Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
10/16/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
10/16/2023 08:19 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke via phone today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The two discussed diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict from widening and to minimize the humanitarian costs of the war. The Secretary reiterated the need for Hamas to halt all violent attacks and free hostages immediately. The Secretary welcomed Turkiye’s constructive engagement.
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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Israel Under Attack Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip Turkey
Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery Pritzker and Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs O’Brien Travel to Ukraine
10/16/2023
Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery Pritzker and Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs O’Brien Travel to Ukraine
10/16/2023 01:29 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker and Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien traveled to Ukraine today to meet with the private sector and senior Ukrainian officials to demonstrate the United States’ steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, democracy, and economic recovery, especially in the face of Russia’s aggression. While in Ukraine, they met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and others from the government and discussed private sector engagement in Ukraine’s future recovery.
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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Russia Ukraine
Acting Special Coordinator for PGI Matza’s Travel to Angola, Zambia, DRC, and Belgium
10/16/2023
Acting Special Coordinator for PGI Matza’s Travel to Angola, Zambia, DRC, and Belgium
10/16/2023 04:50 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Acting Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Helaina Matza will travel to Luanda, Angola; Lusaka, Zambia; Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Brussels, Belgium October 16-26 to advance ongoing PGI-led investments developing the Lobito Corridor and the Zambia-Lobito greenfield railway—a transformative economic link connecting the African continent from west to east via rail through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia and Angola.
During her trip, Acting Special Coordinator Matza will also attend the European Union’s Global Gateway Forum which will bring together government representatives, the private sector, civil society members, financing institutions, and international organizations to discuss global infrastructure investment and opportunities for collaboration.
Senior Coordinator for Atlantic Cooperation Lapenn’s Travel to the United Kingdom, Morocco, and France
10/17/2023
Senior Coordinator for Atlantic Cooperation Lapenn’s Travel to the United Kingdom, Morocco, and France
10/17/2023 03:21 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Ambassador Jessye Lapenn, Senior Coordinator for Atlantic Cooperation, will travel to the United Kingdom, Morocco, and France October 18-26. She will participate in events hosted by Chatham House, the German Marshall Fund, and the Policy Center for the New South.
The Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, launched on September 18, 2023, currently includes 33 Atlantic countries. This new multilateral forum brings together an unprecedented number of coastal Atlantic countries across Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean to engage in collective problem-solving and uphold a set of shared principles for Atlantic cooperation.
Under Secretary Jenkins Travels to Brussels
10/18/2023
Under Secretary Jenkins Travels to Brussels
10/18/2023 04:53 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins will travel to Brussels, Belgium October 19-20, 2023, to continue to promote and discuss U.S. priorities on arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament. While in Brussels, the Under Secretary will hold meetings at NATO Headquarters, co-lead the NATO Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation Committee, and meet with the EU counterparts.
Acting Deputy Secretary Nuland’s Meeting with Nordic and Baltic Political Directors
10/19/2023
Acting Deputy Secretary Nuland’s Meeting with Nordic and Baltic Political Directors
10/19/2023 08:27 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Acting Deputy Secretary Victoria Nuland led the U.S. delegation that met with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden on the 20th anniversary of the Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe (EPINE) framework.
Acting Deputy Secretary Nuland and her Nordic and Baltic counterparts reviewed regional and global priorities. They agreed on the importance of continued support to Ukraine, keeping pressure on Russia to end its brutal war against Ukraine, welcoming Sweden’s accession to NATO as soon as possible, and strengthening European energy security. Participants discussed Hamas’ appalling terrorist attacks on Israel and the need to support Israel’s right to defend itself against these heinous attacks.
Designating Milorad Dodik’s Patronage Network in the Western Balkans
10/20/2023
Designating Milorad Dodik’s Patronage Network in the Western Balkans
10/20/2023 10:58 AM EDT
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on individuals and entities comprising part of the patronage network of Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik. The Department of the Treasury has taken action against two individuals and four entities, including Dodik’s two adult children, Igor and Gorica Dodik. This network facilitates Dodik’s leading role in undermining the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement and the authority of the High Representative, as well as perpetuating deeply entrenched corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). This network also reinforces the country’s patronage-based economy, thereby inhibiting critically important economic growth and opportunity for BiH citizens.
