U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin

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On the Occasion of Eid al-Adha
06/16/2024

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On the Occasion of Eid al-Adha
06/16/2024 12:01 AM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States, I extend warm wishes for a blessed Eid al-Adha to Muslims celebrating here and across the world. For the millions of Muslims who performed the Hajj pilgrimage, we also wish the returning pilgrims a Hajj Mabroor.

We know Eid arrives this year at a time when many Muslims are experiencing deep pain. Our thoughts are with those facing repression or the effects of conflict, as well as those experiencing the global surge in hate-fueled violence and other forms of Islamophobia.

For many who celebrate, Eid al-Adha is a commemoration of faith, sacrifice, and hope restored for a better future. Today, we recognize the leadership of Muslim Americans and the contributions of so many Muslim communities across the globe to building a better world, and we recommit to work for a more peaceful future in which all can enjoy freedom and prosperity. Eid Mubarak.

On the Occasion of Eid al-Adha
06/16/2024

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On the Occasion of Eid al-Adha
06/16/2024 12:01 AM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States, I extend warm wishes for a blessed Eid al-Adha to Muslims celebrating here and across the world. For the millions of Muslims who performed the Hajj pilgrimage, we also wish the returning pilgrims a Hajj Mabroor.

We know Eid arrives this year at a time when many Muslims are experiencing deep pain. Our thoughts are with those facing repression or the effects of conflict, as well as those experiencing the global surge in hate-fueled violence and other forms of Islamophobia.

For many who celebrate, Eid al-Adha is a commemoration of faith, sacrifice, and hope restored for a better future. Today, we recognize the leadership of Muslim Americans and the contributions of so many Muslim communities across the globe to building a better world, and we recommit to work for a more peaceful future in which all can enjoy freedom and prosperity. Eid Mubarak.

Special Representative for International Labor Affairs Rodríguez’s Travel to the Dominican Republic
06/16/2024

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Special Representative for International Labor Affairs Rodríguez’s Travel to the Dominican Republic
06/16/2024 12:11 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

Special Representative for International Labor Affairs (SRILA) Fay Rodríguez and USAID Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Hub and Inclusive Development Hub Deputy Assistant Administrator Bama Athreya will travel to the Dominican Republic June 16-20 to discuss President Biden’s Memorandum on Advancing Workers’ Rights, Empowerment, and High Labor Standards Globally  and the importance of equality and inclusion in the workplace with government officials, trade unions, employer representatives, and civil society organizations.  SRILA Fay Rodríguez and DAA Athreya will work with a broad range of stakeholders to further strengthen the rights of all workers in the Dominican Republic, including those among marginalized groups.

For media inquiries, please contact DRL-Press@state.gov.

Special Representative for International Labor Affairs Rodríguez’s Travel to the Dominican Republic
06/16/2024

You are subscribed to Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

Special Representative for International Labor Affairs Rodríguez’s Travel to the Dominican Republic
06/16/2024 12:11 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

Special Representative for International Labor Affairs (SRILA) Fay Rodríguez and USAID Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Hub and Inclusive Development Hub Deputy Assistant Administrator Bama Athreya will travel to the Dominican Republic June 16-20 to discuss President Biden’s Memorandum on Advancing Workers’ Rights, Empowerment, and High Labor Standards Globally  and the importance of equality and inclusion in the workplace with government officials, trade unions, employer representatives, and civil society organizations.  SRILA Fay Rodríguez and DAA Athreya will work with a broad range of stakeholders to further strengthen the rights of all workers in the Dominican Republic, including those among marginalized groups.

For media inquiries, please contact DRL-Press@state.gov.

Actions to Support Ukraine’s Economic Recovery
06/16/2024

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Actions to Support Ukraine’s Economic Recovery
06/16/2024 12:46 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

Last week, the United States Government participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin, Germany. The conference convened over 1,500 representatives from governments, businesses, and civil society to mobilize support for the recovery, reconstruction, reform, and modernization of Ukraine.

