directly or indirectly, in significant corruption, those individuals are indefinitely ineligible for entry into the United States.  In addition to Lugo and Motta, the Department is publicly designating the following family members of Lugo’s immediate family:  Karina Isabel Carpio Bejarano, Luis Alfredo Motto Carpio, and Nakary Marialy Motto Carpio; and the following members of Motta’s immediate family: Yomaira Isabela Lugo de Lugo, Virginia Del Valle Lugo Lugo, Victor Jesus Lugo Lugo, and Jose Lugo Lugo. This designation reaffirms the U.S. commitment to combating corruption in Venezuela.  The United States continues to stand with Interim President Juan Guaido, the democratically elected National Assembly, and the people of Venezuela in their fight against corruption and for the peaceful restoration of democracy and economic stability.  The Department will continue to use these authorities to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally.  For more information, please contact INL-PAPD@state.gov.   Public Designation of Former Officials of the Illegitimate Maduro Regime Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption 07/28/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Designation of Former Officials of the Illegitimate Maduro Regime Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption 07/28/2020 11:13 AM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Today, I am announcing the designation of former Venezuelan Minister of Electric Power and President of Corpoelec, Luis Alfredo Motta Dominguez, and former Venezuelan Deputy Minister of Finance, Investment, and Strategic Alliances for the Ministry of Electric Power and Director of Procurement of Corpoelec, Eustiquio Jose Lugo Gomez.  They have been designated for accepting monetary benefits, including bribes and kickbacks, in exchange for awarding lucrative supply equipment contracts for Venezuela’s state-owned electricity company, Corpoelec, and for misappropriating public funds for their own self-enrichment.  In June 2019, the Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the Department of State, sanctioned Lugo and Motta for undermining democracy in Venezuela under EO 13692. The designations announced today are made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2020 (Div. G, P.L. 116-94).  Under Section 7031(c), once the Secretary of State designates officials of foreign governments, along with their immediate family members, for their involvement, directly or indirectly, in significant corruption, those individuals are indefinitely ineligible for entry into the United States.  In addition to Lugo and Motta, the Department is publicly designating the following family members of Lugo’s immediate family:  Karina Isabel Carpio Bejarano, Luis Alfredo Motto Carpio, and Nakary Marialy Motto Carpio; and the following members of Motta’s immediate family: Yomaira Isabela Lugo de Lugo, Virginia Del Valle Lugo Lugo, Victor Jesus Lugo Lugo, and Jose Lugo Lugo. This designation reaffirms the U.S. commitment to combating corruption in Venezuela.  The United States continues to stand with Interim President Juan Guaido, the democratically elected National Assembly, and the people of Venezuela in their fight against corruption and for the peaceful restoration of democracy and economic stability.  The Department will continue to use these authorities to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally.  For more information, please contact INL-PAPD@state.gov.   Peru’s Independence Day 07/28/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Peru’s Independence Day 07/28/2020 11:27 AM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States and the American people, I send best wishes to the people of Peru as you celebrate your Independence Day. Our strong partnership is rooted in a long history of shared values of democracy, economic cooperation, and security promotion.  We welcome Peru’s leadership in supporting a peaceful return to democracy in Venezuela and your offering of a safe haven to the Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Peru.  We also thank Peru for its vital cooperation in responding to the shared challenge of COVID-19 and for helping to repatriate thousands of U.S. citizens.  The United States and Peru will continue to work together to further our mutual goals of promoting economic prosperity, combating illicit transnational crime, defending human rights, and advancing security cooperation. The United States wishes the people of Peru a happy Independence Day. Peru’s Independence Day 07/28/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Peru’s Independence Day 07/28/2020 11:27 AM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States and the American people, I send best wishes to the people of Peru as you celebrate your Independence Day. Our strong partnership is rooted in a long history of shared values of democracy, economic cooperation, and security promotion.  We welcome Peru’s leadership in supporting a peaceful return to democracy in Venezuela and your offering of a safe haven to the Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Peru.  We also thank Peru for its vital cooperation in responding to the shared challenge of COVID-19 and for helping to repatriate thousands of U.S. citizens.  The United States and Peru will continue to work together to further our mutual goals of promoting economic prosperity, combating illicit transnational crime, defending human rights, and advancing security cooperation. The United States wishes the people of Peru a happy Independence Day. Joint Statement on Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2020 07/28/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Joint Statement on Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2020 07/28/2020 01:47 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Australia on the occasion of the 30th Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2020. Begin Text: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper hosted Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne and Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds on July 28 in Washington for the 30th Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN 2020). During their discussions, the Secretaries and Ministers built on Prime Minister Morrison’s historic official visit to Washington in September 2019, which demonstrated what President Trump has called the “long, cherished, and unwavering friendship between the United States and Australia.”  