U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin

Peace, Prosperity & Primacy of Nations: The State Department’s Week at the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week 09/29/2026 Peace, Prosperity & Primacy of Nations: The State Department’s Week at the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week 09/29/2026 02:52 PM EDT Office of the Spokesman Peace, Prosperity & Primacy of Nations: The State Department’s Week at the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week Fact Sheet September 29, 2026 Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the United States is getting back to basics at the United Nations by advancing an agenda rooted in three priorities: Peace, Prosperity and the Primacy of nations. Last week, that vision translated into concrete action, as the State Department worked to deliver meaningful results while setting the standard for a more peaceful and prosperous world. At every step, President Trump and Secretary Rubio have made clear that America will lead with strength and purpose while ensuring that the United Nations remains focused on its core mission. Peace Announced steps to impose visa restrictions on 32 individuals responsible for or complicit in defrauding Americans through cybercrime, cyber-enabled crime, and related activity, the majority of whom are affiliated with the Prince Group, a transnational criminal organization (TCO) that has been the subject of multiple U.S. sanctions actions for its role in defrauding Americans. Committed to ending the war in Sudan and the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Repatriated Syrian Antiquities at the New York Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with our partners at Homeland Security Investigations. President Trump’s decision to normalize relations with Syria and lift sanctions imposed against the former regime opened a new chapter in the relationship between the United States and Syria. The repatriation of cultural heritage artifacts is a tangible example of what can become possible when that new relationship produces real cooperation. Returned 15 antiquities collectively valued at nearly $3 million to the people of Greece. By returning these objects to our friends in Greece, the United States is not merely extending a courtesy. This is law enforcement, the trafficking of looted antiquities funds criminal networks and terrorists. Co-sponsored a joint statement led by Bahrain which called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the safe, unimpeded passage without tolls or illegal charges. Prosperity Announced an additional $267 million in direct life-saving health and humanitarian assistance for the response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With this new life-saving global health assistance, the United States will directly scale up support to combat the outbreak through new Ebola treatment units, additional safe and dignified burial teams, mass procurements of personal protective equipment, expanded surveillance, critical health commodities, and contact tracing through trusted implementers.  Launched an online tip portal for members of the public to help identify and stop suspected fraud and misuse of U.S. visas to protect the U.S. economy, American workers, U.S. national security and public safety. Launched the Andes-Atlantic Corridor, a joint initiative with Argentina to strengthen and modernize infrastructure linking Argentina’s vital economic sectors to major Atlantic ports and Western markets. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani signed the U.S.-Italy Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals cooperation, building secure and resilient critical mineral supply chains. Announced a new public-private partnership to empower global entrepreneurs with American Super Intelligence (SI) innovation and technology through private sector contributions of tools, training, and mentorship. The Network for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NExT) is a public-private partnership aimed at ensuring the American SI tech stack is integrated as the trusted choice for foreign entrepreneurship ecosystems. Launched alongside inaugural partners Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), NExT pairs the Department of State’s global diplomatic reach with private sector contributions to connect international startups directly with American Super Intelligence infrastructure, licensing, mentorship, technical training, and more. Signed 19 new countries onto a foundational building block for collaboration between the United States and strategic partner economies that commit to fostering a pro-growth, pro-innovation regulatory environment — one that empowers startups, developers, and the private sector while aligning its Super Intelligence supply chains with those of the United States and Pax Silica economies. First Lady Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future Together secured new private sector partnerships in tech to Benefit Children. Announced the official launch of the Trans-Caspian Enterprise Fund – capitalized with $201 million in U.S. government funding – as well as a nearly $200 million commitment, working with Congress, to support the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) infrastructure. Announced $201 million in U.S. government funds to enhance the Trans-Caspian Trade Route (TCTR).  The United States and Nigeria strengthened our economic partnership through a new Critical Minerals Framework (CMF) that will expand opportunities for American companies to access Nigeria’s critical mineral resources and strengthen U.S. supply chains. The framework will advance responsible development of Nigeria’s resources that support economic growth for both the United States and America.  The United States and African Union advanced high-quality infrastructure projects through the Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group, creating new opportunities for U.S. private-sector investment across Africa. Announced new assistance for Nepal’s flood response with total U.S. recovery efforts now exceeding $36 million.  Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker met with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in New York and informed him of this new funding. Following the Trilateral Ministerial meeting between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, the United States announced the establishment of an Implementation Plan in support of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Deployments in Other Countries that the three Participants signed in Ankara on July 7 of this year. Primacy of Nations Announced a new policy restricting visa issuance to individuals who engage in or facilitate birth tourism to the United States. The Trump Administration is using every tool at our disposal to defend the integrity of the U.S. immigration system, protect American public benefits and taxpayers from exploitation, and safeguard our national security. Through the Shield of the Americas side event on defending hemispheric sovereignty, the United States and 14 regional allies committed to protecting the Western Hemisphere on the economic front, on security, and on multilateral coordination. As an immediate first step, the group announced sanctions, visa bans, and criminal penalties targeting 24 specific narco-terrorist organizations, including MS-13 and the Sinaloa Cartel. Cyprus National Day 10/01/2026 Cyprus National Day 10/01/2026 12:01 AM EDT Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Cyprus National Day Press Statement October 1, 2026 On behalf of the United States of America, I send warm congratulations to the people of the Republic of Cyprus as you celebrate the 66th anniversary of your independence. The U.S.