Initial conference deliverables include the following:

  • $824 million in energy assistance to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure efforts in the midst of continued Russian attacks.  That includes notifying Congress of our intent to support Ukraine with $500 million in new energy assistance and pivoting $324 million from our previously announced other energy assistance to meet Ukraine’s most urgent needs. This will bring the overall U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s energy system to approximately $1.5 billion since 2022.
  • $50 million first-of-its-kind war-risk reinsurance facility in Ukraine. Intended to fill a critical market gap of war-risk insurance for companies operating in Ukraine in the midst of Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This reinsurance facility, brokered by Aon, will enable the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to reinsure war risk underwritten by ARX, a Ukrainian subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, and support ARX in expanding its war-risk insurance offering in Ukraine.
  • Launch of the Business Advisory Council (BAC) to the Multi-Agency Donor Coordination Platform, whose inception was co-led by the United States and Germany.  The BAC will provide essential private sector insights, expertise, and visibility to catalyze private investment in support of Ukraine’s economic recovery.
  • $28 million loan portfolio guarantee for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine. Through this project, which is co-sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), DFC will provide ProCredit Bank Ukraine with a loan portfolio guarantee to support lending to SMEs across Ukraine, at least 50 percent of which will be lending in the agricultural sector.
  • Over $350 million in political risk insurance (PRI) contracts in Ukraine. DFC has four additional PRI transactions worth over $350 million, recently approved by DFC’s management, in priority sectors for Ukraine’s economic recovery such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and education.
  • DFC signed a “declaration of intent” with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), to support EBRD’s trade financing program in Ukraine.  This initiative aims to explore opportunities to share trade-finance risk on trade instruments guaranteed by approved local issuing banks.
  • DFC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Citi and Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy to cooperate in identifying opportunities to support mortgage financing in Ukraine. Through this MOU, DFC, Citi, and the Ministry of Economy announced the intent to cooperate to identify opportunities to support local -currency residential mortgages.
  • G7+ Joint Statement highlighting progress since URC2023 and new support. The United States contributed to and will endorse the U.S.-led G7+ Joint Statement that will reaffirm continuing support for Ukraine’s energy sector. The Joint Statement will highlight U.S. and partner contributions and acknowledge the Government of Ukraine’s progress on key energy sector reforms, along with next steps on those reforms and on improving the business-enabling environment.
  • The United States, Ukraine, the EU, and UK will work with Ukraine under the Multi-Agency Donor Coordination Platform (MDCP) to develop a pre-project preparation framework with the World Bank and European Investment Bank (EIB), open to other partners, to enable priority recovery and reconstruction projects to get to bankability for external investment.
  • USAID joined three Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development initiatives: the SMEs, Skills, and Gender Alliances.
    • Skills Alliance: Given the magnitude of the skills-gap challenge and the short timeline to upskill a large number of workers, innovation and private-sector participation must be at the center of any proposed solution. Existing USAID workforce development activities related to business competitiveness, youth employment, digital and cyber security, veterans’ inclusion, and other interventions across USAID/Ukraine’s assistance portfolio will contribute to the Alliance’s intended outcomes.
    • Alliance for Gender-Responsive and -Inclusive Recovery: Gender equity and social inclusion are cross-cutting programming priorities for USAID/Ukraine. They are embedded into all ongoing and planned programming, contributing to and in line with the Alliance’s commitments and intended outcomes. Joining the Alliance sends a strong, signal to donors, international organizations, and the business community that a gender-responsive and -inclusive recovery for Ukraine is crucial for its effectiveness and sustainability.
    • SME Resilience Alliance for Ukraine: USAID’s private-sector strategy promotes Ukraine’s rapid economic recovery by assisting SMEs, the backbone of a strong private sector, to bolster economic resilience, foster innovation, and generate high-value employment opportunities. Joining the Alliance showcases USAID’s contributions and commitment to supporting the SME sector as a key driver of economic recovery.
  • USAID joined the Sustainable Municipalities Coalition for Ukraine. USAID/Ukraine is implementing programs that are in alignment with the aims of the Sustainable Municipalities Coalition and its thematic areas. It aligns with USAID’s existing activities under the governance and decentralization program related to strengthening local governance systems with enhanced capacities to deliver essential services, foster economic recovery and revitalization. Joining the Coalition will underline that USAID/Ukraine programs complement the goals of the Sustainable Municipalities Coalition. 
  • USAID and EBRD signed an MoU on collaboration on infrastructure, economic growth, and energy to support Ukraine’s recovery. USAID and EBRD collaborate across a range of area in Ukraine, including EBRD’s work in the field of transport infrastructure, which complement USAID’s investments in rail and border-crossing points.  The MOU asserts both sides’ intent to collaborate at the strategic and programmatic level to extend their impact and increase Ukraine’s economic resilience in the face of Russia’s continued attacks. 
  • USTDA’s nuclear power deployment technical workshops. Ukrainian nuclear power sector delegates will come to the United States to join the first of four U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA)-sponsored Europe and Eurasia Civil Nuclear Energy Deployment workshops that will be held in the United States and Europe to explore pathways to further nuclear power deployment in Ukraine and the region.
  • USTDA technical assistance for small modular reactor (SMR) licensing-gap analysis for the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU). Completed in April 2024, $1.3 million in USTD Ag-funded technical assistance supported the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine in identifying gaps in Ukraine’s existing nuclear regulations as it relates to SMR technologies. USTDA provided a list of recommendations to close regulatory gaps in order to facilitate SMR technology deployment.
  • The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) joined a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) among export credit agencies (ECAs), initiated by the German URC- host ECAs.  The MOC included the ECAs of Denmark, Italy, Japan, Italy, and Poland, among others. The signed MOC affirms that, despite the war against Ukraine, signatory ECAs are determined to find ways to support exporters and investors seeking to deepen their partnerships with Ukrainian companies for Ukraine’s economic, social, infrastructure and environmental reconstruction and development.