More than a century since we first fought side-by-side, 80 years after the United States and Australia established diplomatic relations, and 68 years since the formation of our Alliance, our shared commitment to freedom and democracy remains unbreakable. Indo-Pacific Recovery The Secretaries and Ministers discussed the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resolved to strengthen cooperation to support our collective recovery and foster a post-COVID-19 world where all countries prosper as sovereign States. Secretaries and Ministers noted the need to strengthen global efforts to prevent and mitigate future health crises and pandemics and reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral health security cooperation, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific, in line with the release of the AUSMIN Global Health Security Statement. They noted the World Health Assembly resolution on identifying the zoonotic origin of the virus and evaluating the World Health Organization-coordinated international health response, and reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating timely and broad deployment of affordable, safe, and effective COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics, including to support a response in the Indo-Pacific region. The Secretaries and Ministers reaffirmed that the Indo-Pacific is the focus of the Alliance and that the United States and Australia are working side-by-side, including with ASEAN, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Five Eyes partners, to strengthen our networked structure of alliances and partnerships to maintain a region that is secure, prosperous, inclusive, and rules-based.  They also reaffirmed that women’s security and meaningful economic and political participation in line with the Women, Peace, and Security agenda and women’s economic empowerment is key to achieving these goals. The United States and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to a stable, secure open, and prosperous Pacific, and recognized the immediate and ongoing impact of COVID-19 on economies in the region.  The two sides recognized Australia’s Partnerships for Recovery as setting out a framework for supporting the region’s recovery and welcomed the U.S. government’s commitment of over $118 million in funding to support the COVID-19 response in the Pacific Islands.   The United States and Australia recognized the important role of the Pacific Islands Forum and the Pacific Community (SPC) in helping mitigate the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region.  They committed to supporting the Forum’s Pacific Humanitarian Pathway for COVID-19, including funding for the UN World Food Programme Pacific Humanitarian Air Service to operationalize the Pathway (Australia has contributed AUD$3 million, and the United States has committed to contributing US$5 million).  They underlined their support for the SPC’s regional work on health and economic impacts, which will be important for the region’s economic recovery. The Secretaries and Ministers also committed to working to support the Pacific’s economic stability and recovery, including through advice and budget support for Pacific Island countries and high-quality infrastructure investment, such as under the Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership and the proposed undersea cable for Palau that will connect to the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation-supported trans-Pacific cable.  Working with the United States, the Government of Palau, and other partners including Japan, Australia has already invested in the marine survey and branching unit that will allow the Palau cable to come to fruition. Indo-Pacific Security The Secretaries and Ministers noted that the pandemic has reduced States’ resilience to shocks and created incentives for some actors to pursue strategic gains in ways that undermine the rules-based international order and regional stability. The United States and Australia expressed deep concern about the People’s Republic of China (PRC) government’s efforts to undermine the “One Country, Two Systems” framework and to erode Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms in violation of its obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.  In particular, the principals expressed deep concern at the imposition of sweeping and vague “national security” legislation on Hong Kong that has imperiled the rule of law and undermined the rights to freedom of expression, including for members of the press, and to peaceful assembly.  The Secretaries and Ministers noted that both the United States and Australia are taking steps to suspend their respective extradition treaties with Hong Kong as a result of the PRC’s actions and announced mechanisms to admit Hong Kong residents to our countries.  They also reiterated their support for the people of Hong Kong to be able to elect Legislative Council representatives via a genuinely free and fair election, which is credible and peaceful, on September 6. The United States and Australia expressed deep concern over the PRC’s campaign of repression of Uyghurs and members of other minority groups in Xinjiang, including mass detentions, forced labor, pervasive surveillance, restrictions on freedom of religion, and reports of forced abortions and involuntary birth control. The Secretaries and Ministers re-affirmed Taiwan’s important role in the Indo-Pacific region as well as their intent to maintain strong unofficial ties with Taiwan and to support Taiwan’s membership in international organizations where statehood is not a prerequisite.  