Author: Office of the Spokesperson

  • Joint Statement on the Fourth Meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism for the Peace Agreement

    Joint Statement on the Fourth Meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism for the Peace Agreement

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    The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), and the African Union Commission on the occasion of the fourth Joint Security Coordination Mechanism meeting held this week in Washington, D.C.

    Begin Text.

    On November 19-20, 2025, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda, along with the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator) and the African Union Commission convened the fourth meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) in Washington, D.C. to advance the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement signed on June 27, 2025.

    The DRC and Rwanda committed to advancing the Operations Order (OPORD) to implement the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the Harmonized Plan for the Neutralization of the FDLR and Disengagement of Forces/Lifting of Defensive Measures by Rwanda.  JSCM observers acknowledged the efforts of the Parties to facilitate the continued demobilization, repatriation, and reintegration of FDLR members.

    Participants reviewed progress on Phase One of the OPORD, including updates on intelligence sharing, information operations conducted by the DRC to raise awareness in accessible communities, and encourage FDLR members to lay down their arms.  The Parties engaged in open discussions to consider ongoing challenges and identify gaps and opportunities to work towards ensuring the success of Phase One.  JSCM members also began discussion of Phase Two of the OPORD, including actions to neutralize the FDLR and lift Rwanda’s defensive measures.

    Participants also discussed the broader peace process, commending the recent signing of The Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement Between the Government of the DRC and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd Movement DRC and Qatar’s leadership in facilitating the agreement. JSCM members recognized the benefit of maintaining close linkages between the Doha and Washington processes.

    The Governments of the DRC and Rwanda expressed their appreciation to the United States, Qatar, and the African Union for their continued support and facilitation of the peace process.  The JSCM members thanked Togo for its plans to host the High-Level Meeting on the Coherence and Consolidation of the Peace Process in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region on January 17, 2026 to further foster trust and advance the peace process. 

    The Parties also thanked President Trump for the indispensable role he played throughout the process. All participants remain committed to advancing durable peace and stability in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.

    End Text.

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  • Joint Statement – The Strategic Artificial Intelligence Partnership

    Joint Statement – The Strategic Artificial Intelligence Partnership

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    On the occasion of the signing by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and The Honorable Secretary of State of the United States of America, Mr. Marco Rubio, of the Strategic Artificial Intelligence (AI) Partnership between the two countries, His Highness and Secretary Rubio affirmed that the signing of the Strategic AI Partnership is a historic step that establishes a new milestone in the strategic relationship between the two countries. It reflects the firm commitment of both sides to advance innovation and technological progress, pursuing a long-term, comprehensive economic security partnership to deepen shared security commitments and foster economic prosperity, utilizing advanced and future technologies for the mutual benefit of our two great countries.

    The two sides noted that this strategic partnership encompasses the supply of advanced semiconductors, the development of AI applications, building and developing advanced AI infrastructure, building national capabilities, and expanding high-value investments between the two countries. This partnership will contribute to boosting productivity and innovation, growth and prosperity, and achieve economic and social returns for both countries.

    This Strategic AI Partnership capitalizes on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s competitive advantages in available land, energy resources, and geographic location to build AI technology clusters to serve local, regional, and global demand for AI and cloud computing services. This partnership also leverages the United States’ unique technology ecosystem as an engine for economic growth.

    The two sides highlighted the importance of this partnership in strengthening economic relations between Saudi and American companies in future technologies, which will pave the way for developing innovative and promising solutions in various critical industries such as health, education, energy, mining, and transportation.

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  • State Department to Lead Additional International Education Programs Under New Interagency Partnership

    State Department to Lead Additional International Education Programs Under New Interagency Partnership

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    The U.S. Department of State today announced that, under a new interagency partnership, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) will lead several programs previously managed by the Department of Education. The partnership, formalized through an interagency agreement, leverages the State Department’s global reach and international education and public diplomacy expertise to advance U.S. national security and America First foreign policy priorities. 

    Under this agreement, the State Department will assume administration of programs established by Title VI of the Higher Education Act and the Fulbright-Hays Act, including: 

    • American Overseas Research Centers (AORC) 
    • Business and International Education (BIE) Program 
    • Centers for International Business Education (CIBE) 
    • Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships 
    • International Research and Studies (IRS) Program 
    • Language Resource Centers (LRC) Program 
    • National Resource Centers (NRC) Program 
    • Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language (UISFL) Program 
    • Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowships 
    • Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad (FRA) Fellowships 
    • Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program 
    • Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program 

    Integrating these programs with the State Department’s existing international education framework will streamline program management, enhance efficiencies, and ensure alignment with U.S. national security and foreign policy priorities. Learn more here .

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  • Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anand

    Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anand

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    Office of the Spokesperson

    The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand on the margins of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Ontario to discuss continued collaboration on transatlantic security, the Indo-Pacific, and reinforcing supply chains. Secretary Rubio also recognized Canada’s engagement in Haiti and discussed the advancement of the Gang Suppression Force for Haiti.

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  • Joint Statement of G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Niagara

    Joint Statement of G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Niagara

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    The text of the following statement was released by the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union.

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    We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met under Canada’s G7 Presidency, in Niagara, on November 11-12, 2025. We welcomed the participation of the Foreign Ministers of Brazil, India, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, and Ukraine, who joined us for discussions on maritime security and prosperity, critical minerals, economic resilience and energy security.