Actions to Support Ukraine’s Economic Recovery
06/16/2024

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

Actions to Support Ukraine’s Economic Recovery
06/16/2024 12:46 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

Last week, the United States Government participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin, Germany. The conference convened over 1,500 representatives from governments, businesses, and civil society to mobilize support for the recovery, reconstruction, reform, and modernization of Ukraine.

Initial conference deliverables include the following:

  • $824 million in energy assistance to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure efforts in the midst of continued Russian attacks.  That includes notifying Congress of our intent to support Ukraine with $500 million in new energy assistance and pivoting $324 million from our previously announced other energy assistance to meet Ukraine’s most urgent needs. This will bring the overall U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s energy system to approximately $1.5 billion since 2022.
  • $50 million first-of-its-kind war-risk reinsurance facility in Ukraine. Intended to fill a critical market gap of war-risk insurance for companies operating in Ukraine in the midst of Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This reinsurance facility, brokered by Aon, will enable the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to reinsure war risk underwritten by ARX, a Ukrainian subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, and support ARX in expanding its war-risk insurance offering in Ukraine.
  • Launch of the Business Advisory Council (BAC) to the Multi-Agency Donor Coordination Platform, whose inception was co-led by the United States and Germany.  The BAC will provide essential private sector insights, expertise, and visibility to catalyze private investment in support of Ukraine’s economic recovery.
  • $28 million loan portfolio guarantee for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine. Through this project, which is co-sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), DFC will provide ProCredit Bank Ukraine with a loan portfolio guarantee to support lending to SMEs across Ukraine, at least 50 percent of which will be lending in the agricultural sector.
  • Over $350 million in political risk insurance (PRI) contracts in Ukraine. DFC has four additional PRI transactions worth over $350 million, recently approved by DFC’s management, in priority sectors for Ukraine’s economic recovery such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and education.
  • DFC signed a “declaration of intent” with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), to support EBRD’s trade financing program in Ukraine.  This initiative aims to explore opportunities to share trade-finance risk on trade instruments guaranteed by approved local issuing banks.
  • DFC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Citi and Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy to cooperate in identifying opportunities to support mortgage financing in Ukraine. Through this MOU, DFC, Citi, and the Ministry of Economy announced the intent to cooperate to identify opportunities to support local -currency residential mortgages.
  • G7+ Joint Statement highlighting progress since URC2023 and new support. The United States contributed to and will endorse the U.S.-led G7+ Joint Statement that will reaffirm continuing support for Ukraine’s energy sector. The Joint Statement will highlight U.S. and partner contributions and acknowledge the Government of Ukraine’s progress on key energy sector reforms, along with next steps on those reforms and on improving the business-enabling environment.
  • The United States, Ukraine, the EU, and UK will work with Ukraine under the Multi-Agency Donor Coordination Platform (MDCP) to develop a pre-project preparation framework with the World Bank and European Investment Bank (EIB), open to other partners, to enable priority recovery and reconstruction projects to get to bankability for external investment.
