U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin

 

Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Lewis Travels to The Netherlands and Germany 03/12/2023 Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Lewis Travels to The Netherlands and Germany 03/12/2023 09:06 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis will travel to the Netherlands and Germany March 13-18, 2023, to meet with U.S. Allies and partners on military assistance for Ukraine, as well as to discuss security cooperation and defense trade to enhance regional and global security. In the Netherlands, March 13-15, Assistant Secretary Lewis will visit The Hague to meet with Dutch officials.  She will commend the Netherlands for the more than $1 billion in military assistance it has already provided to Ukraine, and the $2.5 billion it has committed for 2023. In Germany, March 15-18, Assistant Secretary Lewis will visit U.S. European Command in Stuttgart to hold consultations with senior civilian and military officials. For further information, please contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at PM-CPA@state.gov and follow @StateDeptPM on Twitter. Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Sison’s Travel to Switzerland 03/14/2023 Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Sison’s Travel to Switzerland 03/14/2023 11:35 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Michele Sison will travel to Geneva, Switzerland, March 15-20.  During her trip, the Assistant Secretary will meet with a wide range of diplomatic counterparts as well as senior leadership of several international organizations to discuss key U.S. priorities.  Those organizations include the World Health Organization, the International Labor Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, with conversations covering a wide range of matters including next steps to support Ukraine, address human rights, labor, and migration issues, and strengthen global health coordination. U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Sara Minkara will join Assistant Secretary Sison in her meetings with UNHCR and ILO, as well as with the International Committee of the Red Cross to discuss ongoing humanitarian relief efforts in the wake of the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.  While in Geneva, the Assistant Secretary will participate in the second annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility workshop for Department employees of the Bureaus of European and Eurasian Affairs and International Organization Affairs.  Assistant Secretary Sison will also participate in activities in support of U.S. candidate for Director General of the International Organization for Migration, Amy Pope. For updates, follow @State_IO on Twitter. U.S. and North Macedonia Co-Host Proliferation Security Initiative Workshop 03/14/2023 U.S. and North Macedonia Co-Host Proliferation Security Initiative Workshop 03/14/2023 12:32 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The United States and the Republic of North Macedonia co-hosted a Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Workshop from March 7-9, 2023, in Skopje, North Macedonia.  The workshop demonstrated partnership and commitment to countering threats from weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the region.  Over the course of three days, civilian and military leaders representing more than a dozen PSI-endorsing countries and observers reviewed WMD proliferation trends, international and domestic legal authorities related to WMD interdiction, and issues associated with detaining and inspecting cargoes carrying suspected WMD, their delivery systems, and related materials.  The workshop also featured expert briefings and a scenario-based tabletop exercise focused on internal government information-sharing and decision-making about potential WMD-related proliferation activities in the region. The Proliferation Security Initiative was established in 2003 to stop or impede transfers of WMD, their delivery systems, and related materials flowing to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern. Thus far, more than 100 states have endorsed the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles. In doing so, they have committed to take effective measures to interdict WMD-related transfers consistent with national law and international obligations, adopt streamlined procedures for rapid information exchange, and strengthen relevant national and international laws and frameworks. Special Representative McAuliffe Leads Partnership Opportunity Delegation to the Western Balkans on Energy Security and Climate 03/14/2023 Special Representative McAuliffe Leads Partnership Opportunity Delegation to the Western Balkans on Energy Security and Climate 03/14/2023 01:35 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Special Representative for Global Partnerships Dorothy McAuliffe traveled to Croatia, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, from March 1-3, 2023, leading a Partnership Opportunity Delegation (POD) to explore private and public sector solutions for the Western Balkans’ energy diversification and transition.  The delegation’s high-level meetings also explored how climate innovation and renewable energy can increase energy security for the region, especially in the face of aging and inefficient energy infrastructure and the instability and disruptions caused by Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine. The delegation included climate, sustainable technology, and energy representatives from United States’ business and philanthropic sectors, in addition to leaders from the United States International Development Finance Corporation and the Export-Import Bank of the United States.  