On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people and government of Seychelles on the 49th anniversary of your independence.
The United States is pleased to work with you towards bolstering maritime security in the western Indian Ocean and we support the Seychellois government’s efforts to combat drug trafficking. We look forward to our continued collaboration on fostering investment opportunities and growing our economic relationship.
The United States extends our best wishes during your celebrations and looks forward to continuing to build our partnership.
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people and government of Seychelles on the 49th anniversary of your independence.
The United States is pleased to work with you towards bolstering maritime security in the western Indian Ocean and we support the Seychellois government’s efforts to combat drug trafficking. We look forward to our continued collaboration on fostering investment opportunities and growing our economic relationship.
The United States extends our best wishes during your celebrations and looks forward to continuing to build our partnership.
On behalf of the United States of America, I extend best wishes to the Congolese people and the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the 65th anniversary of your nation.
The United States values its enduring diplomatic ties with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since 1960 our two countries have shared a common belief that a secure, democratic, and prosperous African continent is good for the world. We are committed to working with the government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to achieve a durable peace in the Great Lakes region which will enable economic growth, boost regional connectivity, and allow the region to develop its full potential.
May this National Day be a time of celebration for the Congolese people. We look forward to deepening our cooperation in the year ahead and further solidifying the ties between the Congolese and American peoples.
On behalf of the United States of America, I extend best wishes to the Congolese people and the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the 65th anniversary of your nation.
The United States values its enduring diplomatic ties with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since 1960 our two countries have shared a common belief that a secure, democratic, and prosperous African continent is good for the world. We are committed to working with the government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to achieve a durable peace in the Great Lakes region which will enable economic growth, boost regional connectivity, and allow the region to develop its full potential.
May this National Day be a time of celebration for the Congolese people. We look forward to deepening our cooperation in the year ahead and further solidifying the ties between the Congolese and American peoples.
Secretary Rubio’s Call with Bangladesh Chief Advisor Yunus
Readout
June 30, 2025
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s Interim Government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The Secretary and Chief Advisor affirmed their shared commitment to deepening economic ties between the United States and Bangladesh and to enhancing security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Ending the Syria Sanctions Program for the Benefit of the Syrian People
Press Statement
June 30, 2025
Today, President Trump issued a new Executive Order (E.O.) terminating the Syria Sanctions Program and the national emergency with respect to Syria, effective July 1. While the sanctions program is ending, sanctions remain in effect for individuals and entities related to Bashar al-Assad and his cronies – as well as human rights abusers, captagon traffickers, persons linked to Syria’s past proliferation activities, ISIS and Al-Qa’ida affiliates, and Iran and its terrorist proxies. The E.O. also permits the relaxation of certain restrictions on exports to Syria. These actions reflect the President’s vision of fostering a new relationship between the United States and a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors.
In addition to these measures, I will examine the potential full suspension of the Caesar Act, take all appropriate action with respect to the Foreign Terrorist Organization designation of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and review the Specially Designated Global Terrorist designations of HTS and President al-Sharaa, as well as Syria’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation. I will also explore avenues at the United Nations to provide further sanctions relief.
Today’s actions mark the beginning of a new chapter for the people of Syria as they work to shape a future that is safe, stable, and successful.
For more information, please refer to the White House Fact Sheetand the Department of State ‘Termination of Syria Sanctions’ Fact Sheet. Today’s action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) ‘Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions,’ as amended. For more information on designations, please refer to Treasury’s Press Release.
The President ordered the cessation of sanctions against Syria to give Syrians a chance at greatness. Today’s actions by the Department of State implement President Trump’s historic Executive Order (E.O.) of June 30, 2025, ‘Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions.’
U.S. sanctions that remain in place are a tool to promote accountability for Assad, his cronies, and others who seek to destabilize Syria or the region. They now target only those individuals and entities that represent the worst of the worst of the former regime, or those involved in malign behavior, such as drug trafficking, WMD proliferation, terrorism, human rights abuse, or the activities of Iran and its proxies.
