Secretary Rubio’s Call with Republic of Cyprus Foreign Minister Kombos
01/11/2026
Secretary Rubio’s Call with Republic of Cyprus Foreign Minister Kombos
01/11/2026 01:36 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Rubio’s Call with Republic of Cyprus Foreign Minister Kombos
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Secretary Rubio’s Call with Republic of Cyprus Foreign Minister Kombos
Readout
January 11, 2026
The following is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Republic of Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. The two leaders discussed the United States’ counternarcotics operations in the Caribbean and the protests in Iran. Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Kombos also discussed shared priorities during the Republic of Cyprus’s January – June 2026 Council of the European Union Presidency.
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Bilateral Relations and Engagement Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Cyprus Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Secretary Rubio’s Call with French Foreign Minister Barrot
01/11/2026
Secretary Rubio’s Call with French Foreign Minister Barrot
01/11/2026 01:31 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Rubio’s Call with French Foreign Minister Barrot
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Secretary Rubio’s Call with French Foreign Minister Barrot
Readout
January 11, 2026
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 two leaders discussed protests in Iran, the recent U.S. law enforcement operation in Venezuela, and diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
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Bilateral Relations and Engagement Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs France Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with German Foreign Minister Wadephul
01/12/2026
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with German Foreign Minister Wadephul
01/12/2026 05:52 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with German Foreign Minister Wadephul
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Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with German Foreign Minister Wadephul
Readout
January 12, 2026
The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The two leaders discussed pressing global challenges including securing supply chains, ensuring that Venezuela can no longer be an operating hub for the activities of our adversaries around the world, and advancing efforts toward peace between Russia and Ukraine. Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Wadephul reiterated the importance of denying Iran the ability to develop or obtain a nuclear weapon. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the U.S.-German partnership across these critical priorities.
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Bilateral Relations and Engagement Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Germany Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan Before Their Meeting
01/13/2026
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan Before Their Meeting
01/13/2026 02:30 PM EST
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Treaty Room
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan Before Their Meeting
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan Before Their Meeting
Remarks
January 13, 2026
SECRETARY RUBIO: Just a brief word today. We are going to sign – are going to continue to work on the implementation of this agreement, which we think is an incredible example. On the one hand, it opens up Armenia for business and allows it to prosper economically, but it does so in a way that doesn’t in any way infringe upon the sovereignty of Armenia. There’s no sovereignty issue here; it’s respectful of their sovereignty. It’s is a great example and it’s also a continued way to build our bilateral relationship between our two countries, which is very strong and continues to get stronger through these agreements outside of the TRIPP arrangement.
And we just think the TRIPP arrangement really is going to turn out to be a model for the world of how you can open yourself up to economic activity and prosperity without in any way questioning or undermining your sovereignty and your territorial integrity. And we think it’s going to be great for Armenia, great for the United States, great for everyone involved, but ultimately a model for the world. And we’re very committed and we’re taking important steps today to continue to move forward on this.
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Armenia Bilateral Relations and Engagement Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Joint Statement on the Publication of the U.S.-Armenia Implementation Framework for the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)
01/13/2026
Joint Statement on the Publication of the U.S.-Armenia Implementation Framework for the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)
01/13/2026 05:12 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Joint Statement on the Publication of the U.S.-Armenia Implementation Framework for the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)
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Joint Statement on the Publication of the U.S.-Armenia Implementation Framework for the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)
Media Note
January 13, 2026
The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Armenia.
Begin Text
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met today in Washington, D.C., to announce the release of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) Implementation Framework. This document, published below, is the latest step toward fulfilling the commitments made at the White House on August 8, 2025, to advance the cause of lasting peace in the South Caucasus.
The Framework outlines a concrete path to operationalize the TRIPP, which is intended to establish unimpeded, multimodal transit connectivity on the territory of Armenia. While connecting the main part of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and creating a vital link in the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, the TRIPP is expected to generate reciprocal benefits for international and intra-state connectivity for the Republic of Armenia.
Reflecting the principles affirmed at the historic August 8, 2025, Peace Summit hosted by President Trump, the TRIPP Implementation Framework underscores the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and reciprocity to the overall success of the TRIPP. The ultimate objective of the TRIPP is to strengthen the prosperity and security of Armenia and Azerbaijan and further American commerce by expanding regional trade and connectivity as well as create new transit opportunities linking Central Asia and the Caspian to Europe.