The delegation launched from Zagreb, Croatia at the 4th Meeting of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation (P-TECC), co-hosted by the United States Department of Energy and the Croatian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development. Special Representative McAuliffe moderated a P-TECC panel on rebuilding Ukraine that included Ukrainian Minister of Energy German Galushchenko along with leaders from the United States public and private sectors. On the sidelines of P-TECC, the delegation met with United States Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves to discuss the Western Balkans’ economic outlook and energy infrastructure investment opportunities. In North Macedonia, Special Representative McAuliffe and the delegation held bilateral meetings with the government of North Macedonia including Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski, Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Kaja Shukova, and Minister of Economy Kreshnik Bekteshi. The delegation also met with leaders from the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, the American Chamber of Commerce of North Macedonia, and representatives of multilateral development banks. The dialogue focused on how the public and private sectors in the United States and North Macedonia can take advantage of opportunities to foster energy security and technology growth while meeting climate and sustainability goals. In Kosovo, the delegation led by Special Representative McAuliffe held separate meetings with with President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli. Special Representative McAuliffe underscored the commitment to a continued strong relationship between the United States and Kosovo. The delegation discussed U.S. technology and financing of clean energy solutions, economic growth, and the importance of energy security. The delegates also engaged with key Kosovan private sector interlocutors at a reception hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce of Kosovo. For further information, please contact the Office of Global Partnerships at partnerships@state.gov, visit the Office of Global Partnerships, or follow @GPatState  on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  For media inquiries, please contact the Office of Global Partnerships at partnerships@state.gov. Joint Statement on the Eighth Round of the Strategic Dialogue between Romania and the United States 03/14/2023 Joint Statement on the Eighth Round of the Strategic Dialogue between Romania and the United States 03/14/2023 01:42 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of Romania and the United States of America. Begin text: The Governments of Romania and the United States of America held the eighth round of the U.S.-Romania Strategic Dialogue in Bucharest on March 14, 2023. The U.S.-Romania Strategic Dialogue took place against the backdrop of the greatest threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades. One year since the start of Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war against Ukraine, we are confronted with challenges to European security, with devastating consequences for the Ukrainian people and global effects on energy and food security. Russia’s brutal invasion is an attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and the rules-based international order. The Romanian and U.S. delegations took special note of the potential risk of Russia’s destabilizing actions in the Black Sea region, particularly against the security and stability of the Republic of Moldova. Romania and the United States remain committed to supporting the democratically elected authorities of the Republic of Moldova in their efforts to strengthen their country’s political and economic resilience, defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and continue the process of European integration. We remain committed to upholding the principle that independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and respect for international law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms remain the foundation of the Euro-Atlantic security architecture. Romania and the United States assessed the progress achieved in the framework of the Strategic Dialogue, including the joint efforts to support Ukraine, its people, and the broader region. Romania and the United States underline the critical importance of the Romanian ports on the Black Sea and the Danube for Ukrainian commerce. The United States welcomes Romania’s leadership in significantly expanding processing and transit capabilities, particularly by more than doubling the transit capacity of the Sulina Chanel, and remains committed to identifying appropriate support for Romania’s continued efforts in this regard. As a key conclusion of the Strategic Dialogue, Romania and the United States emphasize that now, more than ever, transatlantic unity is needed to deter future aggression and allow the Black Sea to reach its full potential as a strategic connector between Europe and Central Asia. Both countries called for increased cooperation within NATO, to better consolidate defense and deterrence in the Black Sea region, an area of strategic importance for the Alliance. The two sides assessed bilateral cooperation in the field of energy, noting the significant advances registered in the flagship civil nuclear projects at Cernavodă and the small modular reactor in Doicești. They underscored the increased relevance of these projects for the resilience of the Black Sea region, in the context of attempts by Russia to weaponize energy supply. Romania and the United States remain committed to working together to support Romania’s efforts to fulfil the legal requirements for the admission of Romania into the Visa Waiver Program. The expert and political level dialogue that was established in 2021 will continue. This eighth round of the Strategic Dialogue was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania and included high level representatives from both governments. The meeting featured the established working groups of the Strategic Dialogue framework: regional security and political-military cooperation; regional political and economic developments; bilateral economic cooperation on infrastructure, investment, and trade; energy; cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs; and strengthening people-to-people relationships. Romanian State Secretary for Strategic Affairs Iulian Fota and U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Dereck Hogan led the Strategic Dialogue. End Text. Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Belgian Foreign Minister Lahbib 03/14/2023 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Belgian Foreign Minister Lahbib 03/14/2023 04:51 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib today in Washington, D.C.  