Entities Removed
Pursuant to section 7432(b)(1) of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 (22 U.S.C. 8791 note), the Secretary of State certified that it is in the national security interests of the United States to waive the application of sanctions for certain individuals and entities:
ADAM TRADING AND INVESTMENT LLC AL-QATTAN, Wassim Anwar AL-ZUBAIDI, Khaled INTERSECTION LLC MURUJ CHAM INVESTMENT AND TOURISM GROUP APEX DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS LLC KALAI, Nader AL-AMAR ONE-PERSON LLC TIMEET TRADING LLC Aleksey Makarov
The Department is further terminating sanctions on the following entities that were designated pursuant to E.O. 13894:
FOURTH DIVISION OF THE SYRIAN ARAB ARMY FIRST DIVISION OF THE SYRIAN ARAB ARMY NATIONAL DEFENSE FORCES
The Department is also terminating sanctions on the following entity that was designated pursuant to the Iran Sanctions Act:
SYTROL
OFAC has removed the individuals and entities above from the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List).
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today’s actions, and in accordance with E.O. “Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions,” all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons are unblocked. Additionally, all entities owned, either directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also unblocked.
The power and integrity of U.S. government sanctions derive not only from the U.S. government’s ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.
For more information, please refer to the White House Fact Sheet and the Department of State ‘Ending the Syria Sanctions Program for the Benefit of the Syrian People’ Statement. Today’s action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) ‘Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions’, as amended. For more information on designations, please refer to Treasury’s Press Release.
Record-Breaking U.S.-Africa Business Summit Yields $2.5 Billion in Deals and Commitments
Fact Sheet
June 30, 2025
From June 22-25, more than 2,700 U.S. and African public and private sector leaders gathered for the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit, hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa and the President of Angola. This year’s Summit marked a record turnout, including 12 African Heads of State.
The U.S. Delegation, led by Ambassador Troy Fitrell, Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, included the senior-most officials advancing U.S. commercial engagement across Africa:
Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa
Thomas Hardy, Acting Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
Constance Hamilton, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa
Connor Coleman, Head of Investments and Chief of Staff, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
Tamara Maxwell, Senior Vice President for Small Business, Export-Import Bank of the United States
The record turnout made clear that both U.S. and African leaders share a strong commitment to significantly expanding trade and investment. The U.S. objective at the Summit was to secure key deals and commitments for U.S. companies and establish the conditions to boost U.S. exports and investment in Africa — advancing mutual prosperity in line with the Trump Administration’s Commercial Diplomacy Strategy for Africa.
Key Outcomes: $2.5 Billion in Deals and Commitments
During the Summit, more than $2.5 billion in new deals and commitments between U.S. and African partners were announced, reinforcing the United States’ prioritization of trade over aid in our approach to Africa – engaging Africans as peers and partners in investment-led growth.
Major Deals and Commitments for U.S. Companies:
Amer-Con Corporation & Angolan Cargo and Logistics Certification Regulatory Agency
A U.S. consortium led by Florida-based Amer-Con Corporation signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Angolan Cargo and Logistics Certification Regulatory Agency to construct and operate 22 grain silo terminals along the Lobito Corridor. The project is backed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank and is expected to significantly enhance Angola’s food security and agri-logistics capacity.
Cybastion & Angola Telecom
U.S. technology firm Cybastion and Angola Telecom signed a $170 million investment deal to expand digital infrastructure and cybersecurity through Cybastion’s “Digital Fast Track” initiative, providing local training and modern infrastructure for Angola’s digital transformation.
CEC Africa & AG&P
CEC Africa Sierra Leone Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop West Africa’s first U.S.-sourced LNG terminal, in partnership with AG&P and backed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. The terminal will power the 108MW Nant Power Project in Sierra Leone and enable affordable energy for industrial and household use in Sierra Leone.
Ruzizi III Holding Power Company & Anzana Electric Group
The Ruzizi III Holding Power Company signed an Invitation to Partner with U.S.-based Anzana Electric Group, paving the way for a 10% equity stake in a $760 million hydropower project spanning Rwanda and the DRC. The project will deliver reliable energy to 30 million people across the region and promote regional integration and stability.
Ethiopia Investment Holdings and U.S. International Finance Partners
Ethiopia Investment Holdings signed a Memorandum of Understanding with U.S. International Finance Partners to invest more than $200 million in the development of luxury hotels, branded residences, and related tourism infrastructure in Ethiopia. The agreement aligns with the development priorities of Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, who witnessed the signing.