U.S.-designated Dodik – a leading voice of genocide denial and driver of the deepening divisions and political impasse in the country – has misused his official government position to accumulate personal wealth through graft, bribery, and other forms of corruption.
Most recently, Dodik pushed for the passage of a June 2023 RS National Assembly law that purports to declare the decisions of the BiH Constitutional Court and those of the High Representative inapplicable in the RS, thus obstructing implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. Dodik signed the law into effect in July, despite the High Representative’s action to annul the law, which led the Court of BiH to indict Dodik for ignoring these decisions.
Today’s designations aim to disrupt elements of the financial network that personally enriches and enables Dodik at the expense of the territorial integrity and functional governance of BiH, along with the general economic wellbeing of the RS.
These actions build on prior U.S. sanctions and visa restrictions to promote accountability for persons who engage in corruption and undermine democratic processes or institutions in the region. They are part of the U.S. government’s wider efforts to promote peace, stability, and functional democratic governance in the Western Balkans.
The Department of the Treasury’s actions are being taken pursuant to Western Balkans-related E.O. 14033. For more information on these designations, see Treasury’s press release .
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Spanish Foreign Minister Albares
10/23/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Spanish Foreign Minister Albares
10/23/2023 07:00 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares to discuss Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel. The Secretary called for the release of all hostages. The Secretary reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself and continued engagement with regional partners to prevent the spread of conflict. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed ongoing humanitarian assistance efforts and affirmed continued coordination to enable Palestinians in need to have sustained and safe access to aid. He welcomed continued Spanish engagement together with other European allies, particularly as Spain holds the Council of the EU presidency, toward our shared goal of ending Hamas’ violence and protecting civilians.
U.S.-Japan-ROK Joint Statement Condemning DPRK-Russia Arms Transfers
10/26/2023
U.S.-Japan-ROK Joint Statement Condemning DPRK-Russia Arms Transfers
10/25/2023 10:12 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The text of the following statement was released by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Park Jin.
Begin Text:
The United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) strongly condemn the provision of military equipment and munitions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the Russian Federation for use against the government and people of Ukraine. Such weapons deliveries, several of which we now confirm have been completed, will significantly increase the human toll of Russia’s war of aggression. We will continue to work together with the international community to expose Russia’s attempts to acquire military equipment from the DPRK. In the face of Russia’s attempt to prolong the war with assistance from the DPRK, we remain resolved to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and its efforts to counter the effects of Russia’s war of aggression.
In return for its support to Russia, the DPRK is seeking military assistance to advance its own military capabilities. We are monitoring closely for any materials that Russia provides to the DPRK in support of Pyongyang’s military objectives. We emphasize that arms transfers to or from the DPRK – as well as the transfer to the DPRK of certain items and technical cooperation related to the DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction, ballistic missile, or conventional weapons programs, – would violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Russia itself voted for the UN Security Council resolutions that contain these restrictions.
In addition, we are deeply concerned about the potential for any transfer of nuclear- or ballistic missile-related technology to the DPRK. Such transfers would jeopardize the ongoing efforts of the international community to keep sensitive technologies out of the hands of actors who are working to destabilize regional security, threaten peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as well as across the globe, and necessitate renewed efforts to respond appropriately across all elements of our national power to the advancing DPRK WMD threat.
The United States, Japan, and the ROK stand together, resolute in our opposition to arms transfers and related military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia and the deleterious effect such actions have on global security and nonproliferation. We urge the DPRK and Russia to abide by relevant UN Security Council resolutions and immediately cease all activities that violate them.
End Text.
Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
10/26/2023
Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine
10/26/2023 12:19 PM EDT
Today, the United States is announcing a new tranche of weapons and equipment to help Ukraine succeed on the battlefield and protect its people from Russia’s brutal invasion.
This new package of arms and equipment includes air defense, artillery, anti-tank, and other capabilities which will further enhance Ukraine’s capacity to defend its territory against Russian offensives while continuing its counter-offensive against Russia’s forces. Ukraine’s forces are fighting bravely to reclaim territory seized by Russia’s forces, and this additional support will help them continue making progress. This package provides $150 million of arms and equipment authorized under previously directed drawdowns for Ukraine.