They reemphasized the importance of continued Transatlantic unity and strong measures to support Ukraine in response to Russia’s illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion.  The Deputy Secretary underscored U.S. opposition to unilateral efforts to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.  Deputy Secretary Sherman and Foreign Minister Lahbib also discussed the importance of strong U.S.-Belgium cooperation to counter narcotics trafficking. Sanctioning Individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina for Corruption, Destabilizing Activity, and Drug Proliferation 03/15/2023 Sanctioning Individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina for Corruption, Destabilizing Activity, and Drug Proliferation 03/15/2023 11:13 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State As the United States continues to support reform, we are also promoting accountability for the actions of those undermining democratic institutions and furthering their agenda for political and personal gain at the expense of peace and stability in the Western Balkans. Ethnonationalist political parties continue to undermine democratic institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), engage in corrupt behavior, and violate the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) to undermine the state of BiH for narrow personal and political gain.  The Republika Srpska (RS) entity leadership is engaged in secessionist actions to seize authorities from the state and give them to entity governments and institutions.  Federation entity-based political parties have weaponized key justice and security sector institutions to misuse resources in support of political goals and to protect criminal organizations with whom they are associated. Today, we are imposing sanctions on three individuals who pose a threat to the rule of law, regional stability, and the aspirations of those seeking functional democratic governance. The Treasury Department is designating Osman Mehmedagic, the former Director General for BiH’s Intelligence Security Agency, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14033.  Mehmedagic misused a government-owned telecommunications company for the benefit of his party, the Party of Democratic Action (SDA).  There is also credible information that Mehmedagic has collaborated with criminal networks for personal and party enrichment.  This activity reflects a larger pattern of behavior by Mehmedagic and SDA to use positions of authority for personal and party gain. Further, Treasury is designating Dragan Stankovic, the Director of the RS Administration for Geodetic and Property Affairs, pursuant to E.O. 14033.  Stankovic was responsible for a blatant attempt to usurp the authority of the state of BiH over state property located in the RS contrary to BiH Constitutional Court decisions, the BiH Constitution, and a state property disposal ban imposed by the Office of the High Representative.  Stankovic’s efforts to pass this unconstitutional legislation reflect specious claims made by RS President Milorad Dodik and other RS leaders in this regard. Finally, Treasury is designating Edin Gacanin, a BiH national and one of the world’s most notorious narcotics traffickers, pursuant to E.O. 14059.  In addition to narcotics trafficking efforts across multiple countries, Gacanin’s cartel is involved in money laundering and is connected to the Kinahan Organized Crime Group, which was previously designated by Treasury for its role as a significant transnational criminal organization. As a guarantor of the DPA, the United States is committed to combating endemic corruption, threats to BiH state authority, and the proliferation of illicit drugs and organized crime, which collectively threaten BiH’s Euro-Atlantic trajectory.  We remain steadfast in our support for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the country’s democratic institutions. For more information about these designations, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release. Assistant Secretary Noyes Travel to Belgium 03/15/2023 Assistant Secretary Noyes Travel to Belgium 03/15/2023 12:32 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes will travel to Belgium March 16-21. In Brussels, Assistant Secretary Noyes will meet with government officials as well as international organization and nongovernmental partners at the 2023 International Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants and their Host Countries and Communities March 16-17. The conference will feature the voices of Venezuelan refugees and migrants as well as their host communities and aims to bring the international spotlight back onto the Venezuela crisis. On March 20-21, Assistant Secretary Noyes will participate in the European Humanitarian Forum to strengthen partnerships with the European Union and its member states, other donors, international stakeholders, as well as countries affected by humanitarian crises. Russian Noncompliance with and Invalid Suspension of the New START Treaty 03/15/2023 Russian Noncompliance with and Invalid Suspension of the New START Treaty 03/15/2023 05:42 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Russia’s noncompliance with the New START Treaty, and its claimed suspension of the treaty, are unfortunate and irresponsible steps.  Mutual compliance with New START strengthens the security of the United States, our allies and partners, Russia, and the world.  Russia’s claimed suspension of the New START Treaty is legally invalid.  As a result, Russia remains bound by its obligations under the treaty.  The United States remains ready to work constructively with Russia to fully implement the treaty.  Below are the facts about the current state of the treaty: Fact: Russia can easily remedy its current and clear noncompliance with the New START Treaty Russia’s noncompliance is clear: Russia is refusing to allow inspections. The treaty requires each Party to accept 18 inspections per year.  Inspections strengthen nuclear stability by giving both sides confidence that the treaty’s limits on nuclear weapons are being respected. Russia refuses to meet in the treaty’s implementation body, the Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC), despite repeated U.S. requests. The treaty requires both sides meet in the BCC.  