Where statehood is a prerequisite for membership, both sides support Taiwan’s meaningful participation as an observer or guest.  The United States and Australia highlighted that recent events only strengthened their resolve to support Taiwan.  They reiterated that any resolution of cross-Strait differences should be peaceful and according to the will of the people on both sides, without resorting to threats or coercion.  They also committed to enhancing donor coordination with Taiwan, with a focus on development assistance to Pacific Island countries.  The Secretaries and Ministers expressed serious concerns over recent coercive and destabilizing actions across the Indo-Pacific.  In line with the 2016 decision of the Arbitral Tribunal, they affirmed that Beijing’s maritime claims are not valid under international law.  Specifically, they affirmed that the PRC cannot assert maritime claims in the South China Sea based on the “nine-dash line,” “historic rights,” or entire South China Sea island groups, which are incompatible with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).  They noted that the 2016 Arbitral Award is final and binding on both parties and emphasized that all claims in the South China Sea must be made and resolved in accordance with international law.  They also expressed their support for the rights of claimants to lawfully exploit offshore resources, including in relation to long-standing oil and gas projects as well as fisheries in the South China Sea, free from harassment and coercion.  They welcomed the recent ASEAN Leaders statement that a South China Sea Code of Conduct should be consistent with UNCLOS, and emphasized that any Code should not prejudice the rights or interests of States under international law or undermine existing regional architecture, and should strengthen the commitment of parties not to engage in actions that complicate or escalate disputes, notably militarization of disputed features. The United States and Australia reaffirmed the significant role of the United Nations and other key international organizations, especially specialized agencies and standards-setting bodies, in delivering outcomes vital to our shared security, interests, values, and prosperity.  They pledged to deepen cooperation to promote consistent and fair processes for elections of qualified, meritorious candidates for leadership positions in these bodies and to pursue meaningful reforms to ensure international organizations are accountable to Member States and free from undue influence. They affirmed that state-sponsored malicious disinformation and interference in democratic processes are significant and evolving threats, with both countries recently joining a cross-regional statement pledging to combat the “infodemic” that has accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic.  They plan to continue to counter these threats vigorously, including through collaboration with international partners, and through a new working group between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of State, which will monitor and respond to disinformation efforts. The United States and Australia share the view that malicious behavior in cyberspace can undermine the national security and economic prosperity of States.  The principals expressed deep concern that the targeting of intellectual property and sensitive business information, including information relating to the development of vaccines and treatments for pandemic response, presents an increasing threat to the global economy, and they committed to holding malicious actors accountable. Both sides reaffirmed that allowing high-risk vendors that are subject to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government to supply 5G network equipment or build telecommunications cables creates unacceptable risks to national security, critical infrastructure, and privacy.  The principals noted the role of 5G network security best practices, such as the Prague Proposals, and expressed their intent to work with like-minded partners to develop end-to-end technical solutions for 5G that use trusted vendors.  Acknowledging that 5G is only the starting point, the two nations also reaffirm their commitment to lifting the security of critical and emerging technologies that will be vital to our nations’ prosperity. The Secretaries and Ministers called on the PRC to be transparent and to negotiate in good faith with the United States and Russia on limitations on nuclear weapons as well as measures to reduce risk and build confidence.  They recalled obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to nuclear disarmament. The Secretaries and Ministers affirmed their support for U.S.-DPRK denuclearization negotiations and their commitment to fully implement sanctions against North Korea to counter the threat to security and regional stability posed by North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The United States and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation on counterterrorism.  Both sides are proud of the achievements under the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (Da’esh) and in the Indo-Pacific region.  They committed to continue to work together with Indo-Pacific partner countries to mitigate any impacts of COVID-19 on exacerbating the regional terrorist threat environment and to support regional counter-terrorism partner countries in addressing these threats, including any potential movement of foreign terrorist fighters within the region. Regional Coordination The United States and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to Trilateral dialogues with Japan and Quad consultations with Japan and India.  The Secretaries and Ministers look forward to further ministerial meetings in these fora.  They reaffirmed their strong support for ASEAN, ASEAN-led regional architecture, and ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and applauded Vietnam, as current ASEAN Chair, for its leadership of ASEAN in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.  