Day of German Unity
10/03/2022
Day of German Unity
10/03/2022 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the people of Germany as you celebrate 32 years of reunification this German Unity Day.
Germany is an enduring NATO Ally and an influential global leader. The United States is fortunate to have such a strong partner in our shared efforts to defend democracy, human rights, rule of law, and the institutions that have underwritten peace and security for nearly eight decades. We thank Germany for its leadership in the G7 this year, with its focus on shared goals related to climate, economic security, health, infrastructure, and democratic values. During my travels to Germany this year, I have made clear the United States’ gratitude and admiration for Germany’s historic commitments to support Ukraine in response to Russia’s brutal, unprovoked war.
Einen schönen Tag der Deutschen Einheit! I look forward to building upon our steadfast partnership in the years to come.
Assistant Secretary Ramin Toloui’s Travel to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany
10/03/2022
Assistant Secretary Ramin Toloui’s Travel to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany
10/03/2022 09:45 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Ramin Toloui will travel October 3-7 to Brussels, Belgium; The Hague, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven, Netherlands; and Munich, Germany, to discuss strengthening and diversifying supply chains, especially in semiconductors, including implementation of the CHIPS Act and cooperation in the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council. Additionally, he will discuss critical efforts to mitigate global food insecurity, including the United States’ support for the EU Solidarity Lanes and the UN-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative. He will also discuss U.S.-European cooperation to confront Russia’s continuing aggression against Ukraine, as well as other global challenges.
In Brussels on October 3 and 4 he will meet with European Union and Belgian senior officials and industry leaders. He will also visit the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC) Headquarters.
In the Netherlands on October 5-6, he will meet with regional executives from leading companies. In Rotterdam, The Hague, and Eindhoven, he will meet with senior officials from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate as well as with leaders in industry, academia, and think tanks.
On October 7, in Munich, Germany, Assistant Secretary Toloui will meet with Bavarian State government officials and business leaders.
Designation of Two Individuals and One Entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina
10/03/2022
Designation of Two Individuals and One Entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina
10/03/2022 11:45 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States is designating Fadil Novalic, Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH); Slobodan Stankovic, a businessman with close ties to Milorad Dodik, a Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) official previously designated for corruption and obstructing the Dayton Peace Agreement; and Stankovic’s business entity, Integral Inzenjering A.D. Laktasi (Integral).
Under Dodik’s leadership, the ruling coalition in BiH’s Republika Srpska (RS) entity is seeking to create parallel structures that undermine state-level institutions, while ethno-nationalist parties in the FBiH are crippling the country’s democratic processes and abusing positions of power to derive improper financial and political benefit.
Novalic is being designated for undermining democratic processes or institutions in BiH. As Prime Minister of the FBiH, where the issue of pensions has strong political salience, he misused pensioner data contrary to BiH law for the benefit of his own political party. This action is just one of many publicly reported activities in which he used his position for personal or party gain and undermined democratic processes and political institutions essential to BiH’s chosen future within the Euro-Atlantic community.
Stankovic is being designated for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Dodik. Stankovic has long supported Dodik’s destabilizing activities. Stankovic’s firm Integral receives major construction projects in the RS without fair and open competition due to its close connections to RS leadership. In return, Stankovic provided support to Dodik’s propaganda machine by transforming the formerly independent media outlet, Alternativna Televizija, into a mouthpiece for Dodik and his destabilizing and divisive activities. The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Alternativna Televizija for these activities in January 2022. Integral is being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Stankovic.
The United States’ Western Balkans sanctions program targets individuals and entities that, among other criteria, undermine or threaten the postwar agreements and institutions established as part of the hard-won peace and the Dayton Peace Agreement. Today’s actions, which come on the heels of the September 26 designation of corrupt state prosecutor Diana Kajmakovic, demonstrate that we will continue to promote accountability for activities that undermine BiH’s democratic processes and institutions, as well as for complicity in or provision of material support for such activities. This is the fifth sanctions action OFAC has taken pursuant to E.O. 14033.
For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.
Under Secretary Jenkins Travel to Georgia, October 5-7
10/04/2022
Under Secretary Jenkins Travel to Georgia, October 5-7
10/04/2022 01:10 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins will travel to Tbilisi, Georgia from October 5-7. While in Tbilisi, she will deliver opening and keynote remarks at the Biosafety Association Central Asia and the Caucasus Region Conference on COVID-19 lessons learned. The Under Secretary will also attend bilateral meetings.