End Text
TRIPP Implementation Framework (PDF)
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Armenia Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Conflicts and Peacekeeping Economic Growth and Prosperity Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Secretary Rubio’s Call with Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the United States Cardinal Pierre
01/15/2026
Secretary Rubio’s Call with Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the United States Cardinal Pierre
01/15/2026 10:46 AM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Rubio’s Call with Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the United States Cardinal Pierre
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Secretary Rubio’s Call with Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the United States Cardinal Pierre
Readout
January 15, 2026
The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the United States, to discuss shared priorities and opportunities to deepen U.S.-Holy See relations. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the Holy See’s ongoing partnership and thanked Cardinal Pierre for his years of service.
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Bilateral Relations and Engagement Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Holy See Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Secretary Rubio’s Call with Italian Foreign Minister Tajani
01/16/2026
Secretary Rubio’s Call with Italian Foreign Minister Tajani
01/16/2026 11:58 AM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Secretary Rubio’s Call with Italian Foreign Minister Tajani
Readout
January 16, 2026
The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani about the ongoing U.S.-led efforts to bring a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war. They also discussed Venezuela, the importance of counternarcotics cooperation and continued support of Middle East security and stability.
The Week at State: January 9, 2026 – January 15, 2026
01/16/2026
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January 9 – January 15
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Trump Administration next week, we recognize the promises made and promises kept over the past year.
Here’s what happened at State this week.
The United States withdrew from 66 wasteful, ineffective, and harmful international organizations.
The State Department announced that 100,000 foreign visas were revoked in 2025 under the Trump Administration.
President Trump and Secretary Rubio discussed the release of political prisoners and the stabilization plan for Venezuela. 
Reducing U.S. Participation in International Organizations
President Trump delivers remarks to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, September 23, 2025, at U.N. Headquarters in New York City. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)
In an Executive Order on January 7, President Trump withdrew the United States from 66 international organizations.
This action “sends a clear message that it is no longer acceptable to invest the American people’s hard-earned tax dollars in institutions that cannot demonstrate results, accountability, or respect for our national interests,” Secretary Rubio said.
In a recent Substack article, Secretary Rubio discussed how the U.S. evaluated the affected organizations’ purposes and alignment with U.S. national interests.
“Our review of United States participation in international organizations remains ongoing,” the Secretary added, explaining that “This does not mean America is turning its back on the world.”
“The Trump Administration is demanding real results from the institutions we fund and participate in, and we stand ready to lead a campaign for reform.”
Revoking 100,000 Foreign Visas in 2025
In 2025, the U.S. Department of State revoked 100,000 foreign visas, more than twice as many as in 2024.
The 100,000 visas included approximately 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity.
Beyond the revoked visas, the U.S. Department of State will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose nationals disproportionately receive welfare after arriving in the United States.
The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.
The Situation in Venezuela
President Trump and Secretary Rubio address the press at Mar-a-Lago after Operation Absolute Resolve and the capture of Venezuela’s President Maduro, January 3, 2026. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)
President Trump and Secretary Rubio discussed the future of Venezuela and the United States’ goals.
The United States want to see Venezuela transition to a “normal country that we have strong economic and diplomatic relations with,” Secretary Rubio said.
On January 10, President Trump announced on Truth Social the release of Venezuela’s political prisoners.
“Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘Seeking Peace.’ This is a very important and smart gesture. The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together,” said President Trump.
On January 14, President Trump spoke with Interim President of Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez and discussed stabilization and recovery in Venezuela including oil, minerals, trade, and national security.
“This partnership between the United States of America and Venezuela will be a spectacular one FOR ALL”, President Trump said.
News You May Have MissedThe U.S. Department of State announced direct humanitarian shipments to Cuba as part of the Trump Administration’s $3 million disaster assistance after Hurricane Melissa.
The United States and the Government of Malawi signed a five-year bilateral health cooperation MOU that sets a new course for national ownership, co-investment, and measurable results.
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates signed the Pax Silica declaration that will explore opportunities to partner on flagship projects across the global technology stack.
The United States imposed terrorist designations on the Lebanese, Jordanian, and Egyptian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood.
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