U.S. Department of State, update

Assistant Secretary Stewart Travels to United Kingdom and Finland
11/17/2024


Assistant Secretary Stewart Travels to United Kingdom and Finland
11/17/2024 10:50 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Assistant Secretary for Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability, Mallory Stewart will travel to London, United Kingdom, and Helsinki, Finland, from November 18-22. During her visit, Assistant Secretary Stewart will participate in key discussions on arms control, nuclear deterrence, emerging threats, and regional stability.

In London, Assistant Secretary Stewart will engage in a Track 1.5 dialogue hosted by the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), alongside representatives from NATO, the U.S. government, and non-governmental experts. The discussion will focus on NATO’s efforts to advance arms control in the current security environment, with an emphasis on strengthening multilateral arms control regimes.

In Helsinki, Assistant Secretary Stewart will hold bilateral meetings with senior officials and participate in a roundtable discussion held by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA) on the importance of international norms, with a focus on space security and responsible military use of AI.

This visit underscores the U.S. commitment to strengthening international partnerships and advancing global security through diplomacy, arms control, and strategic deterrence.




Latvia National Day
11/18/2024

Latvia National Day
11/18/2024 12:01 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the American people, I warmly congratulate Latvia on the 106th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia.

For over a century, our countries have shared an enduring friendship. The United States has always stood firm in its commitment to Latvia’s sovereignty. This year, we celebrated both the 20th anniversary of Latvia’s accession to NATO and the 75th anniversary of the NATO Alliance—clear indicators of the strength and durability of our commitment. Latvia’s leadership in supporting Ukraine and its investments in defense demonstrate its role as a model NATO Ally, enhancing not only its own security but the collective strength of the Alliance.

Latvia’s unwavering dedication to our shared values, the safeguarding of democratic institutions, and a world free, open, and at peace are crucial to ensuring security and stability.

The United States deeply values our lasting partnership with Latvia. Together, we enhance the security and prosperity of our nations and uphold democracy and human rights. I greatly appreciate our friendship and wish you a joyful anniversary.




Deputy Secretary of State Verma’s Meeting with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kondov
11/18/2024

Deputy Secretary of State Verma’s Meeting with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kondov
11/18/2024 02:16 PM EST



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Deputy Secretary of State Verma’s Meeting with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kondov


Media Note





November 18, 2024



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma met with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov today in Sofia. Deputy Secretary Verma thanked Minister Kondov for Bulgaria’s continued support for Ukraine and highlighted progress on bilateral priorities, including combatting foreign information manipulation. He underscored the importance of continued support for Ukraine and its freedom from Russia’s aggression.


Follow Deputy Secretary of State Verma on Instagram and X: @DepSecStateMR



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Bulgaria Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel


Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues Finkenauer’s Travel to Switzerland
11/18/2024

Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues Finkenauer’s Travel to Switzerland
11/18/2024 08:57 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson
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Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues Finkenauer’s Travel to Switzerland


Media Note





November 18, 2024



The U.S. Department of State’s Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues, Abby Finkenauer, will visit Switzerland from November 19-22 to highlight the importance of youth leadership and inspire the next generation of changemakers.


During her time in Bern, Special Envoy Finkenauer will engage with several Swiss youth parliaments, youth leaders, and the U.S. Embassy Youth Council, a Department of State initiative that connects emerging young leaders to promote civic engagement and address challenges such as countering disinformation.


Special Envoy Finkenauer will also visit Pepperdine University’s Hauteville campus in Blonay-Saint-Légier to meet with undergraduate students, including those in the Global Fellows Program, to discuss leadership and sustainability.


Additionally, she will meet with students from local secondary schools and universities to hear their perspectives on innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. For more information on the trip, follow along on Instagram, X, and Facebook.



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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of Global Youth Issues Office of the Spokesperson Science, Technology, and Innovation Switzerland Youth Programs


Monaco’s National Day
11/19/2024



Monaco’s National Day
11/19/2024 12:02 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
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Monaco’s National Day


Press Statement





November 19, 2024



On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of Monaco on the occasion of La Fête du Prince.


The United States and Monaco have enjoyed a strong and enduring partnership for 168 years. Our nations have worked together to uphold human rights, promote liberty, and address global challenges like climate change. I commend H.S.H. Prince Albert II’s leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development, which continues to inspire and drive international efforts.


As we celebrate this special day, I am confident our collaboration will grow even stronger – grounded in our shared values and commitment to democracy, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law – as we work together to create a better world for our citizens and future generations.


Warmest wishes to the people of Monaco for a joyous, peaceful, and prosperous year ahead.



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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Monaco Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State


The United States Announces Significant New Military Assistance for Ukraine
11/20/2024


The United States Announces Significant New Military Assistance for Ukraine
11/20/2024 04:31 PM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
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The United States Announces Significant New Military Assistance for Ukraine


Press Statement





November 20, 2024



As part of the surge in security assistance that President Biden announced on September 26, the United States is providing another significant package of urgently needed weapons and equipment to our Ukrainian partners as they defend against Russia’s ongoing attacks. This additional assistance, provided under previously exercised Presidential Drawdown Authority from Department of Defense stocks, is valued at $275 million. It includes ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition; 81mm and 60mm mortar rounds; Electrical equipment for F-16 support; Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missiles; Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems; Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS); Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) protective equipment; non-persistent anti-personnel landmines; Small arms and training equipment; Demolitions equipment and munitions; and spare parts, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.


We will continue to provide Ukraine the support it needs to succeed on the battlefield and prevail in its defense against Russia’s aggression.



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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Political-Military Cooperation The Secretary of State Ukraine


Secretary Blinken to Deliver Remarks at the 2024 OSAC Annual Briefing
11/20/2024
Secretary Blinken to Deliver Remarks at the 2024 OSAC Annual Briefing
11/20/2024 05:23 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson
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Secretary Blinken to Deliver Remarks at the 2024 OSAC Annual Briefing


Notice to the Press





November 20, 2024



Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will deliver remarks at the 2024 Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Annual Briefing on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 9:05 a.m. ET in Arlington, VA.


The OSAC Annual Briefing brings together approximately 1,200 security executives from U.S. organizations operating abroad, including Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and academia. This year OSAC is celebrating the end of its 39-year tenure as a federal advisory committee and the creation of a formal Public-Private Partnership. This transition will elevate the partnership between the private sector and the Department of State and reinforce the Department’s resolute commitment to the security of U.S. private sector and business operations abroad.


The Secretary’s remarks will be covered by a press pool and livestreamed on the Department homepage and the Department YouTube channel.


For further information, please contact DS-Press@state.gov.



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Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Maritime Security Oceans Office of the Spokesperson


Sanctions to Curtail Russia’s Use of the International Financial System
11/21/2024

Sanctions to Curtail Russia’s Use of the International Financial System
11/21/2024 10:56 AM EST



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

The United States is today imposing sanctions on 118 individuals and entities that operate in Russia’s financial services sector and support the Kremlin’s war effort. These targets include Gazprombank, Russia’s largest remaining bank not previously blocked by the United States, dozens of additional Russian banks still maintaining ties to the international financial system, and individual Russian banking officials. The Department of the Treasury is also issuing an alert describing sanctions risks related to joining Russia’s System for Transfer of Financial Messages, which the Kremlin created and uses to evade sanctions.

Today’s action reaffirms the U.S. commitment to curtail Russia’s ability to use the international financial system to conduct its war against Ukraine and disrupts Russia’s attempts to make cross-border payments for dual-use goods and military materiel. We will continue to take all appropriate actions to promote accountability for those who enable or profit from Russia’s illegal war.

The Department of the Treasury is taking these actions pursuant to Executive Order 14024. For more information on today’s action, see Treasury’s press release.




Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Italy for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
11/22/2024


Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Italy for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
11/22/2024 08:07 AM EST



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
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Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Italy for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting


Press Statement





November 22, 2024



Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Anagni and Fiuggi, Italy and Vatican City from November 23-27. In Anagni and Fiuggi, the Secretary will attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to discuss a range of issues with partners, including conflicts in the Middle East, Russia’s war against Ukraine, Indo-Pacific security, and the ongoing crises in both Haiti and Sudan. Following the meeting, Secretary Blinken will travel to Vatican City for a meeting with Pope Francis, Cardinal Parolin, and Cardinal Gallagher to discuss pressing international concerns, including the Middle East and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.



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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Italy Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip The Secretary of State


The Week at State: November 15 – November 21, 2024
11/22/2024


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November 15 – November 21

This weekend, Secretary Blinken will travel to Italy for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and to meet with Pope Francis and Holy See officials.

Here’s what happened at State this past week. ⤵️✈️ Secretary Blinken traveled to Peru and Brazil.
🇧🇷 President Biden became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest.
🌳 We announced new initiatives to combat the climate crisis at COP29.


Advancing Peace, Security, and Regional Prosperity in the Western Hemisphere

Secretary Blinken joined President Biden in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. There, they focused on the fight against hunger and poverty, energy transition and sustainable development, and reforming global governance institutions.

Secretary Blinken also met with his counterparts to discuss:The situation in the Middle East, efforts to bring the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon to an end, and the need to release all hostages.
U.S. support for the Venezuelan people and sustained international pressure on Venezuela’s government to recognize Edmundo González as president-elect.
Heeding the Haitian transitional government’s request to turn the Multinational Security Support mission into a UN peacekeeping operation.


President Biden Announces Historic Climate Funding for the Amazon

The fight to protect our planet is a fight for humanity.

On November 17, President Biden became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest.

While there, President Biden announced new U.S.-led efforts to protect biodiversity, tackle the climate crisis, and conserve lands and waters. Those include: Contributing $50 million to the Amazon Fund.
Launching the Brazil Restoration and Bioeconomy Finance Coalition.
Announcing a new U.S. International Development Finance Corporation investment in the largest reforestation projects.