-Cyprus partnership continues to grow stronger each year. Our defense and energy cooperation has advanced regional security, and we are proud of the progress we have made together on commercial and economic ties that benefit both our nations. This year, we deepened our educational ties through a Memorandum of Understanding to expand the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program, reflecting our close collaboration and shared interest in promoting American English and educational exchange as a gateway to expanding business opportunities. The United States remains steadfast in its support for a Cypriot-led, UN-facilitated settlement that reunifies the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation, consistent with United Nations Security Council resolutions. As Cyprus marks this milestone, the United States looks forward to building on the achievements of the past year and deepening our partnership in the years ahead. Secretary Rubio’s Travel to Reykjavík, Athens, and Lisbon 10/01/2026 Secretary Rubio’s Travel to Reykjavík, Athens, and Lisbon 10/01/2026 01:32 PM EDT Office of the Spokesman Secretary Rubio’s Travel to Reykjavík, Athens, and Lisbon Media Note October 1, 2026 Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Reykjavík, Iceland; Athens, Greece; and Lisbon, Portugal from October 5-8, 2026. Secretary Rubio will meet with Icelandic officials in Reykjavík to discuss economic and security collaboration.  In Greece, Secretary Rubio will lead the United States delegation for the Sixth U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue, deepening our partnership on key Administration priorities, including defense cooperation and regional and energy security.  Secretary Rubio will then travel to Lisbon to meet with Portuguese officials to advance defense, economic, and technology cooperation. The Week at State: September 25 – October 1, 2026 10/02/2026 September 25 - October 1 Next week Secretary Rubio will travel to Reykjavík, Iceland; Athens, Greece; and Lisbon, Portugal, October 5-8, to discuss economic and security collaboration. Here’s what happened at State this past week. Secretary Rubio announced online passport applications and a redesigned passport at President Trump’s America.gov event. The State Department issued new visa restrictions to combat child abduction and safeguard Western Hemisphere democracy. Secretary Rubio joined Sean Hannity on Fox News, discussing Cuba, Greenland, Iran, and Venezuela. Rebuilding the U.S. Passport Secretary Rubio delivers remarks at President Trump’s America.gov event in Washington, D.C., September 29, 2026. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett) On September 29, Secretary Rubio delivered remarks at President Trump’s America.gov event in Washington, D.C., announcing a major modernization of the U.S. passport application process.  “Starting next year, Americans will be able to apply for their first passport entirely online … The point of all of this that we’re doing here today, and this is simple, is to make the process more accessible and easier for Americans,” said Secretary Rubio.  Under the new system, American citizens can complete applications securely via login.gov without printing forms, scheduling in-person appointments, or visiting a drugstore to obtain passport photos.  In addition to announcing changes to digital applications, Secretary Rubio unveiled a commemorative redesign featuring enhanced security and patriotic design elements.  The announcement coincided with President Trump signing an Executive Order, titled “Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence,” directing federal agencies to adopt “Super Intelligence” terminology across official communications. Strengthening Visa Restrictions Protecting American children abducted across international borders and reuniting them with their parents is a top priority for the Trump Administration, said Secretary Rubio on X.  On September 28, the Department announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals and their immediate family members who obstruct the resolution of international parental child abduction cases.  “This policy will add another tool under U.S. law to promote accountability when countries fail to meet their obligations under international law. We are committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all American children,” said Secretary Rubio in a press statement.  Additionally, the Department enacted visa restrictions for foreign nationals undermining democratically elected governments in Western Hemisphere countries. The actions bar individuals and their family members involved in corruption, narcotrafficking, and anti-democratic activities, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to defending democratic governance across the region. Secretary Rubio Outlines Foreign Policy Priorities on Hannity On September 28, Secretary Rubio joined Sean Hannity on Fox News to discuss national security, foreign policy, and key regional developments. During the interview, Secretary Rubio addressed the lack of a functional economy in Cuba, noting that political freedom must accompany economic development. “You cannot have economic freedom in Cuba if you don’t have political freedom first. You have to have both happening at least at the same time,” said Secretary Rubio. Addressing global migration trends, Secretary Rubio stressed the importance of national border controls. “Mass migration is terribly costly for any society. It’s simply not sustainable over the long term,” Secretary Rubio said.  The Secretary also touched on Greenland, Venezuela, and Iran. Watch the full interview for more on Secretary Rubio’s discussion.  News You May Have Missed The United States convened a G20 foreign ministerial to address the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The U.S. pledged an additional $267 million to scale up critical health services, protect frontline workers, and strengthen outbreak preparedness in the region. The U.S. Treasury Department implemented new tightened sanctions aimed at countering national security threats, driving meaningful reforms, and supporting the Cuban people’s pursuit of freedom. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned 11 targets linked to the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, including operatives behind a malware scheme that stole millions from American ATMs and a leader involved in illicit gold mining.  The United States sanctioned 21 individuals and 25 entities linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, targeting key cell leaders, financial facilitators, and corrupt Mexican officials involved in fentanyl trafficking.  The United States sanctioned eight entities and five individuals tied to Iran’s weapons procurement network in support of Operation Economic Outcast and restored UN measures. View the fact sheet for more information on sanctions implications.  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 Germany National Day 10/03/2026 Germany National Day 10/03/2026 12:01 AM EDT Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Germany National Day Press Statement October 3, 2026 On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the German people as you mark the 36th anniversary of German Unity on October 3. The peaceful reunification of Germany in 1990 stands as one of the defining triumphs of the modern era — a testament to the courage of Germans who never wavered in their pursuit of freedom. That legacy continues to anchor the enduring partnership between our two nations. This year, as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence, we are reminded of how deeply intertwined our histories have become. Generations of Americans and Germans have helped shape each other’s nations, which today remain bound by strong shared interests. We additionally welcome Germany’s continued investment in its defense capabilities, a reflection of the clear-eyed understanding that peace and sovereignty must be safeguarded, not assumed. As we look ahead, the United States reaffirms its commitment to working alongside Germany in pursuit of a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for both our peoples. Congratulations again to the Federal Republic of Germany and to all the German people on your National Day of Unity.

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