  • USAID joined three Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development initiatives: the SMEs, Skills, and Gender Alliances.
    • Skills Alliance: Given the magnitude of the skills-gap challenge and the short timeline to upskill a large number of workers, innovation and private-sector participation must be at the center of any proposed solution. Existing USAID workforce development activities related to business competitiveness, youth employment, digital and cyber security, veterans’ inclusion, and other interventions across USAID/Ukraine’s assistance portfolio will contribute to the Alliance’s intended outcomes.
    • Alliance for Gender-Responsive and -Inclusive Recovery: Gender equity and social inclusion are cross-cutting programming priorities for USAID/Ukraine. They are embedded into all ongoing and planned programming, contributing to and in line with the Alliance’s commitments and intended outcomes. Joining the Alliance sends a strong, signal to donors, international organizations, and the business community that a gender-responsive and -inclusive recovery for Ukraine is crucial for its effectiveness and sustainability.
    • SME Resilience Alliance for Ukraine: USAID’s private-sector strategy promotes Ukraine’s rapid economic recovery by assisting SMEs, the backbone of a strong private sector, to bolster economic resilience, foster innovation, and generate high-value employment opportunities. Joining the Alliance showcases USAID’s contributions and commitment to supporting the SME sector as a key driver of economic recovery.
  • USAID joined the Sustainable Municipalities Coalition for Ukraine. USAID/Ukraine is implementing programs that are in alignment with the aims of the Sustainable Municipalities Coalition and its thematic areas. It aligns with USAID’s existing activities under the governance and decentralization program related to strengthening local governance systems with enhanced capacities to deliver essential services, foster economic recovery and revitalization. Joining the Coalition will underline that USAID/Ukraine programs complement the goals of the Sustainable Municipalities Coalition. 
  • USAID and EBRD signed an MoU on collaboration on infrastructure, economic growth, and energy to support Ukraine’s recovery. USAID and EBRD collaborate across a range of area in Ukraine, including EBRD’s work in the field of transport infrastructure, which complement USAID’s investments in rail and border-crossing points.  The MOU asserts both sides’ intent to collaborate at the strategic and programmatic level to extend their impact and increase Ukraine’s economic resilience in the face of Russia’s continued attacks. 
  • USTDA’s nuclear power deployment technical workshops. Ukrainian nuclear power sector delegates will come to the United States to join the first of four U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA)-sponsored Europe and Eurasia Civil Nuclear Energy Deployment workshops that will be held in the United States and Europe to explore pathways to further nuclear power deployment in Ukraine and the region.
  • USTDA technical assistance for small modular reactor (SMR) licensing-gap analysis for the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU). Completed in April 2024, $1.3 million in USTD Ag-funded technical assistance supported the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine in identifying gaps in Ukraine’s existing nuclear regulations as it relates to SMR technologies. USTDA provided a list of recommendations to close regulatory gaps in order to facilitate SMR technology deployment.
  • The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) joined a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) among export credit agencies (ECAs), initiated by the German URC- host ECAs.  The MOC included the ECAs of Denmark, Italy, Japan, Italy, and Poland, among others. The signed MOC affirms that, despite the war against Ukraine, signatory ECAs are determined to find ways to support exporters and investors seeking to deepen their partnerships with Ukrainian companies for Ukraine’s economic, social, infrastructure and environmental reconstruction and development.