The U.S. is the top provider of climate finance worldwide.

“Our forests and national wonders are the heart and soul of the world,” President Biden said on X/Twitter. “Let’s preserve them, for our time and forever, for the benefit of all humanity.”


The U.S. Advances Global Climate Action at COP29

At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) where final negotiations were still underway, the U.S. made significant announcements underscoring the impact and durability of our leadership on a global response to climate change.

During COP29, the U.S.:Surpassed President Biden’s pledge to deliver $11 billion annually by 2024 to fight climate change.
Announced new actions to tackle methane and other super pollutants.
Highlighted progress made by a coalition of countries that have pledged to triple nuclear energy capacity from 2020 levels by 2050. Six additional countries joined this coalition at COP29.

“We don't have to choose between the environment and the economy,” President Biden said on X/Twitter, following a visit to Brazil's Amazon rainforest. “You can do both. We've proven it.”


Continuing Economic Cooperation at APEC

Strong economic ties with the Asia-Pacific are key to global economic growth.

While meeting with leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Secretary Blinken reaffirmed our commitment to working with fellow member economies to continue economic cooperation efforts across the region.

Our public and private sectors continue to deliver for APEC economies as its members represent: 40 percent of the world’s people
50 percent of global trade
60 percent of GDP

“By partnering together, we can build more inclusive economies with greater opportunity for all our people,” the Secretary said on X/Twitter.


Working with Allies to Support Ukraine

During visits to Ukraine and with leaders in Europe, Deputy Secretary Richard Verma reaffirmed our work for the stability and security of our Euro-Atlantic allies.

In meetings with Ukrainian officials, Deputy Secretary Verma discussed meaningful steps for significant security and economic assistance, and the importance of diplomatic outreach to our allies.

We also announced a new $275 million package of assistance for our Ukrainian partners as they defend against Russia’s ongoing attacks.

“Our strong Alliance continues to support Ukraine in its efforts to defend against Russia’s aggression and prosper despite the odds,” Deputy Secretary Verma said on X/Twitter.


Opening Doors to International Students

Over 1.1 million students from around the world studied in the United States last year, a record high. India and China are the two largest origin countries, comprising 54 percent of the total.

During International Education Week, we celebrated the talents, perspectives, and cultures that international students bring to U.S. communities. We also caught up with international students at George Mason University.

"The State Department and our partners are committed to expanding opportunities to study in the United States – and to diversifying the ranks of students we send overseas," Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter.


News You May Have MissedSecretary Blinken spoke at the Overseas Security Advisory Council Annual Briefing. OSAC’s mission is to make it safer for Americans to advance our shared interests around the world.
We sanctioned six Hamas leaders who facilitated the transfer of weapons and funds to Gaza in support of the group’s terrorist activities.
The U.S. strongly condemned the sentences announced in Hong Kong’s National Security Law trial.
We sanctioned additional violent Israeli individuals and entities.
We advocated for the dignity and human rights of transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming persons globally on Transgender Day of Remembrance.
President Biden proclaimed November 17, the day he visited the Amazon rainforest, as International Conservation Day.

🔎 Looking AheadNovember 25-26: G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Italy
November 28: Thanksgiving
November 29: Native American Heritage Day
November 30: Small Business Saturday
👉 Note to Our Readers

We welcome your feedback on this newsletter. Send us your thoughts to EmailTeam@state.gov. 📩



Useful linksTravel advisories and updates on international travel for U.S. Citizens from the Department of State
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Joint Statement on U.S.-Mauritania Energy Security Dialogue
11/22/2024

Joint Statement on U.S.-Mauritania Energy Security Dialogue
11/22/2024 02:55 PM EST

Office of the Spokesperson
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Joint Statement on U.S.-Mauritania Energy Security Dialogue


Media Note





November 22, 2024



The text of the following statement was released by the governments of the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on the occasion of the second U.S.-Mauritania Energy Security Dialogue on November 21, 2024.


Begin text:


The governments of the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania held their second Energy Security Dialogue on November 21 to consolidate advances and explore new opportunities for collaboration and partnership in the energy sector. The Mauritanian government outlined its energy sector plans including regulatory improvements to facilitate its energy transition goals.  The United States detailed ongoing technical cooperation in the electricity sector and provided updates on support to advance Mauritania’s sustainable critical mineral governance and development through the State Department’s Energy and Mineral Governance Program.  The Energy Security Dialogue included a session with U.S. energy companies in the hydrocarbon and renewable energy sectors, where participants discussed improvements to Mauritania’s investment climate and steps that can be taken to unlock additional opportunities.  The United States congratulated Mauritania on progress with its offshore gas development and both governments emphasized their desire to increase bilateral commercial ties across the energy sector, noting Mauritania’s emergence as a significant gas producer.


The two sides also reviewed achievements since the inaugural Energy Security Dialogue in 2022, such as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Clean Energy Cooperation signed during COP28, the ongoing techno-economic analysis (TEA) conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for decarbonized iron and steel production, the State Department’s Power Sector Program training held in Nouakchott in April 2024, the U.S. Embassy-led trade mission to the 2024 Offshore Technology Conference, and a technical agreement on mining governance.


The Dialogue was chaired for the United States by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Kimberly Harrington and co-chaired for Mauritania by Minister of Energy and Petroleum Mohamed Khaled, and Minister of Mines and Industry Tidjani Thiam. With interagency participation from both countries, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West African Affairs Michael Heath, U.S. Charge d’Affaires John T. Ice also delivered opening remarks, and Coordinator Richard Nelson spoke on behalf of Power Africa. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt, who traveled to Nouakchott in July 2024 for the inauguration of President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, concluded the event.


End text.


For further media information, please contact ENR-PD-Clearances@state.gov.



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Under Secretary Jenkins Travels to The Hague and Vienna
11/22/2024


Under Secretary Jenkins Travels to The Hague and Vienna
11/22/2024 06:32 PM EST



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Under Secretary Jenkins Travels to The Hague and Vienna


Media Note





November 22, 2024



Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins will travel to The Hague, Netherlands and Vienna, Austria from November 23-28.


While in The Hague, she will participate in the Twenty-Ninth Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-29) of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Under Secretary Jenkins will deliver the U.S. national statement to underscore the United States’ commitment to upholding the Chemical Weapons Convention and promote accountability for the use of chemical weapons. Under Secretary Jenkins will also meet with members of civil society on the margins of the conference to discuss opportunities and challenges for pursuing a world free of chemical weapons.


In Vienna, the Under Secretary will lead the U.S. delegation to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications, and the Technical Cooperation Program. The Ministerial will focus on efforts to promote peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology to advance progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Under Secretary Jenkins will lead a side event organized by the Department of State exploring synergies between U.S. programs on climate change and sustainable development and the IAEA’s flagship peaceful uses initiatives. She also will participate in a side event on leveraging Nuclear Science to Improve Women’s Health and Economic Empowerment, organized by the Government of Kenya and the Women’s Health and Economic Empowerment Network (WHEN).


For further information, please follow @UnderSecT on X.



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Bosnia and Herzegovina Statehood Day
11/25/2024



Bosnia and Herzegovina Statehood Day
11/25/2024 12:03 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
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Bosnia and Herzegovina Statehood Day


Press Statement





November 25, 2024



On behalf of the United States of America, I warmly congratulate the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the anniversary of your statehood.


The United States values its deep and broad partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are dedicated to upholding Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multiethnic character. Our commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stability and prosperity remains strong, and we will continue to champion your country’s Euro-Atlantic integration.


As you commemorate this important day, I urge all leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to work towards unity and a brighter future for all citizens. The United States stands with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in our shared pursuit of peace, prosperity, and security.


May this Statehood Day be a source of inspiration and a testament to the resilience and determination of your nation.



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Bosnia and Herzegovina Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State


Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Visit to World Food Program Headquarters
11/25/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Visit to World Food Program Headquarters
11/25/2024 06:39 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Rome, Italy

World Food Program Headquarters

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, thank you. Thank you. It’s wonderful to be here. I’ve had the opportunity over many years to be engaged on behalf of the U.S. Government with the World Food Program. The United States is very proud to be the leading contributor by far to the World Food Program, and I think it’s a recognition of the fact that we see around the world, both in the places that you mentioned and so many other places, that on the one hand conflict is a driver of food insecurity and the suffering that follows, but food insecurity can also be a driver of conflict. And no one is doing more than the World Food Program to try to cut that knot and to address the urgent needs of so many people around the world, but in so doing also help alleviate or prevent conflict.

For the United States, this – you are a vital partner, and this is true for countries around the world. Overall we remain by far the largest provider of humanitarian assistance in the world, but as I said, for the World Food Program in particular we’re proud to be the number one contributor. So I was anxious, being in Rome for this G7, to have an opportunity to hear directly from you, from people who are on the front lines, to hear what the most pressing needs are, what we can do in the United States to help you address those needs to make the program even more effective.

So I’m really grateful for this opportunity today, but, more to the point, grateful for what you’re doing every single day. We were just down at the memorial wall, and it’s a stark reminder that the extraordinary men and women of the World Food Program are putting their lives on the line every single day to help those who are in urgent need. And I can’t tell you how grateful we are for that, how much we appreciate it, and how much we’re determined to work hand in hand with you going forward to try to address the needs of so many people around the world. Thanks for having us today.




Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani Before Their Meeting
11/26/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani Before Their Meeting
11/26/2024 07:05 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Fiuggi, Italy

PalaCongressi

FOREIGN MINISTER TAJANI: Start?

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Please.

FOREIGN MINISTER TAJANI: (Via Translation) The United States is our main ally in the world. We have excellent relations. We collaborate and share a common perspective on major international issues. We stand together in NATO at a political level, and our military forces work side by side to ensure peace and stability in the world.