They underscored the role of the East Asia Summit as the region’s premier leaders-led forum for addressing political and security challenges.  They welcomed and acknowledged the role of APEC, as the premier economic forum in the region, in strengthening the region’s resilience to future economic shocks and addressing health-related threats, particularly infectious diseases, to trade and investment in the region. Indo-Pacific Prosperity The United States and Australia plan to continue to mobilize private sector investment throughout the Indo-Pacific to deliver high-quality, resilient infrastructure and natural resource projects in partner countries that adhere to international standards and best practices on the rule of law, sovereignty, and free-market principles.  The United States and Australia updated their development cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, committing to build the stability, prosperity, and resilience of the Indo-Pacific.  The United States and Australia also committed to uphold robust standards for development and infrastructure assistance and to avoid burdening recipients with unsustainable debt.  They called on all G20 Members and their official creditor agencies to follow through on their G20 commitments under the Debt Service Suspension Initiative and provide debt relief to eligible countries that request forbearance.  Recognizing the vital role multilateral development banks (MDBs) play in regional economic development, the two sides intend to work with likeminded shareholders to ensure effective and transparent implementation of MDB procurement frameworks and policies that emphasize value for money and quality over lowest-price bids and seek to multiply the development benefits by encouraging domestic capacity development and increased opportunities for SMEs in the borrowing country. The United States and Australia continue to prioritize close and continuing cooperation on supply-chain diversification and resilience, particularly for essential medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, critical technologies, and critical minerals.  They welcomed the announcement that Lynas has signed a Phase 1 contract with the U.S. Department of Defense for an engineering and market feasibility study for the design of a heavy rare earth separation facility in the United States.  Both countries remain committed to working with like-minded partners to support continued access to critical goods and services.  The principals reaffirmed their nations’ openness to an open exchange of views, exploration of new approaches to diversification, and the maintenance of reliable and secure supply chains. In particular, the Secretaries and Ministers welcomed the continued development of a U.S.-Australia Critical Minerals Plan of Action to improve the security of critical minerals in the United States and Australia.  Recognizing the impact of market-distorting practices by near-monopoly suppliers of critical minerals, including attempts to drive out competitors and deter new market entrants, principals plan to progress options to support new investment in the sector to diversify supply chains, and to consider work with like-minded partners to develop international standards on critical minerals. Bilateral Defense Cooperation The United States and Australia are determined to strengthen defense cooperation, including on force posture, and acknowledged that the presence of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific has been vital to preserving the region’s security and prosperity for 75 years.  They signed a classified Statement of Principles on Alliance Defense Cooperation and Force Posture Priorities in the Indo-Pacific.  The Statement establishes a bilateral Force Posture Working Group to develop recommendations that will advance force-posture cooperation in the Indo-Pacific to promote a secure and stable region and deter coercive acts and the use of force. The Secretaries and Ministers discussed practical ways to strengthen our ability to address a range of challenges in a more contested Indo-Pacific, from countering malign gray-zone tactics to deterring aggression in the region.  They recognized Australia’s 2020 Defence Strategic Update and Force Structure Plan further builds Australia’s contribution to the Alliance by investing in a more agile, potent, and self-reliant Australian Defence Force.  Australia’s sharper regional Indo-Pacific focus will allow the Australian Defence Force to make its strongest contribution to shared security interests in the Indo-Pacific, be better able to project military power, and deter destabilizing actions at a longer range. The Secretaries and Ministers emphasized the importance of ensuring that our enhanced defense engagement and capacity building, especially with partners in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, are closely coordinated to avoid duplication and to maximize their impact in protecting sovereignty and building resilience. Following this year’s cooperative naval activity between HMAS Parramatta and the USS America Expeditionary Strike Group in the South China Sea, the principals committed to pursue increased and regularized maritime cooperation in the region, as well as the Indian Ocean, bilaterally and in concert with other likeminded and regional partners.  They were pleased Australia and the United States proceeded with the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin rotation this year, despite COVID-19 challenges.  Discussions also included the potential expansion of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin joint training exercises to include additional partners and allies to bolster regional relationships and capabilities. The two sides recognized that the operational effectiveness of the Alliance relies increasingly on secure supply chains to support our combined capability and readiness. In a significant step toward strengthening the resilience of our supply chains, the United States and Australia intend to establish a U.S. funded commercially operated strategic military fuel reserve in Darwin. The United States and Australia also determined to advance initiatives that diversify and harness our industry cooperation, including further pursuing options that enable greater maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrade of U.S. military platforms and components in Australia to further strengthen our supply chain resilience in the Indo-Pacific. Acknowledging the unique role of technology and our respective industries in the U.S.