U.S.-Armenia Local Democracy Forum in Yerevan, Armenia
06/16/2024

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U.S.-Armenia Local Democracy Forum in Yerevan, Armenia
06/16/2024 06:08 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma and President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan opened the U.S.-Armenia Local Democracy Forum on June 17 in Yerevan, Armenia. The Forum, which is the first of its kind, brings together U.S. and Armenian mayors and regional, state, and provincial leaders for a two-day exchange about what it means to be a local leader in a democracy.

Ambassador (ret.) Nina Hachigian, the U.S. Department of State Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, led the U.S. delegation, accompanied by Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Sarah Morgenthau. The delegation included Mayor Elen Asatryan of Glendale, California; Director Samuel Assefa for the Office of Planning and Research of the State of California; Mayor Paige Cognetti of Scranton, Pennsylvania; Mayor Wilmot Collins of Helena, Montana; Mayor Victor Gordo of Pasadena, California; Deputy Secretary Kelsey Olson at the Department of Agriculture of the State of Kansas; and Chief Information Officer Ted Ross of Los Angeles, California.

Armenian participants included Lilya Davtyan, Vanadzor Head of Development Programmes, Foreign Relations, and IT; Davit Gevorgyan, Head of Foreign Affairs Department, Yerevan; Governor Hayk Ghalumyan of the Tavush Province; Mayor Armen Grigoryan of Stepanavan; Arman Khojoyan, Deputy Minister of Economy; Edgar Martirosyan, General Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Syunik Province; and Mayor Vardges Samsonyan of Gyumri as well as several other Armenian local and national officials.

In the opening session of the Forum, local leaders announced their intention to form new city and regional partnerships between the city of Helena, Montana, and Stepanavan community; the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Armavir community; and the state of Michigan and Tavush province.

Following the opening session of the Forum, participants will discuss democracy building at the local level through cooperation with civil society and free media, transparency and accountability, election integrity, constituent engagement and other areas. On the second day of the Forum on June 18, delegates will travel to Gyumri, meet with municipal officials, visit the Gyumri Technology Center, and hold in-depth discussions on topics such as IT development, fostering public-private partnerships, responding to climate change, and promoting tourism.

Participants will also hold meetings in their sister city and state pairs to share ideas for deepening their dialogue and cooperation over the coming months, with the intent to build robust partnerships that enhance mutual understanding, good governance, economic development, and peace and prosperity for the people of Armenia and the United States.

U.S.-Armenia Local Democracy Forum in Yerevan, Armenia
06/16/2024

You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

U.S.-Armenia Local Democracy Forum in Yerevan, Armenia
06/16/2024 06:08 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma and President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan opened the U.S.-Armenia Local Democracy Forum on June 17 in Yerevan, Armenia. The Forum, which is the first of its kind, brings together U.S. and Armenian mayors and regional, state, and provincial leaders for a two-day exchange about what it means to be a local leader in a democracy.

Ambassador (ret.) Nina Hachigian, the U.S. Department of State Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, led the U.S. delegation, accompanied by Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Sarah Morgenthau. The delegation included Mayor Elen Asatryan of Glendale, California; Director Samuel Assefa for the Office of Planning and Research of the State of California; Mayor Paige Cognetti of Scranton, Pennsylvania; Mayor Wilmot Collins of Helena, Montana; Mayor Victor Gordo of Pasadena, California; Deputy Secretary Kelsey Olson at the Department of Agriculture of the State of Kansas; and Chief Information Officer Ted Ross of Los Angeles, California.

