U.S. Department of State :The Week at State: June 26 - July 2, 2026

 

June 26 - July 2 It’s the Semiquincentennial! We are celebrating America’s 250th birthday and wish you a happy July Fourth!  Here’s what happened at State this week.  The United States delivered rapid, lifesaving assistance following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.  The United States, Israel, and Lebanon signed a Trilateral Framework. The second Pax Silica Summit brought together nearly three dozen economies to advance AI opportunities. Delivering Rapid, Lifesaving Assistance to Venezuela The Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team, seen pulling a woman from the rubble on June 28, is among the U.S. experts helping Venezuela locate survivors after deadly earthquakes in Venezuela. (Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue/John Morrison) Following the devastating earthquakes that struck north-central Venezuela on June 24, the Trump Administration mounted a swift, comprehensive, and whole-of-government response to save lives and deliver urgently needed relief to the Venezuelan people. The United States is providing more than $300 million in emergency funding and working with partners such as Samaritan’s Purse, Catholic Relief Services, UNICEF, and the Red Cross to deliver emergency medical care, food assistance, clean water, and shelter. Four world-class Type I Urban Search-and-Rescue teams comprising over 300 first responders from Fairfax County, Los Angeles County, Miami-Dade County, and the City of Miami deployed to locate survivors and conduct structural assessments in the hardest-hit zones. The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans. Americans in Venezuela can reach the Department 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444, and families in the United States can call toll free at +1-888-407-4747. Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at STEP.state.gov to receive safety and security updates. Establishing a Framework for Peace Between Israel and Lebanon On June 26, the United States, Israel, and Lebanon established a trilateral framework outlining a shared ambition to conclusively end conflict and establish peaceful, neighborly relations. Secretary Rubio hosted Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad and Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter at the Department of State to sign the agreement. The framework formalizes mutual commitments to stabilize regional borders, resolve long-standing security concerns, and advance diplomatic cooperation to ensure regional stability.  This "agreement between the sovereign Government of Lebanon and of course the Government of Israel, ... begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security," Secretary Rubio said at the signing ceremony. Advancing Secure, Prosperous, and Innovative Supply Chains and AI U.S. officials and nearly three dozen Pax Silica economies signed a Joint Statement on AI Opportunity at the Pax Silica Summit. (State Dept.) The United States hosted the second Pax Silica Summit in Washington, D.C., expanding the U.S.-led initiative to 24 members within six months of its launch. Ten additional global partners signed the Pax Silica Declaration to advance secure supply chains across semiconductors, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. During the summit, the United States unveiled Pax Pass, a platform designed to streamline the movement of critical tech goods. “Pax Pass will reduce friction, strengthen supply-chain resilience, and accelerate trusted trade,” said Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg. News You May Have Missed Secretary Rubio met with foreign leaders, including German Foreign Minister Wadephul, Tajikistan Foreign Minister Muhriddin, and Libyan National Army Deputy Commander Haftar.  The United States, the Republic of  Korea, and Japan gathered to address the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) cyber crimes; the delegations reiterated their commitment to achieving the complete denuclearization of the DPRK. The U.S. and EU issued a joint statement on counterterrorism and discussed tangible steps to stop terrorism.   Botswana joined the Artemis Accords, pledging to support the peaceful exploration of outer space.  South Sudan signed a three-year bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding to fight infectious disease and other emerging health threats. 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

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