U.S. Department of State :The Week at State: July 3 - July 9, 2026

 

July 3 - July 9 As our nation continues to celebrate 250 years of independence, we reflect on our founding heritage and look forward to a strong and secure future for all Americans.  Here’s what happened at State this week.   President Trump and Secretary Rubio secured historic defense investments and advanced energy security at the 2026 NATO Summit.  In the United States and around the globe, communities came together to commemorate 250 years of American independence.  U.S. search and rescue teams deployed to Venezuela to locate survivors and deliver over $386 million in earthquake disaster relief. Securing Historic Defense Investment from NATO Allies Allied heads of state and government pose for a photo at the 2026 NATO Summit on July 8, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye. (© NATO) On July 7, President Trump traveled to Ankara, Türkiye, for the 2026 NATO Summit, where he secured a historic surge in defense investment from Allies, moving the Alliance toward a “NATO 3.0” model of greater burden-sharing and self-reliance. This approach frees critical American resources for homeland defense while increasing market access for American companies.  While at the summit, President Trump also: Met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte Met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Met with Syrian Arab Republic President Ahmed al-Sharaa Participated in a press conference  On the margins of the summit, Secretary Rubio met with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Minister Cho Hyun for a U.S.-Japan-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Together, the ministers signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to accelerate commercial/civil nuclear cooperation through small-modular-reactor deployments abroad. “One of the most important issues in the world today, as we’re reminded of even now with events happening in the Straits of Hormuz and in other places, is energy security,” Secretary Rubio stated at the signing ceremony. Celebrating 250 Years of America   On July 4, the United States celebrated 250 years!  To mark this major milestone: U.S. embassies and consulates around the world hosted celebrations.  Cities around the world, many in partnership with U.S. diplomats, illuminated iconic landmarks in America’s colors, honoring the nation’s enduring contributions.  The U.S. Department of State launched a special commemorative Patriot Passport on July 6. The new design features on July 6. The new design features President Trump and the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Founding Fathers.  “From the beginning, Americans have done the impossible. It is who we are. It runs in our people’s blood," Secretary Rubio said in his Substack article, “A Salute to America.” Delivering Rapid Disaster Relief to Venezuela A U.S. Miami-Dade Urban Search and Rescue team prepares to site survey buildings in La Guaira, Venezuela, on June 28, 2026. (Photo credit: U.S. Marine Corps) On June 24, 2026, Venezuela experienced a pair of strong earthquakes off the northern coast, west of Caracas. The Trump Administration continues to deliver life-saving assistance to support the Venezuelan people.  Through a swift, comprehensive, whole-of-government response, the United States delivered relief to the hardest-hit communities with zero delay. On July 7, the U.S. welcomed home some of the heroes who supported this lifesaving effort. Their heroic efforts included:  Americans answering the Venezuelan people’s call for help Rescuing a survivor from under debris after eight days Finding infants miraculously alive days after the earthquakes  Day and night efforts to dig people out of the rubble  K9s who make every rescue mission possible “We hold in our hearts and are united in prayer for the Venezuelans affected by the recent devastating earthquakes,” Secretary Rubio said in his statement on Venezuela’s national day, July 5. News You May Have Missed President Trump informed Congress of his administration’s intent to rescind Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. Lifting sanctions on Syria will unlock international trade and investment. Secretary Rubio met with Chilean Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco Pérez Mackenna and the two discussed regional security and reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic governance across the hemisphere, including in Bolivia. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also explored U.S. investment opportunities in Chile’s critical minerals sector and strategies to counter adversarial influence in critical infrastructure. The United States participated in the inaugural Regional Security Conference in Fort-de-France, Martinique. Ambassador Herschel Walker led the U.S. delegation at the ministerial plenary meeting and reaffirmed that Caribbean security is American security, making clear the United States will not allow transnational criminal organizations or narco-terrorist networks to threaten hemispheric sovereignty and prosperity. 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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