Follow @UnderSecT on Twitter for the latest updates.
$625 Million in Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
10/04/2022
$625 Million in Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
10/04/2022 01:23 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
At the UN General Assembly, President Biden made it clear yet again that we will support the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes. Recent developments from Russia’s sham referenda and attempted annexation to new revelations of brutality against civilians in Ukrainian territory formerly controlled by Russia only strengthens our resolve. United with our Allies and partners from 50 nations, we are delivering the arms and equipment that Ukraine’s forces are utilizing so effectively today in a successful counter-offensive to take back their lands seized illegally by Russia.
Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our twenty-second drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021. This $625 million drawdown includes additional arms, munitions, and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories. This drawdown will bring the total U.S. military assistance for Ukraine to more than $17.5 billion since the beginning of this Administration.
We will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence with extraordinary courage and boundless determination. The capabilities we are delivering are carefully calibrated to make the most difference on the battlefield and strengthen Ukraine’s hand at the negotiating table when the time is right.
We stand United with Ukraine.
Counselor Chollet’s Travel to the United Kingdom, Finland, and Iceland
10/04/2022
Counselor Chollet’s Travel to the United Kingdom, Finland, and Iceland
10/04/2022 01:36 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Counselor of the Department Derek Chollet will travel to London and Belfast, United Kingdom, from October 5-11. In London, he will meet with United Kingdom government officials to discuss continued cooperation on a range of security and defense priorities, including Russia’s war on Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. In Belfast, he will meet with political leaders, Northern Ireland Office officials, and the business community to discuss the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol and the importance of restoring the devolved government.
Counselor Chollet will travel to Helsinki, Finland, from October 11 to 12 for consultations with our Finnish partners about their pending membership in NATO, the Arctic, and other regional issues, and support for Ukraine.
Counselor Chollet will then travel to Reykjavik, Iceland, on October 13-14 to participate in the Arctic Circle Assembly, and will also meet with Icelandic partners to discuss Arctic cooperation, continued support for Ukraine, and bilateral issues.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan
10/04/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan
10/04/2022 04:18 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in a trilateral format. Secretary Blinken expressed our appreciation for the positive steps Armenia and Azerbaijan are taking towards reaching a sustainable peace agreement. In a week that has been marked by too much violence, including the deaths of Armenian soldiers and Azerbaijani civilians in landmine explosions, he welcomed the meeting between the ministers on October 2 as an important step forward in the peace process. The Secretary commended the release of POWs and reiterated our commitment to helping Armenia and Azerbaijan resolve issues peacefully and underscored that diplomacy is the only way forward.
Assistant Secretary of State Lee Satterfield Travels to the United Kingdom
10/06/2022
Assistant Secretary of State Lee Satterfield Travels to the United Kingdom
10/06/2022 11:15 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
From October 6-11, 2022, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield will travel to London, United Kingdom to meet with government officials, international education leaders, and sports industry stakeholders to discuss a variety of issues, ranging from cultural heritage to sports diplomacy. The Assistant Secretary’s trip underscores the United States’ strong commitment to the U.S.-UK’s Special Relationship as well as public diplomacy as a foundational component of U.S. foreign policy.
While in London, the Assistant Secretary will participate in a bilateral meeting with UK government officials to discuss shared priorities on a host of issues, including Ukraine, cultural heritage, international education, and sports diplomacy. She will also meet with the U.S.-UK Fulbright Commission, which oversees the Fulbright Program in the UK in the lead-up to its 75th anniversary in 2023. Also, Assistant Secretary Satterfield will engage with U.S. Soccer executives and stakeholders on the margins of the U.S.-England friendly match, as well as attend the match on October 7.
The Assistant Secretary will participate in community engagement events with local British youth and senior executives of the National Football League (NFL) and attend the Green Bay Packers versus New York Giants game, which will be held in London on Sunday, October 9.
Assistant Secretary Satterfield will also meet with local non-governmental organizations and UK students while in London.
For further information, contact ECA-Press@state.gov. Follow along on Twitter at @ECA_AS.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with UK Minister for the Americas Jesse Norman
10/06/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with UK Minister for the Americas Jesse Norman
10/06/2022 03:52 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with UK Minister for the Americas Jesse Norman about shared U.S.-UK priorities, including working with Allies and partners to support Ukraine against Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression. They discussed working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, counter PRC economic coercion, and strengthen supply chain resiliency. The Deputy Secretary welcomed the new UK government’s commitment to resolve issues with the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol and protect the gains of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. The Deputy Secretary congratulated Minister Norman on the UK’s election to the International Telecommunications Union Council.
