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Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Somalia

The provisional federal constitution (PFC) provides for the right of individuals to practice their religion, makes Islam the state religion, prohibits the propagation of any religion other than Islam, and stipulates all laws must comply with the general principles of sharia.


Regional Affairs

2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Cabo Verde

The constitution and other laws protect the right of individuals to choose, practice, profess, and change their religion.


Regional Affairs

U.S. Relations With Burundi

The United States established diplomatic relations with Burundi when it gained its independence from Belgium in 1962.


Regional Affairs

Assistant Secretary Molly Phee’s Continued Diplomacy to Resolve the Crisis in Sudan

Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Molly Phee will travel from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 12 for meetings at the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and other African partners to consult and coordinate next steps among regional and international partners who are united in seeking to help end the conflict in Sudan in line with the African Union’s April 20 communique.



Regional Affairs

On the Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America are pleased to announce that on May 11, 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces signed a Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan.


Regional Affairs

Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan

Recognizing the necessity of uplifting the plight and misery from our people resulting from the ongoing fighting since April 15, 2023, in particular in the capital of Khartoum, responding to urgent humanitarian needs of our civilian citizens,


Regional Affairs

Department of State Begins Construction on New U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe, Malawi

In a display of the continuing strong ties between the United States and Malawi, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), the U.S. Mission in Malawi, and other U.S. and local officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the new U.S. embassy campus on May 11 in Lilongwe.


Regional Affairs

Children and Armed Conflict in Nigeria and/or Ethiopia

This is the announcement of funding opportunity number: SFOP0009765


Regional Affairs

Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer Travels to Los Angeles, California and Santa Fe, New Mexico

Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOA) Ambassador Mike Hammer will travel May 10-19 to Los Angeles, California for a variety of speaking engagements.


Regional Affairs

Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice Cormier Smith’s Travel to Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban

Special Representative Desirée Cormier Smith will travel to South Africa from May 9-13 to engage government and civil society representatives and seek opportunities for partnership going forward.


Regional Affairs

Joint U.S.-ROK Symposium on Countering DPRK Sanctions Evasion Involving DPRK IT Workers

The U.S. Department of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK) will co-host a U.S.- ROK Joint Symposium:


Regional Affairs

Signing of the U.S.-FSM Compact of Free Association-Related Agreements

On May 23, Charge d’Affaires Alissa Bibb of the U.S. Embassy in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and Chief Negotiator Leo Falcam, Jr., of the FSM Joint Committee on Compact Review and Planning signed three agreements related to the U.S.-FSM Compact of Free Association.


Regional Affairs

Taking Joint Action with the Republic of Korea to Combat the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Illicit Revenue Generation

The United States is steadfast in our commitment to combat the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) illicit activities to generate revenue by stealing funds from global financial institutions and other entities.


Regional Affairs

U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dialogue in Papua New Guinea

Secretary Blinken’s visit to Papua New Guinea for the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dialogue is a testament to renewed U.S. commitment to our Pacific Island neighbors and partners.


Regional Affairs

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape at a Joint Press Availability

All right. Thank you. Thank you very much for your extreme patience. I just want to sincerely appreciate all of you from our various media outlets who have spent almost a whole today to wait for this occasion to happen.


Regional Affairs

Timor-Leste Parliamentary Elections

The United States congratulates Timor-Leste on its parliamentary elections.


Regional Affairs

Inaugural U.S.-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Dialogue Strengthens Collaboration, Understanding Between Science & Technology Communities

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) Jason Donovan led the U.S. delegation to the inaugural U.S.-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Dialogue (STCD)


Regional Affairs

Secretary Blinken Witnesses the Signing of the U.S.-Palau 2023 Agreement Following the Compact of Free Association Section 432 Review

On May 22, Secretary of State Antony Blinken participated in the signing ceremony of the U.S.-Palau 2023 Agreement following the Compact of Free Association Section 432 Review marking the successful conclusion of Compact-related negotiations with the Republic of Palau regarding the extension of economic assistance.


Regional Affairs

The United States and Papua New Guinea Sign New Defense Cooperation Agreement and an Agreement Concerning Counter Illicit Transnational Maritime Activity Operations

On May 22, 2023, the United States and Papua New Guinea concluded a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and an Agreement Concerning Counter Illicit Transnational Maritime Activity Operations.