We share a common vision of the situation in the Middle East. We are working for peace. We hope that a ceasefire in Lebanon can be achieved soon and are also working toward a ceasefire in Gaza, with a vision for the “day after.” We also have a shared perspective on defending freedom and democracy in Ukraine. Together, we work for peace—a just peace that means freedom, not surrender, for Kyiv.

For us, transatlantic relations are proceeding in the right direction, and I thank Secretary of State Blinken for his cooperation with us over the years. We will continue to work with him. We will continue to work with the United States because our relationship is so strong that it is not tied to any particular government. We are friends with the United States.

I truly thank Tony for everything he has done and is doing to strengthen the bond between Rome and Washington.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, thank you, my friend, and I think I can simply say that I subscribe to everything the foreign minister said. Simply put, the relationship, the partnership between Italy and the United States, has never been stronger. And that’s a tribute to Italy’s leadership. It’s a tribute to the strong leadership of Prime Minister Meloni, my friend the foreign minister, and we see that of course through Italy’s G7 year. I couldn’t be more grateful for the collaboration.

Our countries are standing together along with other partners to deal with the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine. We’re standing together to deal with some of the challenges posed by China. We’re standing together in looking to bring a sustainable, lasting peace in the Middle East. We’re standing together in looking to what we can do to address the needs and the interests of the global majority countries.

In these areas and so many more, Italy, the United States, our G7 partners are the strongest of collaborators. And again, so much of this is thanks to the great leadership we’ve seen here with the foreign minister and the prime minister. Thank you, my friend.

FOREIGN MINISTER TAJANI: Thank you. Thank you very much.




Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Tajani
11/26/2024


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Tajani
11/26/2024 09:31 AM EST



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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Tajani


Readout





November 26, 2024



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani today and congratulated Italy on a successful G7 host year. They discussed the situation in Lebanon and the ongoing efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution that allows civilians to safely return home. They also shared concerns on growing humanitarian assistance needs in Lebanon. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring critical humanitarian aid is delivered to Gaza and the need to end the conflict in Gaza and bring the hostages home. They also discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including implications of Russia’s decision to introduce DPRK troops into its war on Ukraine.



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Digital Press Briefing: President Biden’s Visit to Angola
11/26/2024
Digital Press Briefing: President Biden’s Visit to Angola
11/26/2024 11:57 AM EST



Dr. Frances Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council

Helaina R. Matza, Acting Special CoordinatorOffice of the U.S. Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment

Audio – Digital Press Briefing: President Biden’s Visit to Angola

MODERATOR: Good afternoon to everyone from the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Regional Media Hub. I welcome our participants logging in from across the continent and thank all of you for joining us. Today, we are very pleased to be joined by Dr. Frances Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council, and Helaina R. Matza, Acting Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) at the U.S. Department of State.

Our speakers will preview President Biden’s December 2nd through 4th visit to Angola and will highlight how this visit builds on his bilateral meeting with President Lourenço in November 2023, the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit in December 2022, and President Lourenço’s visit to the United States in 2021. The visit underscores the United States’ continued commitment to African partners, including developing on – delivering on commercial infrastructure investment across the region and how collaborating to solve shared challenges delivers for the people of the United States and people across the African continent.

We will begin today’s briefing with opening remarks from Dr. Frances Brown and Acting Special Coordinator Matza, then we will turn to your questions. We will try to get to as many of your questions as we can during the briefing.

And with that, I will turn it over to Dr. Frances Brown and Acting Special Coordinator Matza for their opening remarks.

DR BROWN: Great, thank you so much. It’s a real pleasure to be here with all of you. I’ll just briefly kick it off and then I’ll turn it over to Helaina as well.

So by now you have all heard President Biden is traveling to Angola. We are excited about this trip, and most importantly, President Biden is excited about this trip. So I’ll provide a few thoughts on how the trip fits into the administration’s approach to Africa that we’ve put forward over the past four years, then I’ll speak a little bit more specifically on the trip plans before turning it over to Helaina, who will cover the PGI components.

So as many of you may know, earlier in this administration, the Biden-Harris administration, released a U.S. Africa Strategy. That strategy talks about how it’s impossible to meet this era’s defining challenges without African contributions and leadership. President Biden also often talks about building relationships with African countries that rise to meet the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century together. So you will hear a lot about those themes throughout the visit.

I imagine a lot of you followed the Africa Leaders’ Summit which occurred at the end of 2022. At that summit, we – the U.S. – pledged to invest $55 billion- with a B- in Africa over three years. We are over-delivering on that thus far. Two years later, we’ve spent – we’ve invested more than 80 percent of that commitment. And these are historic investments that have strengthened our ties and created real economic opportunities for communities across the continent.

There’s other ways that this fits into the Biden administration’s approach to Africa. You may know that the U.S. has championed African leadership across multilateral fora, including for advocating for new seats to be added to the G20, to the UN Security Council, to international financial institution boards. You may also be tracking that we’ve had a record amount of senior-level official travel to the continent even prior to President Biden. More than 20 cabinet members and leaders of U.S. departments and agencies have visited the region just in the last two years.

So more and more, the security of our – and prosperity of the U.S. is tied to that of our African parties – partners, and this trip is a recognition of that.

So that’s the overall framing, and now a little bit about why Angola. How did President Biden choose Angola?

So we see Angola as a strategic partner and a regional leader. Our relationship with Angola has completely transformed over the past 30 years, and that transformation has really picked up pace over the last three years.

In 2023, U.S.-Angola trade totaled approximately $1.77 billion, which makes Angola our fourth-largest trade partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.

We’re also working with Angola to address a range of pressing challenges, including bolstering peace and security in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, growing economic opportunities in the region, and expanding technological and scientific cooperation.

As was noted at the top, this visit builds on President Biden’s bilateral meeting with President Lourenço almost exactly a year ago this month, as well as the second U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit which occurred in December 2022, and President Lourenço’s own visit here to the U.S. in 2021.

We have three primary goals of the trip. One is to lift up U.S. leadership on trade, investment, and infrastructure in Africa – and Helaina will tell you much more about that. Number two is to highlight Angola’s regional leadership and global partnership on a full spectrum of pressing issues, including trade, security, and health. And lastly, to highlight that remarkable evolution of the U.S.-Angola relationship.

So a little bit on the major components of the visit that we’re tracking. I cannot get in front of the President and tell you the full schedule, but I will give you some highlights. So during his visit, President Biden will meet bilaterally with President Lourenço to further conversations on infrastructure, climate, regional peace security – peace and security, the constant work of deepening democracy, and economic shared goals.

President Biden will also deliver public remarks on the U.S.-Angola relationship as well as the Biden administration’s approach to Africa. He’ll do this in front of a really remarkable and meaningful background that I’m – and I’m really looking forward to these remarks. I think they’ll be a nice – a nice marker as the President comes to the end of his own time on – in the presidency.

President Biden will also focus on highlighting one of his signature initiatives, the investment of the Lobito Corridor. Many of you will know that Lobito Corridor is a regionally led effort that the U.S. along with European and private-sector partners have supported through strategic investments. Helaina and our PGI – Helaina and our PGI team will have more to say about that.

But what I’ll share is that from my perspective, what I found really notable about the Lobito Corridor is that it isn’t just about a railroad or critical minerals. It’s also about the communities that are strengthened along the way, it’s about more access to education, it’s about agricultural products moving to market, and it’s about increases in digital connectivity. These investments are being made through transparent, open, and competitive procurement processes.

While President Biden is on the ground, he and his delegation will also spend time with Angolan stakeholders who are making real differences in their communities and for the Angolan people.

As you may know, with many trips come major deliverables and announcements. Here I can’t get ahead of the President either, but I think we can expect that the President will focus on amplifying several areas of partnership with Angola.

One set of announcements will be on Lobito. As you could imagine, the President – since we’ve already mobilized billions of dollars towards Lobito to date, you can imagine that the President will engage with various components of this infrastructure effort and lift those up.

Another set of announcements that you’ll hear more about will have to do with the major Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact that was recently signed for Zambia that complements the broader agricultural and rail investments in Lobito. And that was recently signed in Lusaka but you’ll hear more about that in the President’s – the President’s trip.

I think you can also expect some other deliverables related to global health security and partnership there. You can expect some other deliverables related to food security and agribusiness. You can look for an important announcement on security sector cooperation, and you can look for another announcement on – or other announcements on preserving Angola’s rich cultural heritage.

More broadly, I think President Biden will focus on bolstering U.S. economic partnerships that keep our companies competitive and defend workers, strengthening transparency and civic engagement, intensifying action on climate security, and enhancing peace and security. So more to come on all those fronts.

So I’ve laid down a lot for you. I want to make sure we get to questions. But just to close, I started on this theme of partnership and underscoring the evolution of the U.S.-Angola relationship, and I would just say that over the past few years we’ve accomplished much together and I am excited to look forward to that – that relationship and see where it goes in the future.

So with that, I will leave you. Over to Helaina, please.

MS MATZA: Thanks, Frances, and good morning, everybody, and thank you for joining us today. As Frances laid out, President Biden’s trip to Angola will highlight many important themes to our bilateral relationship and our broader approach to the continent, one of those really being the evolving approach to economic partnerships and growth on the continent, which we think is really highlighted very well through the work we’re doing on the Lobito Corridor, which is part of the U.S. and G7’s broader approach through something called the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.

I know many of you that’s been covering the administration’s work on the continent have some familiarity with the initiative, but as a reminder, this is a joint effort from G7 countries plus additional partners to drive investment to close the infrastructure gap in growth markets around the world. We have a collective commitment for global support among the G7 countries of $600 billion and over – through 2027, and a good chunk of our initial work has really been focused on what we’re doing on the continent in particular from the U.S. perspective.