This also is an important element of nuclear stability.  It provides a channel for experts to engage in constructive discussion and resolve technical questions of treaty implementation in a mutually beneficial way. Russia has stopped providing its treaty-mandated notifications. The treaty requires each side to provide data and notifications, including on the status and movement of its accountable nuclear forces.  Mutual compliance with these obligations is an important element of nuclear stability.  It provides significant transparency and predictability regarding strategic nuclear forces. Russia’s noncompliance threatens the viability of the treaty. While the United States assessed that Russia did not engage in significant activity above the treaty limits in 2022, Russia’s failure to allow inspections and provide notifications degrades U.S. ability to assess Russian nuclear deployments. Russia can easily remedy its noncompliance by resuming activities it conducted for years under the treaty: host inspections, meet in the BCC, and provide notifications and data. Fact: There is nothing preventing Russia from conducting inspections on U.S. territory Since the easing of COVID-related restrictions, the United States has made it crystal clear to Russia that we are prepared to host Russian inspectors. Russia has everything it needs to conduct inspections on U.S. territory, and the United States would welcome a Russian inspection team, per the terms of the treaty. Russian inspectors have the necessary visas, Russian treaty-designated airplanes have viable air routes to transport inspectors to the United States, inspectors can also use commercial air travel to reach U.S. territory, and there are no sanctions that prevent Russia from fully exercising its inspection rights. Fact: The United States remains in full compliance with the New START Treaty  Russia has claimed that U.S. conversion procedures for its submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launchers and B-52H heavy bombers are not consistent with U.S. obligations under the New START Treaty. These claims are false. The U.S. conversion procedures for SLBM launchers and heavy bombers render the converted items incapable of employing nuclear weapons. The United States has declared and demonstrated the procedures and exhibited the converted items to Russia, just as the treaty requires. Russia has the treaty right to inspect converted items to confirm the results of the conversions as the United States exhibited them to Russia. It is up to Russia to do so. As Russia acknowledged publicly, the United States has gone beyond the requirements of the treaty to address Russian concerns with SLBM launcher conversions. After careful and constructive work, both sides reached a mutual understanding on additional voluntary measures to address those concerns.  The United States welcomes Russian inspections during which Russia can take advantage of these measures. Russia’s accusations of U.S. noncompliance are baseless attempts to distract from Russia’s own actions, and do not provide Russia a valid legal basis to suspend the treaty. Fact: The United States remains ready to meet and discuss U.S. and Russian compliance concerns and all other issues related to implementation of the treaty. The United States was ready to work constructively with Russia at the BCC session that was scheduled for November 2022, which Russia abruptly canceled. Contrary to Russian claims, all topics Russia identified for discussion were on the agenda. We remain ready for constructive engagement today. Such engagement is an important element of nuclear stability. Fact: Russia’s war in Ukraine does not provide a valid basis for Russian noncompliance with the New START Treaty  The strong U.S. and international response to Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine does not absolve Russia of responsibility to fulfill its legal obligations under New START. Russia’s noncompliance and purported suspension of the New START Treaty will not stop the United States from continuing to fully support Ukraine. That reality is irrelevant to the utility of the treaty and Russia’s ability to continue participation in it. New START inspection activities do not threaten Russian security. The treaty provides both sides with the means to ensure the safety and security of inspected facilities. Nuclear stability is especially important in time of crisis, and the United States will continue working to maintain it. For further information, please contact AVC Press at AVC-Press-DL@state.gov or visit the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance. Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Descôtes 03/16/2023 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Descôtes 03/16/2023 09:03 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke yesterday with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Anne-Marie Descôtes.  The Deputy Secretary and the Secretary General reiterated their stalwart support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal war.  They also discussed the importance of advancing peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and of close cooperation to address the challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China to the rules-based international order.  Deputy Secretary Sherman and Secretary General Descôtes also reviewed efforts to promote security and democratic governance in the Sahel. Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba 03/16/2023 Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba 03/16/2023 08:59 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.  They discussed the latest situation on the battlefield and the United States’ steadfast support to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s brutal attacks. Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with German State Secretary Michaelis 03/16/2023 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with German State Secretary Michaelis 03/16/2023 02:30 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with German State Secretary Andreas Michaelis. The Deputy Secretary thanked him for Germany’s strong support for Ukraine and Moldova. They also discussed Georgia, and shared concerns over the continuing violence in Israel and the West Bank and the need for all parties to take steps to restore calm and de-escalate tensions. Joint Statement on U.S.