Russia started this war and could end it at any time by withdrawing its forces from Ukraine and stopping its brutal attacks, which continue to take the lives of innocent people. Until it does, the United States and the coalition we have built of more than 50 nations will continue to stand with Ukraine, and we will continue to work with Congress to help Ukraine secure its future – a future in which its people rebuild and live safely in a resilient and thriving democracy.
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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Human Rights and Democracy Office of the Spokesperson Russia The Secretary of State Ukraine
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Elizabeth Allen’s Travel to Norway, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic
10/27/2023
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Elizabeth Allen’s Travel to Norway, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic
10/27/2023 08:27 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Liz Allen will travel to Norway, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic from October 27 through November 3, 2023, to deepen transatlantic cooperation on shared priorities – including our support for Ukraine amidst Russia’s war of aggression, security in the Arctic and Black Sea regions, and countering foreign malign influence.
In Tromsø, Norway, Under Secretary Allen will attend the opening ceremony of the American Presence Post, the United States’ northernmost diplomatic post, and meet with Norwegian State Secretary Eivind Vad Petersson and Tromsø Mayor Gunnar Wilhelmsen. Her trip will underscore how the United States is working with Norway to enhance security, champion sustainable development, and combat climate change in the Arctic, as laid out in the President’s Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for the Arctic Region.
In Sofia, Bulgaria, Under Secretary Allen will meet with Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel to advance our partnership on addressing information manipulation and broader efforts to bolster our bilateral ties as we mark 120 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Bulgaria. While in Sofia, she also will launch a nearly $900,000 U.S. government-funded program, in collaboration with the Poynter Institute, to advance media literacy. To demonstrate support for NATO ally Bulgaria and solidarity with Ukraine, she will also travel to the coastal city of Varna to discuss Black Sea security issues with Bulgarian Naval leadership and visit a U.S.-supported center assisting displaced Ukrainian refugees.
Finally, in Prague, Czech Republic, Under Secretary Allen will meet with Czech officials and participate in the Transatlantic Policy Forum. Her conversations will focus on our strong partnership with the Czech Republic in support of Ukraine, the ongoing crisis between Israel and Hamas, and countering foreign malign influence. She will also meet with journalists at the headquarters of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, speak with students at Charles University, and participate in a roundtable discussion with Czech women foreign policy leaders.
Assistant Secretary O’Brien’s Travel to Malta, Italy, and the United Kingdom
10/27/2023
Assistant Secretary O’Brien’s Travel to Malta, Italy, and the United Kingdom
10/27/2023 04:21 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien is traveling to Valletta, Malta; Rome, Italy; and London, United Kingdom October 26-31. In Malta, he will attend Ukraine’s third meeting under the Peace Formula discussions, following similar meetings in Copenhagen and Jeddah. Assistant Secretary O’Brien will also meet with Maltese government officials to discuss regional security, energy security, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas.
In Rome and London, Assistant Secretary O’Brien will meet with Italian and UK government officials to discuss European security, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and PRC threats to the rules-based international order. He will discuss the security situation in the Middle East and our shared support of Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism. He will also discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza and our continued commitment to coordinating with partners in the region to ensure sustained and safe access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance required to meet humanitarian needs. In Rome, he will also discuss Italy’s upcoming G7 presidency.
Czech Republic National Day
10/28/2023
Czech Republic National Day
10/28/2023 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I offer my sincere congratulations to the people and government of the Czech Republic as you celebrate the 105th anniversary of the founding of a free and democratic Czechoslovakia.
Our nations share a deep friendship and an abiding commitment to democracy and the rule of law. We stand united in our support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression. The Czech Republic has demonstrated that commitment through close military cooperation, humanitarian assistance, support for refugees and its efforts to ensure the transit of Ukrainian grain to feed a hungry world. The United States is grateful for your courage and leadership.
The values we share have led to collaboration and progress on other critical international issues. Together, we are creating clean energy solutions to address the climate crisis, deepening international cooperation in space through the Artemis Accords, and investing in the security of NATO’s Eastern Flank.
I wish you a wonderful National Day. I look forward to strengthening our bonds of friendship and alliance to the benefit of our peoples and the region.
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