So the idea of the initiative and our broader approach to the Lobito Corridor is to not only close that infrastructure gap in the most innovative way but to provide sustainable solutions that drive economic growth, really enhance regional connectivity, and promote prosperity, and doing that through real, tangible investments in the critical infrastructure that is ultimately the foundation that drives that growth.

So as Frances also said, the Lobito Corridor really started as a commitment among the countries in the region – Angola, DRC, and Zambia – and when the United States, our European partners, and many of the African financing community came together to determine how we can support that work, it was really along the vision of using the corridor to connect Angola, DRC, Zambia (inaudible) across multiple sectors. So that didn’t just include the anchor rail investments, which I’m sure we’ll talk a little bit more about today on the call, but huge, once-in-a-generation investments in clean energy, in agriculture, really bringing all of the tools that we have as the U.S. Government and with our partners to the table. And Angola has been one of the strongest partners and really sort of the beachhead for those initial investments for the United States on to the corridor.

The reason why the rail investments are so important to this initiative is because they really serve as the anchor that allows so much of the other work that we’re seeing both happening driven by the private sector and through this partnership. These rail investments cut transportation costs, they reduce inland shipping times, and they open access to arable agricultural land and bolster the supply chain for critical energy minerals, driving climate-resilient economic growth in the region.

The first phase of the work that we did, which we started about 18 months ago or a little closer to two years now, includes DFC, our Development Finance Corporation’s support for the Lobito Atlantic Railway and their upgrade on the existing rail from the Port of Lobito across Angola to the DRC.

This work, once the United States and our other partners joined, has now been governed by a seven-sided MOU which we just signed over a year ago. And through this agreement, the United States is working with our partners, with Angola really being an important member of that effort, to advance the second phase of this project, which will be 800 kilometers of greenfield rail starting in Angola off of the initial rail that is already being refurbished and continuing to cut all across Zambia, creating a new route and connectivity that brings us a little closer to the east.

Just a few highlights. This project has moved really quickly, and over the course of the last 18 months we’ve been able to mobilize almost $5 billion in investment across multiple sectors. We were delighted in September at the UN General Assembly with the support of Secretary Blinken and other members of our cabinet to celebrate some really important milestones that we know this trip that President Biden will be taking will not only further codify but move down the line.

And as Frances said, we will try not to get ahead of our President with new deliverables, but just a couple months ago we were able to announce the completion of the feasibility study for the greenfield rail which was a quick, less-than-a-year, but really thorough feasibility study that has been done with several partners, including our anchor partner, which is AFC, the African Finance Corporation. AFC also signed a concession agreement with Angola and Zambia, and the U.S. provided initial funding through our U.S. Trade and Development Agency to do the environment and social assessment.

So in just less than a year of announcing we would do this work we moved forward with several really important elements that will allow us to look at this project not just as a partnership between governments but a project that will bring real commercial investors, the types of investments that Angola and our other partners are asking for, and we’re working with to develop the climate to allow for those to really take hold.

So these steps really reaffirm our commitment to delivering infrastructure that we think meets the highest international standards with even more progress being made as we’re going into the President’s visit in just a little over a week.

But as Frances also mentioned, beyond transportation, PGI is really supporting layered investments that amplify the impact of that infrastructure. So not only have we mobilized this kind of larger $5 billion number; a lot of that is broken up between investments in new clean energy projects, including solar, microgrid, and support for desalination efforts – many of these happening in Angola in particular.

But across the whole corridor new investments in agribusiness and support to companies that are trying to expand production capacity for local food markets. We’ve been investing in opportunities all along the corridor for mobile money and banking programs to help support smallholder farmers’ products to reach market, as well as working across the whole digital ecosystem to offer more 5G services from Angola beyond, into the corridor, working with trusted vendors.

So we deeply believe that this – that President Biden’s trip to Angola really marks a historic opportunity not only to highlight the progress of the PGI initiatives to date and what we’ve done as a group to bring so many key stakeholders to maintain momentum to the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor, but also to demonstrate that this is a model that we believe can be replicated and is really partner-driven and something that we’ve been really delighted to be a part in really shaping and bringing to life.

So with that I will turn it back over to the moderator so we can jump into some questions.

MODERATOR: All right. Thank you very much, Dr. Brown and Coordinator Matza. So we will now begin the question-and-answer portion of today’s briefing.

So our first question will go to Angolan National Radio, and the question – and I think, Coordinator Matza, this would be a good question for you: “What specific infrastructure investment projects will President Biden’s visit prioritize in Angola? And how do these align with Angola’s current economic development goals?”

MS MATZA: Thank you so much for the question, and I think that President Biden’s visit is really going to highlight two big themes of what this project has been. One is that this is a true partnership model that’s driven by the priorities of our Angolan but in this case also Zambia and DRC partner countries and their desire to leverage infrastructure, new infrastructure, to not only connect them more to global markets but to improve regional connectivity. And that’s really been the driver of how we’ve looked at investment opportunities, those that we’ve helped directly finance or provide some de-risking tools to bring on private partners.

And so I think you’ll see the President’s visit try to highlight that in several meaningful ways, including the work that we’ve done to date both on the rail refurbishment on the Benguela rail line that connects Lobito to DRC, which is being supported by over a $550 million direct loan provided by the Development Finance Corporation to refurbish that 1,300 kilometers of greenfield rail, but also highlighting the project that we’re really right in the middle of, which is a – for us – once-in-a-generation investment into the continent in developing jointly with the Angolans, with our African partners, and with African finance a 800-kilometer greenfield rail project. That project is really special because it’s designed as a true public-private partnership where we’ve been able to provide some concessional support to AFC directly again through another loan project, but ultimately use this private partner to work directly with the Angolans with the Zambians in this case, to develop a mechanism to get this project off the ground and moving so quickly.

But as I mentioned, the rail is really just a piece of this. So I think you will see during the visit a real highlight of amazing work that’s happened across all the other sectors, including the 200 – or excuse me, $2.5 billion of investment and support that EXIM has provided mostly in Angola to date, but we hope will continue to spread throughout the country – or excuse me, across the three countries on the largest clean energy investment the United States has made on the continent, which includes, as I mentioned before, solar deployment, microgrid deployment, and desalination projects. These are further supported by other U.S. tools through Power Africa and USAID that are working on additional electrification and connectivity to partner countries as these new projects come on board.

But once again, we will be highlighting so many different elements of this investment from the work that we’ve been doing on rural bridges, to provide 180 prefabricated bridges, enhancing connectivity across Angola and beyond, as well as the work that we’re doing in the digital space with partners like Africell, expanding their mobile money programs.

So while I anticipate we will see some new announcements and deliverables, I think they will all build off of these really strong foundational initial investments that we want to see grow and continue to bolster other industries that we think are really enhanced through this connected infrastructure when we are talking about two rail lines that will ultimately bring down the transit time that we’re seeing across those three countries from 45 days to a fraction of that time, to less than a week. What that can do for agribusiness I think is absolutely astronomical.

And what we’re seeing is a lot of not only public investments but private investments moving in that space, so I imagine that that will be a theme that we will carry on through the President’s trip and, most importantly, beyond going into the future of this project.

MODERATOR: All right, thank you very much, Coordinator Matza. I see that Julian Pecquet of Jeune Afrique has his hand raised. I wonder if we can open Julian’s mike.

QUESTION: Hi, can you hear me?

MODERATOR: We hear you.

QUESTION: Great. Thank you so much. Thanks for holding the call. I have two quick questions. One is for Dr. Brown, the other for Coordinator Matza. The first one to Dr. Brown: I imagine you saw, but Amnesty International put out a report on impunity for police killings over the past three years. With President Biden holding two democracy summits, I’m wondering – and now we’re transitioning to a new president who doesn’t prioritize such things. I’m wondering if the democracy agenda, human rights, are expected to come up during this trip, what you intend to talk to President Lourenço on that, or whether we’ve moved beyond that at this point.

And then for Coordinator Matza, we’re hearing from a lot of other countries in Africa that they really want to benefit from the Lobito Corridor – South Africa, Burundi; there’s a lot of places that have mining interests that are really looking forward to this and seeing if they can benefit. I’m wondering if there – you can talk about any sort of plans to expand beyond the three countries that you mentioned and sort of use the Lobito Corridor as a template to help with mining and development across the continent. Thanks.

DR BROWN: Thanks, Julian. This is Frances. I’ll weigh in quickly and then turn it to Helaina. So you’re right, President Biden has made democracy a centerpiece of his administration, and I can tell you he does not shy away from talking with counterparts about how democracy takes constant work and takes constant tending, and that’s something he’s – he has stressed in every – every meeting he has with counterparts that’s something that comes up. So without getting ahead of what he’s going to talk about, I think you’ve seen that theme throughout the Biden administration and I don’t see a reason that he would stop now on that.

Helaina, over to you.

MS MATZA: Thanks so much, Frances. And Julian, really important question. And so the way that we’re looking at these investments in the Lobito Corridor is that they should ultimately benefit so much more of Africa, because even though the infrastructure is now primarily focused on physically connecting three countries, the implication of that enhanced regional connectivity should have knock-on effects of reducing trade costs, strengthening supply chains, which are goals that we’ve heard from other African leaders that want to be involved in this project and have a closer relationship with the United States and our partners that look a little bit more like this, that is really (inaudible) in investment and in infrastructure support.

But most importantly, we wanted to demonstrate a model, right, and the goal, right, is that this model of investment where you take a more focused approach, really work with your partners both on the side of the countries that are requesting that infrastructure support as well as some of the other financing partners, and say this is a model that works, that we can kind of rinse and repeat and look at other important corridors that can benefit from sustainable infrastructure development that really fosters cooperation through open access rail networks.

So the idea of the Lobito network is to be a competitive open access not only network of rail users, but so it could connect with other projects on the continent, and really taking a nod from two things: one, a grown-on-the-continent view on regional connectivity through the Agenda 2063 project, and what we’re learning from other successful corridors that are covering other parts of the continent like the Central Corridor.

