U.S. Department of State,update

 

Kyrgyz Republic Independence Day 08/30/2025 Kyrgyz Republic Independence Day 08/30/2025 08:00 PM EDT Marco Rubio, Secretary of State HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Kyrgyz Republic Independence Day hide Kyrgyz Republic Independence Day Press Statement August 30, 2025 On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the people of the Kyrgyz Republic on August 31 as they celebrate Kyrgyz Independence Day. For 34 years, the United States has supported the Kyrgyz Republic’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. In recent years, our countries have expanded people-to-people ties and improved economic and security cooperation. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with the Kyrgyz Republic and the warm relations between our peoples. As the Kyrgyz Republic celebrates its independence, the United States reaffirms its commitment to deepening the friendship between our countries and advancing opportunities for prosperity for both our nations. Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Kyrgyzstan Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Uzbekistan Independence Day 08/31/2025 Uzbekistan Independence Day 08/31/2025 08:00 PM EDT Marco Rubio, Secretary of State HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Uzbekistan Independence Day hide Uzbekistan Independence Day Press Statement August 31, 2025 On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warm regards to the people of Uzbekistan on September 1 as they celebrate their Independence Day. For 34 years, the United States has emphasized Uzbekistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. The United States is deeply proud of the advancement of our strategic partnership with Uzbekistan, which has promoted trade and business ties between our two countries and led to further cooperation across many fields. We remain appreciative of Uzbekistan’s decision to become a full member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, its continued cooperation on illegal immigration, and the strong security cooperation between our nations. As Uzbekistan celebrates its independence, the United States remains committed to expanding the friendship and further promoting prosperity for both the U.S. and Uzbekistan. Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Uzbekistan Slovakia National Day 09/01/2025 Slovakia National Day 09/01/2025 12:01 AM EDT Marco Rubio, Secretary of State HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Slovakia National Day hide Slovakia National Day Press Statement September 1, 2025 On behalf of the United States of America, I extend warm wishes to the people of Slovakia as you celebrate your Constitution Day. This year, we honor more than three decades of Slovak independence and enduring U.S.-Slovak friendship. From Slovakia’s investment in next-generation F-16s, to Slovakia’s robust State Partnership with Indiana, and Slovakia’s pledge to meet NATO’s five percent defense spending goal, we celebrate a defense relationship that strengthens NATO, enhances Slovakia’s self-defense, and contributes to a Europe that is stronger, more united, and better prepared to safeguard peace and freedom. We are equally proud of our cooperation to secure our countries’ sovereign borders, as well as our expanding economic partnership – including civil-nuclear cooperation and deepening trade and energy ties – which creates lasting opportunities for growth on both sides of the Atlantic. Congratulations to the people of Slovakia on this important day. We look forward to continued cooperation that advances our shared goals of prosperity, security, and collective defense. Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Slovakia Secretary Rubio’s Call with French Foreign Minister Jean Noël Barrot 09/02/2025 Secretary Rubio’s Call with French Foreign Minister Jean Noël Barrot 09/02/2025 01:43 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Rubio’s Call with French Foreign Minister Jean Noël Barrot hide Secretary Rubio’s Call with French Foreign Minister Jean Noël Barrot Readout September 2, 2025 The following is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.  The Secretary and Foreign Minister agreed to continue cooperation in diplomatic efforts to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end through a negotiated settlement with measures in place to secure a lasting peace.  The Secretary conveyed the United States’ strong opposition to any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian State, a move that would reward Hamas for October 7 and hinder efforts to bring all hostages home.  The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed Iran, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs France Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Secretary Rubio’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Lammy 09/02/2025 Secretary Rubio’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Lammy 09/02/2025 07:05 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Rubio’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Lammy hide Secretary Rubio’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Lammy Readout September 2, 2025 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.  The Secretary and Foreign Secretary Lammy discussed Hamas and the situation in Gaza, including efforts to bring all the hostages home.  The Secretary and Foreign Secretary underscored their shared commitment to ensuring that Iran never obtains or develops a nuclear weapon.  The Secretary and Foreign Secretary agreed they would continue to work together to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war through a lasting negotiated settlement.  