Armenian participants included Lilya Davtyan, Vanadzor Head of Development Programmes, Foreign Relations, and IT; Davit Gevorgyan, Head of Foreign Affairs Department, Yerevan; Governor Hayk Ghalumyan of the Tavush Province; Mayor Armen Grigoryan of Stepanavan; Arman Khojoyan, Deputy Minister of Economy; Edgar Martirosyan, General Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Syunik Province; and Mayor Vardges Samsonyan of Gyumri as well as several other Armenian local and national officials.

In the opening session of the Forum, local leaders announced their intention to form new city and regional partnerships between the city of Helena, Montana, and Stepanavan community; the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Armavir community; and the state of Michigan and Tavush province.

Following the opening session of the Forum, participants will discuss democracy building at the local level through cooperation with civil society and free media, transparency and accountability, election integrity, constituent engagement and other areas. On the second day of the Forum on June 18, delegates will travel to Gyumri, meet with municipal officials, visit the Gyumri Technology Center, and hold in-depth discussions on topics such as IT development, fostering public-private partnerships, responding to climate change, and promoting tourism.

Participants will also hold meetings in their sister city and state pairs to share ideas for deepening their dialogue and cooperation over the coming months, with the intent to build robust partnerships that enhance mutual understanding, good governance, economic development, and peace and prosperity for the people of Armenia and the United States.

U.S.-Armenia Local Democracy Forum in Yerevan, Armenia
06/16/2024

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

U.S.-Armenia Local Democracy Forum in Yerevan, Armenia
06/16/2024 06:08 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma and President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan opened the U.S.-Armenia Local Democracy Forum on June 17 in Yerevan, Armenia. The Forum, which is the first of its kind, brings together U.S. and Armenian mayors and regional, state, and provincial leaders for a two-day exchange about what it means to be a local leader in a democracy.

Ambassador (ret.) Nina Hachigian, the U.S. Department of State Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, led the U.S. delegation, accompanied by Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Sarah Morgenthau. The delegation included Mayor Elen Asatryan of Glendale, California; Director Samuel Assefa for the Office of Planning and Research of the State of California; Mayor Paige Cognetti of Scranton, Pennsylvania; Mayor Wilmot Collins of Helena, Montana; Mayor Victor Gordo of Pasadena, California; Deputy Secretary Kelsey Olson at the Department of Agriculture of the State of Kansas; and Chief Information Officer Ted Ross of Los Angeles, California.

Armenian participants included Lilya Davtyan, Vanadzor Head of Development Programmes, Foreign Relations, and IT; Davit Gevorgyan, Head of Foreign Affairs Department, Yerevan; Governor Hayk Ghalumyan of the Tavush Province; Mayor Armen Grigoryan of Stepanavan; Arman Khojoyan, Deputy Minister of Economy; Edgar Martirosyan, General Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Syunik Province; and Mayor Vardges Samsonyan of Gyumri as well as several other Armenian local and national officials.

In the opening session of the Forum, local leaders announced their intention to form new city and regional partnerships between the city of Helena, Montana, and Stepanavan community; the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Armavir community; and the state of Michigan and Tavush province.

Following the opening session of the Forum, participants will discuss democracy building at the local level through cooperation with civil society and free media, transparency and accountability, election integrity, constituent engagement and other areas. On the second day of the Forum on June 18, delegates will travel to Gyumri, meet with municipal officials, visit the Gyumri Technology Center, and hold in-depth discussions on topics such as IT development, fostering public-private partnerships, responding to climate change, and promoting tourism.

Participants will also hold meetings in their sister city and state pairs to share ideas for deepening their dialogue and cooperation over the coming months, with the intent to build robust partnerships that enhance mutual understanding, good governance, economic development, and peace and prosperity for the people of Armenia and the United States.

Assistant Secretary Stewart Travels to Czechia
06/16/2024

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Assistant Secretary Stewart Travels to Czechia
06/16/2024 06:32 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability Mallory Stewart will travel to Prague, Czechia, June 17-18.

During her visit, Assistant Secretary Stewart will attend the 7th Prague Space Security Conference, organized by the Prague Security Studies Institute (PSSI). She will speak on a panel on securing the stability of the space domain.