-Australia defense partnership to maintain our competitive edge, the Secretaries and Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closely collaborate and encourage bilateral defense trade to promote interoperability, and to pursue cooperation in defense innovation.  As an example, they welcomed that over 50 Australian companies were contributing to the global F-35 program.  They welcomed Australia’s inclusion in the U.S. National Technology Industrial Base and committed to work to reduce barriers to industrial base integration, including Australian participation in U.S. supply chains.  In addition, they noted the ongoing collaboration through the AUS-U.S. Defense Trade Working Group is expected to identify and help resolve defense trade issues of mutual concern, including on export controls, thus facilitating cooperation and strengthening our respective industrial bases and collaboration into the future. The Secretaries and Ministers recognized an interest in strengthening the mutual security and prosperity of the United States and Australia through investment in technology, innovation, and research to develop new industries, drive economic growth, and enhance readiness.  The Secretaries and Ministers affirmed the value of bilateral collaboration on issues including hypersonics, integrated air and missile defense, electronic and undersea warfare, space, cyber, critical minerals, and other technologies. The United States and Australia also have a rich history of collaboration on civilian science, technology, and innovation, and welcome the fifth U.S.-Australia Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation in 2020.  Building off the 2019 Joint Statement of Intent between the Australian Space Agency and NASA, the principals expressed their support for expanding space exploration cooperation under the Artemis program and committed to finalizing a bilateral Space Framework Agreement as soon as possible, including to support NASA’s mission to put the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024, as well as broader space collaboration between the nations. Australia looks forward to hosting the next AUSMIN in 2021. End Text   Secretary Pompeo’s Participation in the Australia – U.S. Ministerial Consultations 07/28/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Pompeo’s Participation in the Australia – U.S. Ministerial Consultations 07/28/2020 01:42 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown:‎ Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo hosted Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, and Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds today at the Department of State in Washington, D.C for the 30th Australia – United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN).  The Secretaries and Ministers exchanged views on wide-ranging topics, building on Australian Prime Minister Morrison’s historic official visit to Washington in September 2019.  Even during these unprecedented times, the Secretaries and Ministers reaffirmed our unbreakable shared commitment to freedom and democracy.   AUSMIN 2020 Health Security Statement 07/28/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. AUSMIN 2020 Health Security Statement 07/28/2020 02:00 PM EDT The text of the following statement is released by the Governments of the United States of America and Australia regarding progress towards health security cooperation to be discussed at the 2020 Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) to be held on 28 July. Begin Text: At no other time in recent history has collaboration been more critical to prevent, prepare and respond to the collective threat posed by infectious diseases and pandemics. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the governments of the United States and Australia are taking joint action to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats, including those of zoonotic (animal) origin particularly the Indo-Pacific region. COVID-19 is just one example of the rising trend of diseases caused by viruses that have jumped from animal hosts into the human population The bilateral partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) remains vital to preventing the risks of future infectious diseases outbreaks and pandemics and their devastating health, economic and social costs. Recognising that much pivotal work remains to be done to strengthen and accelerate capacity building for health security in the Indo-Pacific, the United States and Australia remain deeply committed to transparency, accountability and collaboration in this area. This includes commitment to a One Health approach that fosters cooperation between environmental conservation and human health, animal health and plant health. On the occasion of AUSMIN 2020, and in support of the goals of the United States Global Health Security Strategy and Australia’s Health Security Initiative for the Indo-Pacific region, our two governments reaffirm our strong partnership, and welcome strengthened cooperation throughout 2021 and beyond, by way of a joint plan of activities including: Virtually co-convening a second Southeast Asia Health Security Donor Coordination Meeting in 2020; Exploring opportunities to collaboratively build Indo-Pacific partner capacity in biosecurity, biosafety, and bio-surveillance to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks caused by especially dangerous pathogens, through laboratory placements for participants from the Greater Mekong Subregion in Australian research institutions, as well as joint biosafety training; Working together in third