So I think that as we demonstrate that this model can work and that we can bring private partners alongside us to the table at a faster pace than we maybe traditionally have been able to, I don’t see any issue. I think the objective is – and as the President has said from day one – not only to continue to the Indian Ocean. We didn’t pick one route; we think that could be multiple routes. And so as some of the partners you mentioned, Julian, whether that’s South Africa or thinking about some of the other transit routes that are being developed through Namibia, we hope over time this will be a pretty resilient network that benefits with Lobito being an important portion of it but certainly not the exclusive set of investments on the continent.

MODERATOR: Okay. Well, thank you very much to our participants. We are running very short of time. They’ve got other commitments to get to. I think maybe if I could just sneak in one question before we finish, and to save some time I’m just going to read this from Pearl Matibe of Premium Times in Nigeria: “How does the U.S. plan to use infrastructure investments such as Lobito Corridor to counterbalance the rising influence of other powers like China, Russia, Türkiye, and others, amid concerns about economic dependency shaping political alliances? And to what extent does Angola support U.S. efforts to maintain a rules-based global order?” So that can be our final question if you don’t mind.

DR BROWN: I can start on that. So I would say this approach is not about forcing countries to choose but rather giving them a choice and the ability to make their own sovereign decisions, which is something President Biden has been really consistent on throughout. We believe that the value proposition we offer from the U.S. side on trade investment but also partnership – people-to-people ties – demonstrate the value of partnership with the U.S. for both Angola and the Angolan people, and more broadly, we think this pertains to other African counterparts as well. We think our actions speak for themselves. We act in common purpose to advance shared interests and values and to address issues that are, I think, real problems for African counterparts like untrusted digital infrastructure, forced labor, illegal and unregulated fishing. So that’s, I think, how we from the Biden administration see it.

Helaina, is there anything you would add from the PGI perspective?

MS MATZA: Well, I’m sure you’re not surprised the PGI perspective is reflective of that broader view, which is that these are strong partnerships that we wanted to boost a bigger economic tie with. And anytime we talk to the Angolans or other partners on the continent, it’s clear that they also know more choices, more options mean that they can demand more and better quality investment. That’s kind of the rules of competition. And so it’s been really important for us to figure out how we translate a long-standing economic policy to create choices for our partners around the world and on the continent and to create a race to the top on those investments by making it a little easier for those choices to come to market and be available.

And so that’s really the theory of the case, and our objective is to make that process move as quickly but as diligently as possible so our partners do have that choice to pick what’s ultimately best for them and ultimately that serves us all because more resiliency and foreign direct investment is always a good thing.

MODERATOR: All right. Thank you very much for those answers. So I know that our participants here are very short of time and have other commitments. I’d like to offer them one last opportunity if they have any final words to share with us.

DR BROWN: This is Frances. My only final word is stay tuned throughout the visit for – when we can actually announce some of these specific deliverables. We’re really excited about the trip, and we’re really grateful that you all are covering it.

MS MATZA: Thanks, Frances. On top of you, I would just say ditto: We’re so delighted that the Lobito Corridor will be part of a very robust trip that will highlight many important elements of our bilateral relationship with Africa and our view on the continent. So please continue to pay attention. I think you’ll see not just more deliverables being announced, but a real theme of partnership and also African-led priorities coming to life. So really looking forward to it.

MODERATOR: All right. Fantastic. I want to thank both of our speakers today, Dr. Frances Brown and Acting Special Coordinator Matza, for their time. And I want to also thank the journalists who’ve joined us today. I’m delighted to see such robust interest in the upcoming visit of the President to Angola, and I hope that we can stay in touch with you as you do some reporting on this visit and on the important issues that will be addressed.

We will be producing a recording and a transcript of today’s briefing, and we’ll distribute it to participating journalists as soon as we have it ready. If you have any questions about today’s briefing, please contact the Africa Regional Media Hub at AFMediaHub@state.gov. And I would also like to invite everyone to follow us on Twitter, or X, at our handle @AfricaMediaHub. Thank you and have a great day.

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G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Statement
11/26/2024


G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Statement
11/26/2024 02:00 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson
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G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Statement


Media Note





November 26, 2024



The text of the following statement was released by the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union.


Begin Text:


I. INTRODUCTION


We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, reiterate our commitment to foster respect for international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, to protect human rights and dignity for all individuals and to promote gender equality.


As the international community is facing a growing number of challenges, including climate change and biodiversity loss, disaster risks, the eradication of hunger and poverty, emerging and disruptive technologies, we renew our determination to foster collective action in the pursuit of common solutions.


Following the adoption of the Pact for the Future and its Annexes last September, we will work towards its implementation with all UN Member States and relevant stakeholders, through dialogue and mutual understanding. We reaffirm our commitment to work with all UN member states to strengthen the roles of the UNSG as well as the UNGA. We also recommit to the reform of the UNSC.


Today, we reiterate our determination to further strengthen G7 unity and sense of common purpose, building on commitments taken by leaders at the Apulia G7 Summit and at our previous Foreign Ministers’ meetings.


II. STEADFAST SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE


On 19th of November 2024, 1000 days have passed since Russia started its illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine, causing immense human suffering and destruction. We stand firm against Russia’s war of aggression. We vehemently condemn the brutal attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical civilian infrastructure and its unacceptable toll on the civilian population. Russia’s use of an intermediate range ballistic missile on 21 November is further evidence of its reckless and escalatory behaviour. Our support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence will remain unwavering.


In the G7+ Ministerial Meeting on Ukraine Energy Sector Support on the margins of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly we committed to continue to give immediate priority to Ukraine’s early recovery and energy resilience for this winter season, protecting and restoring the grid and bolstering generation capacity to protect the livelihoods of millions of Ukrainians and avoid a further, catastrophic deterioration of the humanitarian situation.


We condemn Russia’s seizure and continued control and militarization of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which poses severe risks for nuclear safety and security, with implications for the broader international community. We support the International Atomic Energy Agency’s efforts directed at mitigating such risks, including through the continuous presence of IAEA experts and its focus on ensuring nuclear safety and security at the site.


We condemn the recent increase in Russian attacks on commercial shipping and civilian port infrastructure in the Black Sea, which undermines international law, including UNCLOS, puts maritime safety and security at risk and impacts global food security.


We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s irresponsible and threatening nuclear rhetoric as well as its posture of strategic intimidation. We will never tolerate threats to use nuclear weapons, let alone any use of nuclear weapons, by Russia in the context of its war of aggression against Ukraine. We also express our deepest concern about the use of chemical weapons as well as riot control agents as a method of warfare by Russia in Ukraine. As the findings of the report issued recently by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) have confirmed the presence of riot control agents in samples collected from the frontlines in Dnipropetrovsk region in Ukraine, we emphasize that the use of such weapons as a method of warfare is a flagrant violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. We call on OPCW to shed full light on the use of these grenades and on other relevant incidents in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.


We also condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s widespread and systematic torture and ill treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war, and civilian detainees including the use of sexual violence, as reported by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.


We welcome the approval by Finance Ministers of the principles and technical features of the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans initiative for the benefit of Ukraine, which was announced by G7 Leaders at the Apulia Summit in June. The ERA Loan initiative will disburse approximately USD 50 billion (EUR 45 billion) for the benefit of Ukraine. These loans will be serviced and repaid by future flows of extraordinary revenues stemming from the immobilization of Russian Sovereign Assets, in line with G7 respective legal systems and international law. This historic G7 Leaders’ decision and its timely implementation confirm that the G7 remains steadfast in its solidarity to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom, and its recovery and reconstruction. Russian illegal and unprovoked aggression has caused untold harm to the people of Ukraine and to global peace and security. We will not tire in our resolve to give Ukraine the support it needs to prevail. With the large amount of financing from the ERA loans directed at Ukraine’s pressing budgetary, military and reconstruction need, we have once again made clear our unwavering commitment to stand by Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. Our aim is to begin disbursing the funds by the end of the year.


We will build on our comprehensive sanctions and economic measures to further restrict the revenues, goods, and technology Russia uses to fund and conduct its war.


We will take appropriate measures, consistent with our legal systems, against actors in China and in other third countries that materially support Russia’s war machine, including financial institutions and other entities that facilitate Russia’s acquisition of equipment and items for its defense industrial base. We will continue to apply significant pressure on Russian revenues from energy, metals and other commodities including through the effective implementation of existing measures and further actions against the “shadow fleet”. We will take robust action against actors who aid Russia in circumventing our sanctions.


We are seriously concerned about the deployment of the DPRK’s troops to Russia and their use on the battlefield against Ukraine. The DPRK’s direct support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, besides signaling Russia’s desperate efforts to compensate its losses, marks a dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security. We are working with our international partners for a coordinated response to this development. We are also deeply concerned about the potential for any transfer of nuclear or ballistic missiles-related technology to the DPRK in violation of the relevant UNSC resolutions. We urge countries with ties to Russia and the DPRK, including China, to uphold international law by opposing this dangerous expansion of the conflict and implementing all relevant UNSC resolutions.


We condemn in the strongest possible terms the increasing military cooperation between DPRK and Russia, including DPRK’s export and Russia’s procurement of North Korean ballistic missiles and munitions in direct violation of relevant UNSC Resolutions, as well as Russia’s use of these missiles and munitions against Ukraine.


We condemn the use of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) by the Russian Government and its proxies to support its war against Ukraine and fuel global tensions. Collectively responding to FIMI remains central to the G7. Developing a Collective Response Framework by the end of the year via the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) is a crucial step in that direction, as tasked by the G7 Leaders.