Launch of the U.S.-UK Comprehensive Dialogue on Technology and Data
10/07/2022
Launch of the U.S.-UK Comprehensive Dialogue on Technology and Data
10/07/2022 01:31 PM EDT
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
The United States and the United Kingdom announced today the launch of the U.S.-UK Comprehensive Dialogue on Technology and Data.
President Joseph Biden and the then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson committed at Carbis Bay in June 2021 to develop a new landmark bilateral Technology Partnership, to enable a new era of strategic cooperation and protect our technology advantage. Building on that strong foundation, the United States and the United Kingdom announced today the launch of a new Comprehensive Dialogue on Technology and Data. The annual dialogue will be led by senior level representatives in the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In the coming year, the Dialogue will focus on three areas: Data, Critical and Emerging Technologies, and Secure and Resilient Digital Infrastructure.
The United States and the United Kingdom recognize the strategic importance of technology to our prosperity and security and to promoting and protecting our shared democratic values globally. This commitment has led to deepening collaboration on shared priorities including promotion of cross-border data flows and support for privacy-enhancing technologies; semiconductors; supply chain vulnerabilities; telecom supply chain diversification; ensuring responsible development and deployment of AI; and planning for closer cooperation on quantum information sciences and technology.
For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of Commerce’s joint statement here with the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Assistant Secretary Noyes Travels to Switzerland and Belgium
10/07/2022
Assistant Secretary Noyes Travels to Switzerland and Belgium
10/07/2022 03:12 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes will travel to Geneva, Switzerland, and Brussels, Belgium, October 9-13.
In Geneva, Assistant Secretary Noyes will lead the United States delegation to the 73rd session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme (UNHCR ExCom) and meet with UN officials, foreign government officials, and other international and non-governmental organization partners. Assistant Secretary Noyes will discuss continued U.S. support for UNHCR as its top single country donor and the U.S. commitment to lead in global humanitarian crisis response as the world faces unprecedented levels of displacement.
In Brussels, Assistant Secretary Noyes will meet with EU officials as well as international and non-governmental partners to discuss combined efforts in the global humanitarian crisis response and efforts to meet increasing global resettlement needs for the most vulnerable refugees.
Assistant Secretary Medina’s Travel to Germany and Belgium
10/07/2022
Assistant Secretary Medina’s Travel to Germany and Belgium
10/07/2022 04:53 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Monica Medina will travel to Berlin, Germany, on Monday, October 10, to speak at the Berlin Climate and Security Conference where she will address the impact of global environmental change and the climate crisis on peace and security, focusing on the importance of building resilience and early warning systems. While in Berlin she will meet with German government counterparts to discuss shared priorities in protecting biodiversity, advancing ocean sustainability, and addressing the climate crisis.
From Tuesday, October 11 to Thursday, October 13, Assistant Secretary Medina will travel to Brussels, Belgium, to lead the United States delegation to the U.S.-EU Joint Consultative Group meeting on science and technology cooperation. She will also meet with NGO representatives and government officials on environmental priorities including the climate crisis; illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; and threats to biodiversity and water insecurity.
For media inquiries, please contact OES-PA-DG@state.gov.
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter Travel to Germany, Poland, and Turkey
10/07/2022
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter Travel to Germany, Poland, and Turkey
10/07/2022 05:07 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter will travel to Frankfurt, Warsaw, Krakow, Istanbul, and Ankara from October 7-19, 2022. During her trip, the Assistant Secretary will observe U.S. consular operations and meet with foreign government counterparts to underscore our deep and sustained commitment to the protection of U.S. citizens overseas and the facilitation of legitimate travel to the United States.
For updates on Assistant Secretary Bitter’s travel follow @TravelGov on Twitter.
For press inquiries, please contact CAPRESSREQUESTS@state.gov.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with German State Secretary Michaelis
10/07/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with German State Secretary Michaelis
10/07/2022 08:02 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today by phone with German State Secretary Andreas Michaelis, and thanked Germany for its continued military, financial, and humanitarian support for Ukraine. Deputy Secretary Sherman emphasized the need for the world to reject Russia’s sham referenda and expressed appreciation for Germany’s global leadership in holding Russia accountable for its aggression against Ukraine, including through the EU’s 8th sanctions package. Deputy Secretary Sherman and State Secretary Michaelis also discussed mutual priorities on the PRC and Afghanistan.