–Ireland Science and Technology Cooperation 03/17/2023 Joint Statement on U.S.–Ireland Science and Technology Cooperation 03/17/2023 09:55 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following joint statement was released by the United States, Ireland, and Northern Ireland at the 27th meeting of the U.S.-Ireland Research and Development Partnership Steering Group. Begin Text: Officials from the United States, Ireland, and Northern Ireland gathered on March 14 at the Department of State for the 27th meeting of the U.S.-Ireland Research and Development Partnership (U.S.-I R&D Partnership) Steering Group. Jason Donovan, Director of the Office of Science & Technology Cooperation at the U.S. Department of State, chaired the meeting, while Professor Mark Ferguson for Ireland, and Noel Lavery for Northern Ireland served as co-chairs. The U.S.-I R&D Partnership discussions covered collaboration in research and development areas including:  nanoscale science and engineering, sensors and sensor networks, telecommunications, energy and sustainability, cybersecurity, health, and agriculture. Participants also discussed further areas of mutual interest for future co-operation, including potential supports to help commercialize the research stemming from the Partnership. The United States, Ireland, and Northern Ireland have strong trilateral cooperation in research and development.  To date over 86 transnational research projects have been successfully undertaken.  Meeting attendees also had the opportunity to hear from three U.S.-I R&D Partnership projects. On behalf of the United States, U.S. co-chair Jason Donovan delivered welcome remarks.  The U.S. delegation included Sarah Scharf, Regional Program Director with the National Institutes of Health; Kristin Kuyuk, Associate Program Manager at the National Science Foundation; Dr. Barry Johnson, Division Director National Science Foundation; and Dr. Linda Molnar, Program Director and Dr. Justin Bredlau from the United States Department of Agriculture. Co-chair and Professor Mark Ferguson, who is also Chair of the Board of the European Innovation Council for the European Commission, delivered remarks on behalf of Ireland. The delegation from Ireland included Professor Philip Nolan, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland; Dr Mairead O’Driscoll, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Research Boards; and Dr. Karl Walsh, Head of the Research & CODEX Division in the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. Co-chair Mr. Noel Lavery delivered remarks on behalf of Northern Ireland. The delegation from Northern Ireland included Mark Lee, Director of Tertiary Education Reform at the Department for the Economy; Professor Ian Young, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department of Health and Director of Research and Development for Health and Social Care; and Dr. Alistair Carson, Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs. Representatives from InterTradeIreland, the cross-border Trade and Business Development Body established under the Belfast Good Friday Agreement in 1998 which supports the U.S.-I R&D Partnership, were also in attendance. For media enquiries please contact OES-PA-DG@State.gov. End Text. Announcing the March Madness Sports Visitor Exchange with Serbian Basketball Coaches 03/17/2023 Announcing the March Madness Sports Visitor Exchange with Serbian Basketball Coaches 03/17/2023 12:04 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson With March Madness – the annual collegiate basketball tournament that crowns a national champion in the United States – heating up, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announced today that, as part of its broader efforts to empower women and girls through sport, 14 club and federation basketball coaches from Serbia will travel to Louisville, Kentucky and Dallas, Texas from March 21 – April 4 to engage with their American counterparts, civil society, the University of Louisville, and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Conference, which is hosted on the margins of the NCAA Women’s Final Four. While in the United States, these Serbian girls’ basketball coaches will participate in trainings and roundtable discussions on Title IX, the landmark U.S. civil rights law that afforded women and girls an equal playing field through education and sport; mental health; disability rights; and inclusivity in sport. Sports diplomacy is a public diplomacy tool that provides a gateway for engagement for the United States with audiences and communities beyond the reaches of government-to-government relations.  The Sports Visitor Program brings non-elite youth athletes, coaches, and administrators to the United States and pairs them with their American counterparts, on the court and in the community.  Through these grassroots sports exchange programs, international exchange participants can experience U.S. culture, engage with the American people, and explore shared commonalities as well as differences on a variety of issues, including leadership, conflict resolution, democratic values, and public service. For U.S. Department of State press inquiries, contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs: ECA-Press@state.gov.  To learn more about Bureau’s sports diplomacy efforts, follow on Facebook (@SportsDiplomacyDivision) and Twitter (@SportsDiplomacy). Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with Italian MFA Secretary General Guariglia 03/17/2023 Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with Italian MFA Secretary General Guariglia 03/17/2023 03:46 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke via phone today with Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary General Riccardo Guariglia.  The Deputy Secretary thanked Ambassador Guariglia for Italy’s contributions to peace and security in the Mediterranean.  They discussed shared concerns about Tunisia’s economic and political reforms and the need to find a comprehensive solution to the Mediterranean migration crisis.  The United States continues to support the Tunisian people’s aspirations for a democratic and accountable government that protects human rights and fundamental freedoms.