Assistant Secretary Stewart also will meet with Czech officials on a range of issues, including arms control and multilateral security.

Assistant Secretary Stewart Travels to Czechia
06/16/2024

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

Assistant Secretary Stewart Travels to Czechia
06/16/2024 06:32 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson

Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability Mallory Stewart will travel to Prague, Czechia, June 17-18.

During her visit, Assistant Secretary Stewart will attend the 7th Prague Space Security Conference, organized by the Prague Security Studies Institute (PSSI). She will speak on a panel on securing the stability of the space domain.

Assistant Secretary Stewart also will meet with Czech officials on a range of issues, including arms control and multilateral security.

Iceland National Day
06/17/2024

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Iceland National Day
06/17/2024 12:01 AM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Iceland as you celebrate your National Day.

This extraordinary year marks the 80th anniversary of Iceland’s independence and the 75th anniversary of the NATO Alliance where we united as founding members. The United States is proud to have been the first country to recognize Iceland’s independence. We re-affirm today the strong and steadfast friendship between us, based on commitments to democratic principles, freedom, and our collective security as NATO Allies. Together, we are addressing persistent and newer shared challenges in the region and globally among a wide range of economic, human rights, security, and climate issues. Our bilateral defense bond since 1951, our people-to-people ties, and our cooperation in the Arctic Council are fundamental to ensuring a safe, stable, and prosperous Arctic region. The close coordination between the United States and Iceland continues to be essential to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia’s unprovoked war, and as we pursue justice and accountability for Russia’s brutal actions.

I look forward to advancing a bright future for both of our peoples and I extend the warmest wishes of the United States for peace, health, and prosperity to all in Iceland on this special day.

Iceland National Day
06/17/2024

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Iceland National Day
06/17/2024 12:01 AM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Iceland as you celebrate your National Day.

This extraordinary year marks the 80th anniversary of Iceland’s independence and the 75th anniversary of the NATO Alliance where we united as founding members. The United States is proud to have been the first country to recognize Iceland’s independence. We re-affirm today the strong and steadfast friendship between us, based on commitments to democratic principles, freedom, and our collective security as NATO Allies. Together, we are addressing persistent and newer shared challenges in the region and globally among a wide range of economic, human rights, security, and climate issues. Our bilateral defense bond since 1951, our people-to-people ties, and our cooperation in the Arctic Council are fundamental to ensuring a safe, stable, and prosperous Arctic region. The close coordination between the United States and Iceland continues to be essential to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia’s unprovoked war, and as we pursue justice and accountability for Russia’s brutal actions.

I look forward to advancing a bright future for both of our peoples and I extend the warmest wishes of the United States for peace, health, and prosperity to all in Iceland on this special day.

Iceland National Day
06/17/2024

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Iceland National Day
06/17/2024 12:01 AM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Iceland as you celebrate your National Day.

This extraordinary year marks the 80th anniversary of Iceland’s independence and the 75th anniversary of the NATO Alliance where we united as founding members. The United States is proud to have been the first country to recognize Iceland’s independence. We re-affirm today the strong and steadfast friendship between us, based on commitments to democratic principles, freedom, and our collective security as NATO Allies. Together, we are addressing persistent and newer shared challenges in the region and globally among a wide range of economic, human rights, security, and climate issues. Our bilateral defense bond since 1951, our people-to-people ties, and our cooperation in the Arctic Council are fundamental to ensuring a safe, stable, and prosperous Arctic region. The close coordination between the United States and Iceland continues to be essential to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia’s unprovoked war, and as we pursue justice and accountability for Russia’s brutal actions.

I look forward to advancing a bright future for both of our peoples and I extend the warmest wishes of the United States for peace, health, and prosperity to all in Iceland on this special day.