They also discussed continued cooperation on Iran, Sudan, and Lebanon. Tags Bilateral Relations and Engagement Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State United Kingdom San Marino National Day 09/03/2025 San Marino National Day 09/03/2025 12:01 AM EDT Marco Rubio, Secretary of State HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…San Marino National Day hide San Marino National Day Press Statement September 3, 2025 On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my sincere congratulations to the people of San Marino on your National Day and the Feast of St. Marinus. San Marino, the world’s oldest republic, stands as a testament to the enduring values of freedom, independence, and resilience. The story of St. Marinus, who fled religious persecution and founded your republic, continues to inspire all who cherish liberty and self-determination. The United States and San Marino share a long-standing friendship grounded in mutual respect and a commitment to sovereignty. As you mark this special occasion, know that the United States values our partnership and looks forward to deepening our ties. We wish the people of San Marino peace, prosperity, and continued success in the years to come. Tags Bilateral Relations and Engagement Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson San Marino The Secretary of State The Week at State: August 29 - September 4 09/05/2025 August 29 – September 4 Good afternoon. The Trump Administration is sending a warning to narcotraffickers planning to move drugs to the United States: “Those days are over.” Here’s what happened at State this week: ⚖️ The United States destroyed a boat carrying drugs and members of Tren de Aragua. ✈️ Secretary Rubio visited the Western Hemisphere, meeting with leaders in Mexico and Ecuador. 🏆 Secretary Rubio participated in the Lech Walesa Solidarity Prize Awards Ceremony to recognize Berta Soler. The U.S. Takes on Drug Cartels On September 2, U.S. military forces destroyed a drug-laden boat carrying members of Tren de Aragua, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization under the control of Nicolás Maduro.  “The President has been very clear that he is going to use the full power of America, the full might of the United States, to take on and eradicate these drug cartels,” said Secretary Rubio in remarks to the press, “no matter where they’re operating from and no matter how long they have been able to act with impunity. Those days are over.” Secretary Rubio Visits Mexico and Ecuador Secretary Marco Rubio meets with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City, Mexico, September 3, 2025. (State Dept./Freddie Everett) This week, Secretary Rubio visited Mexico and Ecuador, where he discussed security cooperation to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and combat fentanyl trafficking.  In Mexico, Secretary Rubio met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. After the meeting, Secretary Rubio said the two nations have strengthened border security,  made progress toward sharing water resources, and promoted new economic opportunities in line with President Trump’s America First policies. On Thursday, the Secretary met with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and Ecuadorian cabinet members in Quito, Ecuador, to strengthen cooperation on illegal immigration and countering transnational crime and terrorism in our region. The Secretary’s trip demonstrates our commitment to American leadership being back in the Western Hemisphere. Honoring Berta Soler Secretary Marco Rubio delivers remarks at the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize Awards Ceremony in Miami, Florida, September 2, 2025. (State Dept./Freddie Everett) On September 2, Secretary Rubio participated in the ceremony for the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize Awards. The award is given by the government of Poland and recognizes the promotion and protection of democracy. This year’s recipient was Berta Soler, a Cuban dissident and leader of the Ladies in White. Secretary Rubio praised Soler and said “more people need to know about what she’s done, about how inspirational she is.” The Secretary said, “Her refusal to continue to live under the conditions that she lives under, which are incredibly oppressive, that deny her the basic rights, including the right to go to church every Sunday, is a source of incredible admiration for all of us...” He also thanked the government of Poland for its steadfast support of the United States in the cause of freedom. News You May Have Missed Secretary Rubio revoked the visas of Palestinian officials ahead of the United Nations General Assembly. The Secretary said the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority must be held accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace.  President Trump implemented the Impoundment Control Act, cancelling $5 billion in foreign aid and international organization funding that violates the President’s America First foreign policy priorities. The United States sanctioned China-based synthetic opioid and chemical suppliers who have manufactured and coordinated shipments of illicit opioids and chemical agents to the United States. The United States and the governments of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo released a statement for the second Joint Oversight Committee held this week in Washington. Looking Ahead September 11: 9/11 Remembrance September 22-26: United Nations General Assembly high-level week Note to Our Readers 📩 We welcome feedback at EmailTeam@state.gov  Was this forwarded to you? Subscribe to The Week at State for weekly updates on important work, activities, and news straight from the State Department. Useful links Travel advisories and updates for U.S. Citizens Did you know that you can invite a State Department official to speak at your school, business, or organization? Learn about what we do through the firsthand experience of one of our representatives.  Read More at State.gov Digital Press Briefing: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins 09/05/2025 Digital Press Briefing: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins 09/05/2025 03:24 PM EDT The Brussels Hub MODERATOR:  Good afternoon from the State Department’s Brussels Media Hub.  I would like to welcome everyone joining us for today’s virtual press briefing.  Today we are extremely honored to be joined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins. A reminder that today’s briefing is on the record.  With that, let’s get started. Chairman Atkins, thank you so much for joining us today.  I’ll turn it over to you for your opening remarks. CHAIRMAN ATKINS:  Well, thank you very much, Bridget.  And hello, everyone.  Thanks for joining me this afternoon your time.  