Hydro-Link and the Government of Angola
U.S. energy investor Hydro-Link signed an agreement with the Angolan Government to develop a $1.5 billion private transmission line connecting hydropower sites in Angola to critical mineral mines in the DRC. This 1,150-kilometer transmission corridor will enable the delivery of up to 1.2 gigawatts of reliable electricity from Angola’s Luaca plant and other hydroelectric facilities to the Kolwezi mining region in the DRC, supporting the region’s mining operations and energy needs.
MS BRUCE: Happy Monday. I’ll explain in a moment. I will explain in a moment. Thank you for being here.
It’s a Monday and I will be a little short today as the President is beginning some signings at the White House in the Oval Office. We don’t want to conflict, so forgive me in that regard, but I do have a few announcements for you here and we’ll start.
President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio continue to deliver on this administration’s vision of peace through strength, resolute diplomacy backed by principled leadership. On June 27th, Secretary Rubio, Under Secretary Allison Hooker, and Senior Advisor Massad Boulos hosted the ministerial signing of a landmark peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda. The agreement marks a historic milestone for the Great Lakes region, bringing an end to a 30-year war. The United States, in coordination with the African Union, Qatar, and Togo, will continue supporting full implementation of this comprehensive peace deal to pave the way for mutual prosperity.
Tomorrow, Secretary Rubio will welcome his Quad counterparts from Australia, India, and Japan to Washington to reaffirm our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. This ministerial reinforces our joint resolve to defend sovereignty, strengthen regional maritime security, and build resilient supply chains.
And as you may know today, President Trump will issue a new executive order lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria, reaffirming his belief that the Syrian people deserve a future of safety and prosperity. This policy reflects the President’s conviction that American leadership can unlock new paths to regional stability.
Finally, the department’s Middle East Task Force ended its activities on Friday, June 27th. U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the region are open and providing routine and emergency consular services. The department also continues to share information and updates with U.S. citizens affected by the conflict. As of today, we have sent nearly 100 security alerts since the onset of the crisis. Additionally, a total of 16 flights departed Israel with over 650 U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents and their accompanying immediate family members.
We are grateful to our partners in the region, particularly Greece, Italy, and Cyprus, for welcoming U.S. citizens on these assisted departure flights and to our partners in Qatar and around the world. It is a good thing to be able to say that today to you. I now welcome your questions.
All right, yes, Humeyra, not that you have anything ever on your mind. Let’s do it.
QUESTION: Thank you, Tammy.
MS BRUCE: Yes, ma’am.
QUESTION: So a couple of questions. A – one on Israel, actually. I was going to ask about Syria but I’ll get to it later. So Haaretz newspaper last week reported that Israel’s military advocate general has ordered an investigation into possible war crimes over allegations that Israeli forces deliberately fired at Palestinian civilians near Gaza aid distribution sites. These are the ones that GHF does, as you know.
And then today, Israeli military acknowledged that Palestinian civilians were harmed at these aid distribution centers. So I’m wondering, in light of these assessments, is the administration going to rethink allocating that money to GHF?
MS BRUCE: Well, I think the answer to that certainly is no. What we do expect – and the IDF and Israel have announced that they are of course investigating certain incidents. It is a good time for a reminder here that Hamas is responsible for the current situation in Gaza. They of course initiated the attacks on October 7th. They continue to refuse to lay down their arms or to free the remaining hostages, including the remains of two Americans, and use violence to interfere with aid deliveries to the people of Gaza, who are in dire need of food and aid.
So in the meantime, I think that we also have to recognize that, of course, this remains a war zone, effectively. There are four sites working for the GHF. We are coming up to I think about 51 million meals distributed. It is certainly not easy. There are efforts and those on the ground who do not want this to be a success who have made the lives of the people of Gaza miserable for decades now, and this is a key unlocking a door to a better future.
So this is what the President has asked for, which is a new approach for Gaza. There is a demand, understandably, for aid to get in. The GHF is doing that and as we also, of course, decry loss of life and the violence that continues, but that’s why we do what we do and we continue to work for a ceasefire as well.
QUESTION: Yeah, I understand all that. A quick follow-up on that. I completely understand what you’re saying, but does the administration have any concern about this? I mean, these are, like, Israeli – like these are Israeli authorities accepting that Palestinians have been harmed. Perhaps is the administration thinking about talking to GHF for, like, risk mitigation —
MS BRUCE: Yes, I – well, I won’t get into the details of the conversations that are had. Obviously you know that our work there doesn’t stop. We continue on. We’re still working. The President noted the other day that there is potential for a ceasefire. We look forwar