Targeting Houthi Weapons Procurement Networks
06/17/2024

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Targeting Houthi Weapons Procurement Networks
06/17/2024 10:41 AM EDT

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

Since November 2023, the Houthis have recklessly threatened global freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.  Today, we are sanctioning key actors, including some based in the PRC, who have enabled Houthi forces to generate revenue and acquire a range of materials needed to manufacture the advanced weaponry they use to conduct ongoing terrorist attacks against U.S. and allied interests.  The United States is designating three individuals and six entities that have facilitated weapons procurement for the Houthis.  We are also identifying one vessel owned by one of these entities as blocked property.

The Houthis’ attacks against unarmed commercial vessels continue to inhibit navigation in a vital waterway.  The United States is committed to using the tools at our disposal to hinder the flow of military-grade materials into Yemen that enable the Houthis to conduct these terrorist attacks.

The Department of the Treasury actions today were taken pursuant to counterterrorism authority Executive Order 13224, as amended. For more information on today’s action, see Treasury’s  press release.

On the Sentencing of Women’s Rights Activist Huang Xueqin and Labor Rights Activist Wang Jianbing
06/17/2024

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On the Sentencing of Women’s Rights Activist Huang Xueqin and Labor Rights Activist Wang Jianbing
06/17/2024 10:45 AM EDT

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

The United States condemn the unjust sentencing of independent journalist and women’s rights activist Huang Xueqin (Sophia Huang) as well as labor rights activist Wang Jianbing.  The People’s Republic of China government sentenced Ms. Huang to five years of imprisonment and Mr. Wang to three years and six months of imprisonment after a lengthy pre-trial detention and a secret trial closed to journalists or the public.  These sentences demonstrate the PRC’s continued efforts to intimidate and silence civil society.

We urge the PRC to immediately release Huang and Wang, as well as other individuals unjustly detained for exercising their fundamental freedoms.  We continue to call on the PRC to live up to its international commitments and to respect the human rights of all persons, including freedom of expression and fair trial guarantees.  We also urge the PRC to accept the many recommendations made this year during the PRC’s Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record.

On the Sentencing of Women’s Rights Activist Huang Xueqin and Labor Rights Activist Wang Jianbing
06/17/2024

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

On the Sentencing of Women’s Rights Activist Huang Xueqin and Labor Rights Activist Wang Jianbing
06/17/2024 10:45 AM EDT

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

The United States condemn the unjust sentencing of independent journalist and women’s rights activist Huang Xueqin (Sophia Huang) as well as labor rights activist Wang Jianbing.  The People’s Republic of China government sentenced Ms. Huang to five years of imprisonment and Mr. Wang to three years and six months of imprisonment after a lengthy pre-trial detention and a secret trial closed to journalists or the public.  These sentences demonstrate the PRC’s continued efforts to intimidate and silence civil society.

We urge the PRC to immediately release Huang and Wang, as well as other individuals unjustly detained for exercising their fundamental freedoms.  We continue to call on the PRC to live up to its international commitments and to respect the human rights of all persons, including freedom of expression and fair trial guarantees.  We also urge the PRC to accept the many recommendations made this year during the PRC’s Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record.

Targeting Houthi Weapons Procurement Networks
06/17/2024

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

Targeting Houthi Weapons Procurement Networks
06/17/2024 10:41 AM EDT

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

Since November 2023, the Houthis have recklessly threatened global freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.  Today, we are sanctioning key actors, including some based in the PRC, who have enabled Houthi forces to generate revenue and acquire a range of materials needed to manufacture the advanced weaponry they use to conduct ongoing terrorist attacks against U.S. and allied interests.  The United States is designating three individuals and six entities that have facilitated weapons procurement for the Houthis.  We are also identifying one vessel owned by one of these entities as blocked property.

The Houthis’ attacks against unarmed commercial vessels continue to inhibit navigation in a vital waterway.  The United States is committed to using the tools at our disposal to hinder the flow of military-grade materials into Yemen that enable the Houthis to conduct these terrorist attacks.

The Department of the Treasury actions today were taken pursuant to counterterrorism authority Executive Order 13224, as amended. For more information on today’s action, see Treasury’s  press release.

U.S.-Japan Extended Deterrence Dialogue
06/17/2024
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