U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin

Joint Statement on United States – Iceland Strategic Dialogue
11/03/2026
Joint Statement on United States – Iceland Strategic Dialogue
11/03/2026 11:40 AM EST

Office of the Spokesman

Joint Statement on United States – Iceland Strategic Dialogue

Media Note

November 3, 2026



The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Iceland on the occasion of the United States-Iceland Strategic Dialogue.

Begin text:

The United States and Iceland held the annual bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Reykjavik from November 2-3.  The Dialogue was led by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Peter Andreoli, Office of the Secretary of War Principal Director for Europe and NATO Policy Alton Buland, Icelandic Director General for International Affairs and Policy Anna Hjartardóttir, and Director General for Defense Jónas Allansson with participation from U.S. Ambassador to Iceland Billy Long and Icelandic Ambassador to the United States Svanhildur Hólm Valsdóttir. 

The United States and Iceland built on the momentum of Secretary Rubio’s recent visit, marking 75 years of close bilateral defense and security cooperation and reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Discussions addressed the evolving European security landscape and wider global security challenges, with particular emphasis on enhancing cooperation in the Arctic, reinforcing NATO’s collective deterrence and defense, and advancing bilateral security initiatives. The Dialogue also focused on improving regional domain awareness, protection of critical infrastructure, and countering malign influence and subversive activities. Participants explored new opportunities for dual-use technologies, supply chain security, innovation, and collaboration with the U.S. National Guard.

End text.





Joint Statement on the 53rd U.S.-Portugal Standing Bilateral Commission
11/03/2026
Joint Statement on the 53rd U.S.-Portugal Standing Bilateral Commission
11/03/2026 03:59 PM EST



Office of the Spokesman


Joint Statement on the 53rd U.S.-Portugal Standing Bilateral Commission


Media Note





November 3, 2026



The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Portugal on the occasion of the 53rd meeting of the U.S.-Portugal Standing Bilateral Commission.

Begin Text:

The Governments of the United States of America and the Portuguese Republic convened the 53rd meeting of the Portugal-United States Standing Bilateral Commission (SBC). The dialogue focused on the following priorities:


Defense and Security Cooperation: The delegations reaffirmed NATO’s central role in Euro-Atlantic security and their shared commitment to allied defense investment in line with commitments made at the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague. Recognizing the strong bilateral defense relationship and the successful collaboration on defense equipment programmes, both sides welcome the continued expansion of cooperation between their respective armed forces. They highlighted the ongoing implementation of the State Partnership Program between Portugal and the Illinois National Guard, including activities already underway and further engagements planned to strengthen interoperability, readiness, and the exchange of expertise.


Cooperation in the Azores/Lajes: Both sides praised the growing U.S. engagement with the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The delegations committed to expanding economic opportunity and people-to-people ties that benefit Azorean communities. The delegations acknowledged the U.S. Air Force’s efforts in environmental remediation.


Economic security/CEO Forum: The delegations reaffirmed their strong commitment to reinforcing economic ties between Portugal and the United States. Building on the 52nd SBC meeting commitments and the October 8 meeting between Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Rangel in Lisbon, the two governments confirmed the inaugural CEO Forum Plenary Meeting to be held on November 10, 2026, in Lisbon. With this initiative, both sides aim to identify new opportunities for trade and investment, while facilitating job creation and promoting economic growth and security, to the benefit of both the United States and Portugal.


The United States congratulated Portugal on its election to the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. Both delegations agreed to cooperate within the Council to address the pressing topics of the global agenda.


The delegations reaffirmed their sustained interest in continuing and deepening the bilateral strategic partnership.


The 54th SBC will meet in Lisbon, in 2027.

End Text.



Secretary Rubio’s Travel to France
11/06/2026


Secretary Rubio’s Travel to France
11/06/2026 02:02 PM EST



Office of the Spokesman


Secretary Rubio’s Travel to France


Media Note





November 6, 2026



Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Paris, France November 8-10. The Secretary will attend the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, where he will advance American interests in engagements with his G7 counterparts.