We remain fully committed to contributing to Ukraine’s future reconstruction as a driver for inclusive growth, green transition and prosperity, while also closely linked to the reform agenda and the related EU accession path. We look forward to the next Ukraine Recovery Conference, to be hosted in Rome next 10-11 July 2025. We commend Ukraine’s progress so far and will continue to provide all the necessary support as it advances on its path towards EU and Euro-Atlantic integration.


Our ultimate goal remains to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, capable of restoring full respect for the fundamental principles of international law, blatantly breached by Russia. We welcome the Summit on Peace in Ukraine that took place in Switzerland on June 15-16 and its focus on the key priorities needed to achieve a framework for peace based on international law, including the UN Charter and its principles, and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We stress that no initiative about Ukraine can be taken without Ukraine. To that end, we will continue engaging also with global partners and actors to achieve the widest possible international support for the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s Peace Formula, in line with international law including the UN Charter principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.


We condemn Russia’s unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children. We welcome the Montreal Pledge as the outcome of the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Formula, co-hosted by Canada, Ukraine and Norway as well as the offers by Qatar, South Africa and the Holy See to serve as intermediaries to support and negotiate the return of children; the continuing role of the United Arab Emirates on mediating the exchanges of prisoners of war; and the offers by Norway, Lithuania and Qatar to provide a supportive environment for Ukrainians returning home.


We reiterate our condemnation of the Belarusian regime’s complicity in Russia’s war against Ukraine. We express our continued concern over the regime’s continuing repression of independent media, civil society, political opposition, and citizens peacefully expressing their views. We also condemn the ill treatment of political prisoners and ask for their immediate and unconditional release.


III. SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST


We reaffirm our unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas and other terrorist groups against Israel on October 7, 2023. These atrocities, including the taking of hostages, are intolerable. We continue to call for the immediate release of all hostages, and for the remains held by Hamas in Gaza to be returned to their loved ones. We are deeply concerned by the escalating violence across the Middle East, which threatens regional stability and shatters the lives of civilians. An immediate halt to this destructive cycle is imperative, as no country stands to gain from further escalation in the region.


Our commitment remains steadfast to the full implementation of UNSC resolution 2735 (2024) and to the comprehensive agreement advanced by President Biden in May. This plan would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, and an enduring end to the crisis, to secure a pathway to a two-state solution, with Israel and a sovereign Palestinian state living side by side in peace and mutual safety. We urge all parties to accept the ceasefire and call on countries with influence to help reinforce mediation efforts conducted by the US, Egypt and Qatar.


We are alarmed by the increasing toll of hostilities along the Blue Line and beyond. We are gravely concerned about the very high number of civilian casualties, the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and health care centers. The growing number of internally displaced persons in Lebanon is alarming. Displaced persons on both sides of the Blue Line must be allowed to return to their homes in safety and security. We remain concerned about the massive displacement of Lebanese people and Syrian refugees in Lebanon to Syria and Iraq. We urge the respect of international humanitarian law in all circumstances.


We support the ongoing negotiation for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and the full implementation of UNSC resolution 1701 (2006). Now is the time to conclude a diplomatic settlement and we welcome efforts deployed in that regard. We emphasize again the role played by the Lebanese Armed Forces and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose posture should be strengthened, in order to fulfill their respective responsibilities. In this regard, we express deep concern over the recent attacks and strikes on UNIFIL, which have injured several peacekeepers and damaged facilities. We condemn any threats to the security of UNIFIL personnel and call on all parties to uphold their obligations to ensure their safety, allowing them to fulfill their mandate.


We welcome discussions held at the Humanitarian Conference organized in the framework of the G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Development in Pescara on October 22 with countries from the region and International Organizations, and at the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s people and Sovereignty hosted in Paris on October 24, to assess and address the urgent humanitarian needs in the region and accelerate coordination to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population.


We also welcome the progress in the implementation of the “Food for Gaza” initiative – launched by Italy together with the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Food Programme and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent to facilitate the delivery of aid.


The death toll in Gaza is tragic and continues to rise. The situation in Gaza has led to unprecedented levels of food insecurity, affecting much of the population, particularly in the North. Securing humanitarian access through all crossing points is a priority, as is ensuring security for aid to actually be delivered to the most vulnerable inside Gaza. All parties must facilitate aid delivery and protect humanitarian workers by implementing necessary de-confliction measures. It is critical that there be no interruption in the delivery of aid and essential services to those who need it most. We express our support to UNRWA to effectively uphold its mandate and we emphasize the vital role that the UN Agency plays. We urge the Israeli Government to abide by its international obligations, and fulfill its responsibility to facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance in all its forms as well as the provision of sorely needed basic services to the civilian population in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.


We express our concern for the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank. All parties must refrain from unilateral actions and from divisive statements that may undermine the prospect of a two-state solution including Israeli’s expansion of settlements, legalization of settlement outposts and any annexation of the West Bank. We express our strongest condemnation for the rise in extremist settler violence committed against Palestinians, which undermines security and stability in the West Bank and threatens prospects for a lasting peace. Maintaining economic stability in the West Bank is critical for regional security. We urge Israeli authorities to release all withheld clearance revenues, remove measures that exacerbate the economic situation in the West Bank and extend correspondent banking relationships with Palestinian financial institutions.


In exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including International Humanitarian Law. We reiterate our commitment to International Humanitarian Law and will comply with our respective obligations. We underline that there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel.


We reaffirm our unwavering commitment, through reinvigorated efforts in the Middle East Peace Process, to the vision of a two-state solution where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions. In this regard, we stress the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.


We reiterate our commitment to support civil society peacebuilding efforts, ensuring that they are part of a larger strategy to build the foundation for a negotiated and lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace.


We reiterate our strong condemnation of Iran’s missile attacks against Israel, which pose a serious threat to regional stability. We also condemn continuous destabilizing actions of Iran’s affiliated armed groups – including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, as well as armed militias in Iraq and Syria.


We will continue to work to avoid further escalation. A wider conflict in the region is in nobody’s interest. We call on all parties to show restraint.


We reiterate our determination that Iran must never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. We will continue to work together, and with other international partners, to address Iran’s nuclear escalation. A diplomatic solution remains the best way to resolve this issue. Iran must cease and reverse nuclear activities that have no credible civilian justification and cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency without further delay to fully implement its legally binding safeguards agreement and commitments under UNSC resolution 2231 (2015). We reiterate our deep concern over Iran’s human rights violations, especially against women, girls and minority groups. We call on Iran’s leadership to end all unjust and arbitrary detentions, including of dual and foreign citizens, and condemn the unacceptable harassment of its citizens. We call on Iran to allow access to the country to relevant Human Rights Council Special Procedures mandate holders.


We strongly condemn the transfer of Iranian weaponry to Russia. We are already responding with new and significant measures. Iran must immediately cease all support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and halt such transfers of ballistic missiles, UAVs and related technology.


The Houthis attacks against commercial shipping transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden must stop. These attacks constitute an egregious violation of international law. They have killed innocent seafarers, continue to endanger the lives and safety of crews and have exposed ecosystems in the area and coastal States to serious and grave environmental risks. We urge the Houthis to immediately release the MV Galaxy Leader and its crew. We note with satisfaction the intervention of the EU maritime operation ASPIDES and partners in preventing an environmental disaster in the case of the MT Delta Sounion. We reaffirm the right of countries to defend their vessels, in line with UNSC resolution 2722 (2024) and in accordance with international law. We applaud the efforts of ASPIDES and the US-led operation Prosperity Guardian in protecting vital sea lanes.


We strongly condemn the Houthis’ unjustified detention of UN, NGO, civil society and diplomatic personnel in Yemen, demanding their immediate release. We urge the Houthis to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.


We express deep concern about the repercussions of the crisis in the Red Sea also on the peace process in Yemen. We call on all parties, especially the Houthis, to resume negotiations in a responsible and constructive manner, in line with the UN-facilitated understanding reached in December 2023.


IV. INDO-PACIFIC AND THE REGION


We are committed to upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law, which is inclusive, prosperous and secure, grounded on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights. We reaffirm our unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and unity and our commitment to promoting cooperation in line with ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. We reaffirm our support for the objectives set in the PIF 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.


We will continue strengthening the work of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) in the Indo-Pacific, including through the PGII-Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Investment Accelerator. We welcome the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor, the first PGII corridor in the Indo-Pacific, which will bring quality infrastructure and investment to the region.


As we seek constructive and stable relations with China, we recognize the importance of direct and candid engagement to express concerns and manage differences. We reaffirm our readiness to cooperate with China to address global challenges


We are deeply concerned by China’s increasing support to Russia and Russia’s defense industrial base, which is decisively enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war in Ukraine and to reconstitute its armed forces and has significant broad-based security implications. China must prevent its companies from transferring weapons, especially attack Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), dual-use materials, including weapons components, and equipment. We also call on China to step up efforts to promote international peace and security and to press Russia to stop its military aggression and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine.


We recognize the importance of China in global trade. We are not trying to harm China or thwart its economic development, indeed a growing China that plays by international rules and norms would be of global interest. However, we express our concerns about China’s non-market policies and practices that are leading to harmful overcapacity and market distortions, undermining our workers, industries and economic resilience and security. We are not decoupling or turning inwards. Together with our partners, we are de-risking and diversifying supply chains, where necessary and appropriate to reduce critical dependencies and vulnerabilities and to foster resilience to economic coercion. We further call on China to refrain from adopting export control measures, particularly on critical minerals, that could lead to significant supply chain disruptions.


We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas. We reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. There is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. We reiterate our opposition to China’s militarization and coercive and intimidation activities in the South China Sea. We re-emphasize the universal and unified character of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and reaffirm its important role in setting out the legal framework that governs all activities in the oceans and seas. We continue to oppose China’s dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea and its repeated obstruction of countries’ freedom of navigation and overflight. We express deep concern over the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine and Vietnamese vessels. We reiterate that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on 12 July 2016 is a significant milestone, which is legally binding upon the parties to those proceedings and a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties.


Maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to international security and prosperity. We call for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues. There is no change in the basic position of the G7 members on Taiwan, including stated One-China policies. We support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations as a member where statehood is not a prerequisite and as an observer or guest where it is.


We remain concerned by the human rights situation in China, including in Xinjiang and Tibet. We remain concerned by the erosion of civil society, human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong. The sentencing of 45 pro-democracy politicians and activists marks a further deterioration of democratic participation and pluralism, which undermines confidence in the rule of law as enshrined in the Hong Kong Basic Law, and therefore Hong Kong’s and the People’s Republic of China’s international legal obligations. We urge China and the Hong Kong authorities to abide by their international human rights commitments and legal obligations.


We call on China not to conduct or condone activities aimed at undermining the security and safety of our communities and the integrity of our democratic institutions, and to act in strict accordance with its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.


We strongly condemn the DPRK’s continuing expansion of its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its continuous destabilizing activities. We further reiterate our call for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and demand that DPRK abandon all its nuclear weapons, existing nuclear programs, and any other WMD and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner, in accordance with all relevant UNSC resolutions. We urge all UN Member States to fully implement all relevant UN Security Council resolutions.


Following Russia’s disturbing veto last March on the mandate renewal of the UNSC 1718 Committee Panel of Experts, we are working with the international community to establish alternative multilateral mechanisms, including the recently established Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), to monitor and report on violations and evasions of the sanction measures stipulated in the relevant UNSC resolutions , based on our commitment to uphold international peace and security and to safeguard the global non-proliferation regime.


We strongly condemn DPRK’s systematic human rights violations and abuses and its choice to prioritize its unlawful weapons development programs over the welfare of the people of DPRK. We call upon DPRK to resolve the abductions issue immediately.


V. PARTNERSHIPS WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES


We reiterate our commitment to support African nations in the pursuit of peace, stability and sustainable development, as well as the creation of jobs and growth. We will continue to build equitable and sustainable partnerships with Africa based on result-based initiatives, aligned with the African Union Agenda 2063 and the integrated African continental thematic plans, in order to jointly tackle global challenges. We reiterate our commitment to support the African Union in the pursuit of peace and stability.


We recognize the importance of bridging digital divides and strengthening the value chain between G7 and African countries. In this respect, we welcome the progress made by the G7 Italian Presidency in collaboration with UNDP in the co-design of the “AI Hub for Sustainable Development,” set to focus on key sectors including agriculture, health, infrastructure, education and training, water, and energy, in the spirit of the Mattei Plan. The Hub embodies the G7’s commitment to “Growing Together” with partner countries, advancing shared goals of sustainable development and ensuring that the digital age contributes to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. We also welcome the G20 recognition of the WHO-led Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) and the Global Digital Health Certification Network, aligning support and guidance for digital transformation.


Building on the achievements of previous G7 Presidencies, we will continue strengthening the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) in the African continent as well as initiatives such as the EU Global Gateway. PGII offers a framework to promote sustainable, climate neutral, inclusive, resilient and economically viable quality infrastructure, underpinned by high standards, transparent project selection, procurement and finance. While PGII has a global reach, we commit to focus on regions and sectors where infrastructure investment has the greatest impact, including the African continent.


We welcome the decisions taken at the G7 Development Ministers’ meeting in Pescara to launch the PGII secretariat, for effective implementation and investment coordination with partners, and to support the implementation of the African Virtual Investment Platform (AVIP), to enhance data and information, transparency and public policies on investment in Africa, in line with the Apulia G7 Leaders’ commitment to enhance the PGII. PGII will work together with Public Development Banks, Development Finance Institutions, Multilateral Development Banks and the private sector to improve enabling environments and country-based investment design, coordination and co-financing.


In line with the integrated African continental plans for improved local and regional infrastructure, trade and food security, initial pilots will be linked to economic corridors, such as the Lobito Corridor in Southern and Central Africa.


We welcome the G7 leader’s decision to launch the “Energy for Growth in Africa” initiative, that will help to overcome barriers to investments in clean energy across Africa.


We also welcome the launch of the G7 Apulia Food Systems Initiative (AFSI), a package of initiatives to improve food security and nutrition and harness the role of agriculture and food systems for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on Africa. The AFSI will concentrate on concrete actions on the ground, supporting multi-stakeholder initiatives to promote sustainable and resilient agriculture and food systems, including in coffee value-chains, and fight malnutrition, with a focus on childhood stunting and wasting.


We commend the launch of Gavi’s African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) and look forward to collaborating with Gavi, the African Union and Africa CDC to develop regional vaccine manufacturing capacity.


VI. MIGRATION


In line with the Apulia G7 Leaders’ Communiqué, we affirm our collective commitment to enhance cooperation to address the drivers of irregular migration and forced displacement, such as global poverty, instability, climate change and seize the opportunities migration brings globally. In doing so we will work in partnership with countries of origin, transit and destination to support their sustainable development, resilience and stability.


VII. REGIONAL ISSUES


Afghanistan


We are appalled by the continued and systemic abuses of human rights and the growing restrictions imposed by the Taliban on the lives of the Afghan people, particularly women and girls, in violation of international obligations and Treaties to which Afghanistan is a State Party. We will continue to provide assistance to address the severe and deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the country.


We remain committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan. The objective of an Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbors, fully reintegrated into the international community and meeting international obligations can only be achieved through an inclusive and representative political process regarding the future of the country, ensuring the full, equal, safe and meaningful participation of Afghan women, in line with the UN independent assessment – as recognized by UNSC Resolution 2721 (2023) – and UNSC resolution 2593 (2021).


Great Lakes


The G7 is deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis in the Great Lakes region, marked by armed violence, widespread human rights violations and abuses, and worsening displacement of populations. We strongly condemn the atrocities committed by any armed groups, as well as the violations of international law by any parties. We continue to express deep concern about the reports on foreign military support for M23 and direct military interventions on Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) territory. We call for the territorial integrity of the DRC to be respected. We stress the urgent need for immediate, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected populations.


We fully support the mediation led by Angola and President Joao Lourenço between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. We urge the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to achieve swift progress in the implementation of the commitments made through the Luanda Process. The current ceasefire, which went into effect on August 4th, should be respected strictly. It is imperative that all regional actors refrain from any direct or indirect support to armed groups.


We reaffirm our support for efforts to combat the illegal exploitation of natural resources and to promote sustainable and equitable development for the benefit of local populations.


Haiti


We condemn the continued violence and human rights abuses perpetrated by armed gangs in Haiti. We reiterate our support to the efforts of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) and we take note of the appointment of Mr Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as Prime Minister of Haiti. We call upon all Haitian political actors to work together to restore democratic institutions and the rule of law in Haiti, leading the Country to a new democratically elected government in office by February 2026. We reiterate our full support to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which is providing critical support to the Haitian National Police against criminal gangs. We emphasize the importance of continued financial contributions to the UN Trust Fund as well as contributions in kind to the MSS mission, in the face of persisting dire conditions on the ground. It remains essential to create the necessary security conditions for convening the elections. We are gravely concerned that nearly half of Haiti’s population is acutely food insecure. We call on all Haiti’s partners to continue their support for humanitarian and development assistance to the Haitian people. We support Haiti’s request for the United Nations to consider a transition of the MSS mission to a peacekeeping operation.


Libya


We reaffirm our commitment to preserving Libya’s sovereignty, stability, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity, and support a positive response to Libya’s request to the UN Security Council for international assistance to enhance security coordination among Libyan security forces throughout the country. We deplore Russia’s malign activities in Libya, which undermine Libyan sovereignty and regional security and we call for the withdrawal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya without delay. We strongly support the longstanding efforts by the United Nations and UNSMIL officer in charge Stephanie Koury to facilitate meaningful and inclusive dialogue among Libyan parties in order to reverse institutional fragmentation and move towards sustainable stability and security. In this regard, the recent agreement on the appointment of the new leadership of the Central Bank of Libya represents an opportunity to relaunch a process towards a comprehensive political agreement based on compromise. That will pave the way towards free, fair and inclusive presidential and parliamentary elections conducive to the reunification of Libya’s government and political, economic and military institutions. We furthermore affirm our support for the High National Elections Commission and the first round of municipal elections held on November 16, which offer Libyans the chance to exercise their democratic rights.


Myanmar


The brutal military regime in Myanmar must stop all violence – including airstrikes – that harm civilians, release all those arbitrarily detained and engage in a truly inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders. UNSC Resolution 2669 (2022) must be implemented fully and without conditions. We call on all armed actors to protect civilians and allow unhindered humanitarian access. We support ASEAN’s efforts to achieve swift and complete implementation of the Five-Point Consensus and advocate for a strengthened UN engagement. We welcome the UN Special Evoy’s recent visit to Myanmar and her efforts to resolve the crisis. We call for the regime to stop restricting access to UN Agencies, humanitarian aid, independent and international humanitarian actors, and allow full and unimpeded access to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. We call for the cessation of any arms and dual-use materials’ transfers to the Myanmar military, including jet fuel. It is necessary to work towards a political solution that truly honors the aspirations of the Myanmar people to live in peace, freedom and democracy. We reiterate the need to create conditions for sustainable, voluntary, safe and dignified returns of displaced Rohingya and other refugees.


Somalia


We welcome Somalia’s enduring efforts at institution building and in the fight against terrorism. We deem the stabilization of Somalia as a relevant factor to guaranteeing that both the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea lanes be secure. We encourage the Somali Government to continue in its path of consolidation of the Federal institutional framework and to undertake a transparent and inclusive constitutional reform process. We stand alongside Somalia in its fight against the terrorist movement of Al-Shabaab and other violent organizations. As for the upcoming termination of the African Union Transitional Mission (ATMIS), we believe it is essential to avoid any security gap that jihadist terrorism could exploit, before the transfer of responsibilities to national security forces is completed. Therefore, we support the new African Union Support Mission to Somalia (AUSSOM) and we encourage both the Somali Government and the AU to envisage an operational framework than ensures the mission can truly continue to provide stability to both the Country and the region. We call on all partners to ensure that the new mission has the support and funding it requires to succeed.