I look forward to answering your questions ahead of my first international trip as chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, but first I thought I’d take a few moments to preview some of the priorities that will guide my engagements. Next week I’ll address the OECD’s Inaugural Roundtable on Global Financial Markets.  I intend to outline the ways in which we can work together to encourage global competition and to promote economic growth in our respective jurisdictions.  In that spirit, my meetings in the UK and Europe will be an opportunity not only to advance the SEC’s priorities but also to deepen the bonds of cooperation with some of our closest partners. As many of you know, I take great pride in reporting that it is a new day at the SEC, where we are returning to our core mandate of protecting investors; maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets; and facilitating capital formation.  These pillars of the agency’s mission find expression in our work to attract foreign companies to U.S. markets and to provide Americans with opportunity to invest in those companies while ensuring that the U.S. and foreign firms experience a level playing field. So in one of my first initiatives as chairman, I advanced the issuance of a concept release to gather public feedback on whether the SEC’s current standard for extending special accommodations to foreign companies should be updated to reflect the evolution in financial markets and corporate legal structures. Among the notable changes in recent decades are the makeup of foreign companies reporting to the SEC and the trend of incorporating in a jurisdiction such as the Cayman Islands that differs from where the company is headquartered.  Retrospective review of our rules to evaluate whether they continue to achieve their intended policy goals is one of the hallmarks of an effective regulatory agenda, and I look forward to reviewing public feedback on this topic upon the comment due date. As we look with fresh eyes at the types of foreign issuers that receive special accommodations, we should also not lose sight of the bedrock beneath any effective regulatory regime, and that is high-quality accounting standards and financial materiality.  As Europe seeks to promote its capital markets by attracting more companies and investment, I will discuss the need to focus on reducing unnecessary reporting burdens on issuers rather than pursuing ends that are unrelated to the economic success of companies and to the well-being of their shareholders. Now as we call on our partners to foster investor confidence and dynamic markets in their jurisdictions, these same priorities compel us in the United States to unleash the potential of digital assets in ours.  For too long the SEC has weaponized its investigatory, subpoena, and enforcement authorities to subvert the crypto markets.  That approach was not only ineffective but injurious. As I mentioned a few moments ago, it’s a new day at the SEC.  Policy will no longer be set by ad hoc enforcement actions.  And through the agency’s Project Crypto initiative we will provide clear, predictable rules of the road so that innovators can thrive in the United States.  Whether through tokenized stock ledgers or entirely new asset classes, we want breakthroughs to be made in America’s markets under American oversight for the benefit of American investors. Of course, as I will note next week in Europe, these priorities can reach their fullest potentials when we work strategically with international partners who share our commitment to innovation and to regulatory clarity.  Markets prosper when capital flows freely to its most productive uses.  And public blockchains – inherently global – offer a rare chance to modernize the foundation of payments and capital markets.  By working together to facilitate more innovative markets, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe can strengthen our domestic economies while reinforcing our transatlantic partnership. Finally, just as blockchain is reshaping how we trade and settle assets, artificial intelligence is opening the door to Agentic finance, a system whereby autonomous AI agents execute trades, allocate capital, and manage risk at speeds no human can match with securities law compliance embedded in its code.  The government’s responsibility here is to ensure that common-sense guardrails are in place while clearing the way – while clearing away regulatory obstructions that stifle innovation. AI is now part of our capital markets and its role will only grow.  We must resist the temptation to overreact out of fear, and the choice before us is simply yet profound:  Either America steps forward with confidence and conviction, or others will.  I choose leadership, freedom, and growth for our markets, for our economy, and for the next generation.  I am eager to work with international counterparts who are interested in joining us in this pursuit for a more prosperous and free society. So in closing, we’re at – we are working at a pace to realign SEC’s enduring principles with emergent possibilities.  I am confident that international cooperation in the regulatory matters I’ve mentioned today and will discuss in greater detail next week will benefit all of us in the long run across the United States and around the globe.  I look forward to engaging in this work together with our international partners and with a resolve worthy of opportunities before us. Now it would be my pleasure to take your questions for the remainder of our time together.  Thank you very much for your attention and look forward to chatting here.  Thanks. MODERATOR:  Thank you very much, Chairman Atkins.  We will now turn to the question-and-answer portion of today’s briefing.  So I’ll get us started with a question that we received directly through – from several of our media contacts:  “How is digital innovation such as AI, blockchain, and Fintech reshaping the U.S. regulatory landscape, and what implications does this have for global financial institutions?” CHAIRMAN ATKINS:  Well, that’s a great question.  And so right now – I don’t know if you all have been following it, but in Congress there are a number of bills that are under discussion and will be renewed discussion here and perhaps legislative action this autumn.  