The Week at State: October 30 – November 5, 2026
11/06/2026

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October 30 - November 5

On Wednesday, November 11, we celebrate Veterans Day to honor all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Here’s what happened at State this week. The U.S. hosted the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta.
The United States and Greenland ratified a historic agreement.
Secretary Rubio met with Venezuela’s Foreign Minister to review progress toward democratic stability.


U.S. Hosts G20 Foreign Ministers in Atlanta

Secretary Rubio meets with Indo-Pacific Quad Foreign Ministers at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, October 31, 2026. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett)

From October 30 to 31, Secretary Rubio hosted counterparts from the world's largest economies in Atlanta, Georgia, for the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The gathering focused on critical geopolitical challenges, energy security, and supply-chain resilience, culminating in the release of a comprehensive G20 Chair's Statement.

The plenary discussions addressed regional conflicts, economic stability, and freedom of navigation, reinforcing America’s leadership in shaping multilateral solutions.

“We focused on core economic, energy, technology, and supply chain challenges,” said Secretary Rubio in a press availability. “And we addressed practical solutions and real outcomes that benefit the citizens not just of the countries represented here today, but of the world.”


U.S. and Greenland Ratify Landmark Agreement

The United States and Greenland concluded and ratified a historic maritime Memorandum of Understanding, cementing enhanced commercial and strategic coordination across the North Atlantic and Arctic waterways.

The agreement establishes new protocols for port access, maritime infrastructure investment, and mutual search-and-rescue operations. By strengthening economic linkages and navigational cooperation, the pact ensures greater supply chain security and reinforces commercial opportunities for American and regional maritime industries.

Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg noted that expanding maritime infrastructure with key partners protects vital economic routes and supports long-term Western security in critical northern sea lanes.


Advancing Democratic Stability in Venezuela

Secretary Rubio met with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Blanco to review key milestones in Venezuela’s ongoing democratic transition and bilateral economic reintegration.

The discussions centered on strengthening transitional governance structures, safeguarding regional energy production, and expanding lawful commercial ties between the two nations following months of coordinated reconciliation talks.

“The United States remains steadfast in supporting the Venezuelan people as they restore constitutional order, revitalize their energy sector, and rejoin the community of free nations,” Secretary Rubio stated following the meeting.



News You May Have MissedThe State Department imposed sanctions on Cuban elites and state entities for enriching themselves at the expense of the Cuban people.
The State Department sanctioned individuals and an entity that have been involved in efforts to help the Iranian regime obtain man-portable air-defense systems.
The U.S. sanctioned a criminal network for selling fraudulent flags to the Iranian regime’s shadow fleet and a company that gives ground support to sanctioned Iranian airlines.
The governments of the U.S. and the Republic of Portugal reaffirmed their commitment to allied defense investment and reinforced economic ties between the two nations.
The Department of State signed a humanitarian-logistics Memorandum of Understanding with UPS to support disaster response efforts.
Secretary Rubio announced U.S. participation in World Expo 2030 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The United States will showcase American innovation, expand commercial opportunities for U.S. businesses, and strengthen the bilateral relationship with Saudi Arabia.
The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes Region released a statement on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.


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Joint Statement on the Launch of Trilateral Technical Planning Groups to Advance the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)
11/06/2026
Joint Statement on the Launch of Trilateral Technical Planning Groups to Advance the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)
11/06/2026 04:38 PM EST



Office of the Spokesman


Joint Statement on the Launch of Trilateral Technical Planning Groups to Advance the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)


Media Note





November 6, 2026



The following text was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.


Begin Text.


Today, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Brendan Hanrahan, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan, and Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov launched Trilateral Technical Planning Groups to advance the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a multimodal transit route. This forum brings together policymakers and technical experts from our three countries to work collaboratively and contribute to long-term stability, economic vitality, regional connectivity, and commercial prosperity across the region, underscoring the landmark August 8, 2025, Peace Summit Declaration brokered by President Trump.


Demonstrating a shared commitment to turn vision into tangible progress, the parties agreed to inaugurate the first two Trilateral Planning Groups focused on transportation and electricity transmission. These technical planning groups represent a crucial step toward resolving complex technical issues and moving to the next phases of implementation, including connection with other regional infrastructures.


The sides reaffirmed their respective commitments to expeditious operationalization of all modalities of TRIPP.


End Text.








 





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