party countries to improve hygiene conditions, stop the selling of high risk wildlife in ‘wet markets’, and immediately encourage the enforcement of laws addressing the sale of illegal wildlife in all markets. This includes support to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to develop a targeted risk assessment and mitigation plan for identified wet markets in Indonesia to reduce risks of zoonotic disease spillover events; Exploring collaboration between the Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security (CHS)’s implementing partners and the upcoming USAID Strategies to Prevent (STOP) Spillover program as well as an upcoming USAID private sector engagement program to identify and help partner governments mitigate zoonotic disease spillover risks with pandemic potential in the region, including through support for market solutions in the prevention of zoonosis and antimicrobial resistance along the livestock value chain; Extending collaborative support for a three-year program to strengthen community pandemic preparedness in Indonesia through the Red Cross in Indonesia, which builds on the U.S.-supported Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Program (CP3); Extending the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Stop Transmission of Polio (STOP) program to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Papua New Guinea; Supporting the Global Field Epidemiology Roadmap and exploring ways to strengthen the secretariat role of the Task Force for Global Health, further building on a CHS-supported high-level workshop in Geneva in February 2019 that brought together key players for this task; Strengthening public health emergency operations centers and conducting simulation exercises in selected partner countries including Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar; Working with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to accelerate the development and distribution of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to improve access to new and under-used vaccines for the most vulnerable children and cohorts in the world’s poorest countries; The Australian Defence Force (ADF) and US Indo-Pacific Command co-convening a series of webinars for counterpart agencies on Health Security in the Pacific with a focus on Pacific Island countries, and culminating in an in-person Pacific Regional Health Security Workshop in 2021; The ADF and US Indo-Pacific Command co-convening Military Health Security Summit 2021 in Sydney, Australia, building on the outcomes of the successful Australia Defence Forces-USINDOPACOM co-hosted Military Health Security Summit in June 2019. These activities will continue to expand Indo-Pacific health security engagement and capacity building and build the significant progress achieved under this bilateral multi-sectoral partnership over the last two years. We welcome in particular the focus on the Pacific where, in response to the vulnerabilities of Pacific Island countries, Australia and the United States have successfully collaborated to: Co-procure, along with other partners, nearly 100,000 GeneXpert cartridges and testing machines to enable in-country COVID-19 testing; Coordinate contributions to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) assisting on the ground in countries in their COVID-19 response; Coordinate ventilator and oxygen supply donations to match needs; Provide complementary support for the establishment of air transport and logistics services for the Pacific Humanitarian Pathway, which will assist the Pacific Islands Forum with the delivery of humanitarian and critical medical supplies, including personal protective equipment, within the region, and; Coordinate support efforts through participation in regular US-Affiliated Pacific Islands teleconferences. Australia and the United States have demonstrated their commitment to transparency and accountability in global health security over the past twelve months by: Conducting regular interagency health security dialogues to share information, policy perspectives, and best practice from our respective health security investments, with the engagement of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. CDC, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Commencing staff exchanges, with Australia’s Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security (CHS) hosting a U.S. Government Science Fellow for three months in 2019 from DTRA; Conducting consultations between CHS and U.S. government country teams and other in-country experts to support DFAT’s 2018 Health Security Scoping Missions in the Indo-Pacific; Providing joint leadership within the Steering Group of the multilateral Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA 2024; including through Australia’s Secretariat role and rotating membership of the Steering Group from 1 January 2019 and the U.S. government’s permanent membership), supporting the GHSA 2024 health security capacity improvement target and furthering the objectives of the GHSA Action Packages for Antimicrobial Resistance, Biosecurity and Biosafety, Sustainable Financing for Preparedness, and Workforce Development; Coordinating support for One Health capacity building through multilateral partners to enhance understanding of emerging zoonotic disease and antimicrobial resistance risk, and enable targeted risk-based mitigation along animal value chains and in live animal markets in the Greater Mekong sub-region; Aligning U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Oceania and Australian Defence Force (ADF) Joint Medical Command Strategies, including executing joint health workforce development activities and collaborating on a regional health security forum at the inaugural Global Health Security Conference in Sydney in June 2019; Co-convening the first-ever Southeast Asia Health Security Donor Coordination Meeting in September 2019, involving the Australian government, the U.K. government, multilateral organisations and six U.S. g ... 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