A few weeks ago there was a statute that was enacted called the GENIUS Act, which was – which is aimed at stablecoins.  And so that’s the first time that the United States Congress and the President have acknowledged through statutory action a particular part of the digital assets landscape. And so stablecoins are – that’s an important first step that – the stablecoins are regulated by our banking agencies, the Fed and the Comptroller’s Office, Comptroller of the Currency, and others.  So they will be the main movers there, but obviously that sets a really good framework for us at the SEC to approach other parts of the digital asset landscape.  So we’ve been working hard at that since earlier this year, and we’ll be coming out with more actions as the months progress. MODERATOR:  Thank you, Chairman.  We’ve got a question in the queue from Kathryn Carlson.  Kathryn, would you like to ask the question yourself?  I’m happy to read it as well:  “Can you detail which bilateral meetings you will have in Europe and the agenda for those meetings?” CHAIRMAN ATKINS:  Well, it’s a pretty hectic schedule.  It’s like a whistlestop tour, we say in English.  You’re going from city to city, and so about a different city every day.  So London and Paris and Brussels and Frankfurt.  And so there are several meetings.  I’m meeting with, obviously, our ambassadors but then with my counterparts in those various jurisdictions, and then obviously will be talking to the press and what not.  So I look forward to a full and hectic week to make that journey across the Atlantic very worthwhile for the agency here and to be able to discuss our priorities with my counterparts and make sure that we’re in sync. MODERATOR:  Thank you, Chairman.  We’ve got time for another one or two questions. Oh, another question – thank you, Kathryn from Politico EU:  “Are there EU regulatory initiatives that you plan to address during the visit?  And what will be your positions on those initiatives?” CHAIRMAN ATKINS:  Well, one of the prime ones is the discussions in the European Community about the capital markets initiative that is going on now.  And so we’ll be discussing that, I think, in detail with my counterparts.  And we want to collaborate because I think deep capital markets is a key to a very vibrant economic sector, because obviously companies need capital to develop their new products and to service their customers and provide the – what the market is demanding.  So that’s – obviously, we have very deep and successful capital markets here in the U.S., and to have a vibrant European capital market, which the Europeans have been striving now for decades to try to achieve, and it’s – we want to help where we can. MODERATOR:  Thank you, Chairman.  The next question, also from Politico, is:  “The U.S. has just conducted a review of its membership in international organizations, including global financial standard-setters.  Does the United States seek to redefine its relationship with standard-setters like the IOSCO, FSB, and BIS?” CHAIRMAN ATKINS:  Well, so we are still – obviously, we’re members of those organizations, and we are constant – we’re still active, obviously, in them.  And in fact, I will be participating in FSB meetings – one while I’m in Europe, and another at the end of September in Basel.  So that’s a key relationship.  I’ve designated one of my colleagues, Commissioner Mark Uyeda, to kind of be our point with respect to IOSCO, and I’ll be meeting with Chairman Servais in Brussels the end of next week, and so I look forward to seeing him there.  And so IOSCO is a key component of our international strategy here at the U.S. – here at the SEC.  So look forward to helping push that forward. MODERATOR:  Thank you, Chairman.  Our next question from – comes from an Italian radio station, Radio Radicale, from David Carretta:  “What do you think of the digital euro project?  Could it be an obstacle to the stablecoin expansion?” CHAIRMAN ATKINS:  No.  Well, so I’m not so familiar with that project, but I think that stablecoins and digital currencies can be a great aid to international commerce.  And obviously, that’s why the Congress enacted the GENIUS Act that I mentioned before.  And so I think that these innovations have a lot of positive aspects for derisking of the – to lower the risk level in international transactions, to make them more speedy, to make them more effective.  So I think I welcome innovation like that.  I don’t think any of these are a threat to anyone else.  I think it’s all for the better. MODERATOR:  Thank you, Chairman.  We have time for one more question.  We’ll give about one minute here. Okay.  With that, we’ll close out today’s event.  Thank you for your questions.  And thank you, Chairman Atkins, for joining us. CHAIRMAN ATKINS:  Thank you. MODERATOR:  Before we close the call, I’d like to hand back over to you if you have any final remarks you’d like to share with the group before you head out for your trip. CHAIRMAN ATKINS:  No, I think – well, thank you for your questions, and thank you for your attention, and I look forward to – if you have other ones next week, I look forward to interacting with you all over in Europe.  So same time zone.  (Laughter.)  So anyway, I hope you all have a good weekend, and we’ll hopefully interact next week.  Thank you very much. MODERATOR:  Thank you, Chairman.  Thank you.  And I want to point out just a few points before we close today.  If any of the journalists on the line today have questions for the chairman while he’s on the road, there is an email, an sec.gov email, on the media advisory, and we urge you to reach out to the chairman and his traveling team.  Shortly we’ll be sending you all an audio recording of the briefing, and we will provide a transcript as soon as it is available.  We’d love to hear feedback, and you can contact us anytime at thebrusselshub@state.gov. Thank you again for your participation today, and we hope you can join us again for another press briefing soon.  Chairman and your team, we wish you a very productive trip, and we hope to see you back again soon at the Brussels Hub.  Thank you again for sharing your time with us.  This ends today’s press briefing. 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