Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will participate in a conversation to kick off the 2024 NATO Public Forum.  The event will be hosted by the German Marshall Fund (GMF) and moderated by GMF President Heather Conley on Wednesday, July 10, at 9:05 a.m. ET at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.  The Public Forum aims to promote a better public understanding of NATO’s policies and goals as well as the decisions to be adopted at the […]

The Department of State has issued a Statement of Concern focused on certain minerals supply chains from Rwanda and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  The statement clarifies the specific risks associated with manufacturing products using minerals extracted, transported, or exported from eastern DRC, through Rwanda and Uganda. In particular, the Statement of Concern notes that the United States remains concerned about the role […]

Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis will be stepping down from her position this month after nearly three years of serving the Department with distinction. During a time of tectonic change, Jessica has helped lead a collective reassessment on how the Department can best provide security assistance to build resilient, effective partnerships that are […]

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good morning, everyone.  Welcome to the State Department.  It is wonderful to have everyone in this room, on this day, for this occasion. Seventy-six years ago, a year before the treaty that created NATO was signed, President Truman signed into law two other documents that proved foundational for America’s lasting security.  The […]

The United States is announcing a second $2 billion Foreign Military Financing direct loan agreement with Poland today. Poland is a stalwart U.S. Ally, and this deal will further strengthen NATO’s Eastern Flank. Poland is undertaking a major military modernization program, including purchases of U.S. defense equipment such as F-35 aircraft, Patriot missile systems, and […]

On the occasion of North Korea Freedom Week, the United States recognizes the tenacity and courage of North Korean escapees and human rights advocates, as well as the continued suffering of millions of North Koreans at the hands of the DPRK government.  This year’s North Korea Freedom Week culminates in the Republic of Korea’s North […]

Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara A. Leaf is on travel July 8-14 to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Israel and the West Bank, and Italy.  The Assistant Secretary will meet with government officials on continued diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire agreement, secure the release of all hostages, and […]

Ambassador Julie Turner, Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues, will travel to Seoul, Republic of Korea July 10-13, 2024.   Ahead of North Korea Defectors’ Day (July 14), Ambassador Turner will participate in the Seoul Forum on North Korean Human Rights and meet with government officials, civil society organizations, and industry groups to discuss […]