Sudan


A year and a half into the fighting, Sudan’s civil war has taken a devastating toll on human lives and vital infrastructure. We reiterate our firm condemnation of ongoing attacks, including indiscriminate and direct targeting of civilians by both parties, which is causing massive displacement of people throughout the region, and worsening an already dreadful humanitarian situation. We call for an immediate end to violence. We especially note the impact of the crisis on women and girls and condemn the atrocities being committed by both sides, including kidnapping and sexual violence. All parties to the conflict must engage in serious negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire, humanitarian access and protection of civilians without pre-conditions. All external actors must stop fueling the conflict, in line with the commitments made in the Declaration of Principles adopted at the Paris Conference, and respect the UN arms embargo on Darfur.


We urge the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces and their allied militias to comply with International Humanitarian Law, protecting civilians and facilitating rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access both into Sudan and across lines of conflict.


We note with grave concern that the UN Fact Finding Mission has found reasonable grounds to believe that Rapid Support Forces and allied militias have “committed crimes against humanity, including persecution on the basis of ethnicity and forcible displacement of the population”, and that Sudanese Armed Forces have committed “war crimes of violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture”.


We urge the warring parties to implement their Jeddah Declaration commitments, and we urge for the establishment of a robust and transparent monitoring and verification mechanism for the protection of civilians.


Venezuela


On July 28 the Venezuelan people made a clear choice in the polls, voting for democratic change and supporting Edmundo González Urrutia by a significant majority according to publicly available electoral records. We will continue to support efforts by regional partners to facilitate a Venezuelan-led democratic and peaceful transition that will ensure respect for the will of the voters.


We are deeply troubled by the continued violations and abuses of human rights, including arbitrary detentions and severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms, targeting in particular political opponents, civil society, and independent media. All unjustly detained political prisoners must be released.


End Text.



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Vote on Eastern Europe Group (EEG) Executive Council Seats at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ (OPCW) Twenty-Ninth Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-29)
11/26/2024


Vote on Eastern Europe Group (EEG) Executive Council Seats at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ (OPCW) Twenty-Ninth Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-29)
11/26/2024 03:59 PM EST



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Vote on Eastern Europe Group (EEG) Executive Council Seats at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ (OPCW) Twenty-Ninth Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-29)
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Vote on Eastern Europe Group (EEG) Executive Council Seats at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ (OPCW) Twenty-Ninth Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-29)


Press Statement





November 26, 2024



The United States commends the action by States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) to elect Czechia and North Macedonia to seats on the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Executive Council and reject Russia’s bid for a seat. As many countries noted during the proceedings, a State Party that is engaged in a war of aggression against a neighbor and that is committing extensive violations of the Convention is not deserving of a seat on the OPCW’s Executive Council. It is clear that the States Parties to the CWC value the global norm against the use of chemical weapons. Russia must cease using chemical weapons and riot control agents as a method of warfare in its unlawful war against Ukraine and in violation of the CWC. Now that the vote has concluded, we hope that all States Parties will come together to focus on the core mission of the OPCW so we can continue to work to achieve the goal of a world free of chemical weapons.



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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin and Archbishop Gallagher
11/27/2024


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin and Archbishop Gallagher
11/27/2024 08:01 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken discussed a range of global priorities with Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, today in Vatican City. They discussed the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and the opportunity to build on it to deescalate tensions and end conflicts in the region. They reaffirmed a shared commitment to addressing the horrific impacts on Ukrainian civilians as Ukraine defends itself against Russia’s aggression. They condemned ongoing political repression in Nicaragua and Venezuela. The Secretary commended the Pope’s commitment to advancing the basic rights and dignity of LGBTQI persons. The meeting underscored the close partnership between the United States and the Holy See in addressing pressing issues and promoting human dignity.




Albania National Day
11/28/2024


Albania National Day
11/28/2024 12:01 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I extend our best wishes to the people of Albania as you celebrate your 112th Independence Day.

The close relationship between our nations is built on shared democratic values and a mutual desire for peace and security. Albania has exemplified these values through its steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of unprovoked Russian aggression, its leadership on the UN Human Rights Council, and its unwavering commitment to NATO’s collective security. We deeply appreciate Albania’s hospitality and assistance as temporary hosts for our Afghan allies.

The United States looks forward to our continued partnership in pursuing shared priorities, including the fight against corruption and efforts to strengthen the rule of law. We remain committed to supporting Albania’s path towards full integration into the European Union.

I am confident that the strong ties between the Albanian and American people will continue to flourish as we work together on trade and investment, diversifying renewable energy, and more closely integrating the entire region. Continued close cooperation on these efforts will strengthen Albania, our bilateral relationship, and the shared values we celebrate.

I wish the people of Albania a joyous Independence Day.


Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha
11/29/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha
11/29/2024 01:21 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha
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Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha


Readout





November 29, 2024



The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha to discuss battlefield updates, including incoming U.S. security assistance and budgetary assistance packages. The Secretary expressed his condolences for lives impacted in Russia’s massive November 27-28 missile barrage against critical energy infrastructure, and expressed full U.S. support for additional protections and countermeasures as winter approaches. He briefed the Foreign Minister on U.S. goals for sustainable support for Ukraine, to be discussed at upcoming diplomatic engagements with NATO and through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. The Secretary reiterated the United States’ enduring commitment to a sovereign and democratic Ukraine, and support for just and lasting peace on the basis of the United Nations Charter.



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The Week at State: November 22 – November 28, 2024
11/29/2024

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November 22 – November 28

December 1 is World AIDS Day. For 21 years, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has ensured lifesaving treatment for millions of people living with HIV.

Here’s what happened at State this past week. ⤵️🕊️ President Biden announced that Israel and Lebanon have reached a ceasefire deal.
✈️ Secretary Blinken attended the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
🌐 Secretary Blinken visited World Food Program staff in Rome.


President Biden Announces Ceasefire Deal Between Israel and Lebanon

The Prime Ministers of Lebanon and Israel have accepted the United States’ proposal to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, President Biden announced on X/Twitter.

Over the coming days, the United States will make another push with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and others to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza with the hostages released and an end to the war without Hamas in power.

“Peace is possible,” President Biden said in his remarks. “As long as that is the case, I will not for a single moment stop working to achieve it.”



‘G7 Members Stand Together with an Enduring Commitment’

Secretary Blinken visited Anagni and Fiuggi, Italy to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and discuss:Conflicts in the Middle East
Russia’s war against Ukraine
Indo-Pacific security
The ongoing crises in Haiti and Sudan

“G7 members stand together with an enduring commitment to global security, stability, and democracy,” Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter.


Addressing Food Insecurity Through the World Food Program

In Rome, Secretary Blinken met with staff from the World Food Program, which delivers lifesaving aid to millions of people. The Secretary received updates on its work and how the U.S. can help WFP expand its access to areas requiring its aid.

“The U.S. is the world's top humanitarian donor, having given over $50 billion since 2021,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said on X/Twitter.


Reaffirming the U.S.-Holy See Partnership to Help the World’s Most Vulnerable

Secretary Blinken traveled to Vatican City to meet with Pope Francis, Cardinal Parolin, and Cardinal Gallagher. They discussed pressing international concerns, including the Middle East and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.


COP29 Concludes With Historic Outcome

At COP29, thanks in part to a robust U.S. delegation, countries set an ambitious 2035 international climate finance goal, President Biden said on November 23.

This will help mobilize the level of finance that developing countries need to accelerate the transition to clean, sustainable economies. It will also open new markets for American-made electric vehicles, batteries, and other products.

“While there is still substantial work ahead of us to achieve our climate goals, today’s outcome puts us one significant step closer,” President Biden said.


News You May Have MissedWe remembered the Holodomor, Stalin’s intentional famine that killed millions of Ukrainians
We observed International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Representatives from the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs traveled to the Republic of Korea for a session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution.
Assistant Secretary Rena Bitter shared her top tips for safe holiday travel.
U.S. Global Music Ambassador Grace Bowers, a guitar player, engaged audiences in Japan.
Secretary Blinken spoke to three Americans freed in a prisoner swap with China.


🔎 Looking AheadNovember 29: Native American Heritage Day and International Women Human Rights Defenders Day
November 30: Small Business Saturday
December 1: World AIDS Day
December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
👉 Note to Our Readers

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Statement on Georgia’s Suspension of European Union Accession
11/30/2024


Statement on Georgia’s Suspension of European Union Accession
11/30/2024 02:17 PM EST



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

The decision by Georgian Dream to suspend Georgia’s EU accession process goes against the promise to the Georgian people enshrined in their constitution to pursue full integration into the European Union and NATO. By suspending Georgia’s EU accession process, Georgian Dream has rejected the opportunity for closer ties with Europe and made Georgia more vulnerable to the Kremlin.

The Georgian people overwhelmingly support integration with Europe. The United States condemns the excessive use of force by police against Georgians seeking to exercise their rights to assembly and expression, including their freedom to peacefully protest. We call on all sides to ensure protests remain peaceful.

Georgian Dream’s various anti-democratic actions have violated the core tenets of our U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership, which was based on shared values and commitments to democracy, rule of law, civil society, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and anti-corruption efforts. As a result, the United States has suspended this mechanism.

We reiterate our call to the Georgian government to return to its Euro-Atlantic path, transparently investigate all parliamentary election irregularities, and repeal anti-democratic laws that limit freedoms of assembly and expression.


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