    Ukraine’s long-term prosperity, security and defence

    We reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty, and independence.

    We reiterated that an immediate ceasefire is urgently needed. We agreed that the current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force.

    We are increasing the economic costs to Russia, and exploring measures against countries and entities that are helping finance Russia’s war efforts.

    We condemned the provision to Russia of military assistance by DPRK and Iran, and the provision of weapons and dual-use components by China, a decisive enabler of Russia’s war.

    We acknowledged the ongoing discussions on a wide range of financing options, including further leveraging immobilised Russian Sovereign Assets in our jurisdictions in a coordinated way to support Ukraine.

    We strongly condemned Russia’s recent direct attacks on energy infrastructure and reaffirmed our support for Ukraine’s energy security.

    Peace and stability in the Middle East

    We reiterated our strong support for President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. We welcomed the ceasefire and the release of hostages. We stressed the urgency of returning the remains of deceased hostages. We also welcomed the increased flows of aid, but expressed concern about restrictions that remain in place. We called on all parties to allow for humanitarian assistance without interference at scale, through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions and INGOs, as stipulated in President Trump’s plan.

    It is vital that all parties continue to engage constructively on the next steps outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, in pursuit of a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples that advances comprehensive Middle East peace and stability. We will also continue to maintain attention on the situation in the West Bank.

    We urged Iran to fully implement its obligations both under UN Security Council resolutions and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Iran must resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, including enabling inspections of all nuclear facilities and materials. We called on Iran to engage in direct talks with the United States, supported by the E3. We continue to call on all UN member states to adhere to their obligations following the legal implementation of the snapback mechanism.

    Regional security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific

    We reaffirmed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law. We reiterated our strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in particular by force or coercion, including in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.

    We expressed serious concern over the use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons in the South China Sea, as well as efforts to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight through militarization and coercion in the South China Sea.  We reiterated that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on 12 July 2016 is a significant milestone, binding upon the parties.

    We emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, particularly by force or coercion. We encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues through constructive dialogue. We also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations.

    We remain concerned about China’s military build-up and rapid increase of nuclear weapons arsenal and call on Beijing to demonstrate its commitment to stability through improved transparency.

    We strongly condemned the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and reaffirmed our commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.  We expressed grave concern over the DPRK’s cryptocurrency thefts.  We urged DPRK to resolve the abductions issue expeditiously.

    Haiti

    We stressed the need for voluntary personnel and financial contributions to implement UNSC Resolution 2793. We urged the Haitian authorities to present a concrete plan and timeline toward free and fair elections. We welcomed the launch of a Regional Maritime Security Initiative to address transnational organized crime and foster greater stability and resilience in Haiti and the Caribbean through improved maritime security.

    Sudan

    We strongly condemned the recent escalation of violence and attacks that are often ethnically-motivated, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against unarmed civilians and aid workers, particularly in El Fasher and North Kordofan. We deplore the devastating impact of this war on civilians including the famine that has led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. We unequivocally condemn sexual violence. We urged the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to respect human rights, de-escalate, commit to an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and ensure rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance.  We expressed our support for diplomatic efforts underway to restore peace and security and called upon external actors to contribute to that end.

    Eastern DRC

    We remain deeply concerned by ongoing violence and reports of human rights violations in eastern DRC, including conflict-related sexual violence. We called on all parties to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access. We urged all parties to engage in good faith in the peace process, to deliver lasting peace and security, in line with UNSC Resolution 2773. We called on parties to uphold commitments to fully implement the June 27 Peace Agreement and July 19 Declaration of Principles. We welcomed the Paris Conference on peace and stability in the Great Lakes region, held on October 30, 2025.

    Migration and economic security

    We noted the serious impact of conflict and instability on affected countries and regions, as well as on broader regional and international security, undermining growth and development, lessening opportunity and driving displacement and irregular migration. We committed to take up these issues at a future G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

    Maritime security and prosperity

    Maritime security and prosperity are fundamental to global stability, economic resilience, and the well-being of all nations. We reaffirm the principles reflected in the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea.

    We recalled the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Declaration on Maritime Security and Prosperity, adopted in Charlevoix, Quebec on March 14, 2025. We welcomed the work carried out by the members of the  G7 NB8++ Shadow Fleet Task Force.

    We reiterated our commitment to strengthen G7 coordination with partners to prevent the use of unregistered or fraudulently registered, uninsured and substandard vessels engaged in sanctions evasion, risky navigation practices, arms transfers, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, illicit trade, and maritime crime.

    We reaffirmed our shared commitment to address hybrid threats, including activity against critical undersea infrastructure, and to strengthening partnership in securing maritime ports and routes against the trafficking of illegal drugs.

    Economic resilience, energy security and critical minerals

    Building on the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan, the G7 Roadmap to promote standards-based markets for critical minerals and the Production Alliance, we are pursuing partnerships that drive economic development, innovation, resilient and sustainable supply chains, and shared prosperity and security beyond the G7.

    We expressed particular concern with the use of non-market policies and practices to disrupt critical minerals supply chains, as well as other forms of market distortions including overcapacity. In this regard, we welcome the results of the recent U.S. – China discussions and discourage any future policy impediments to predictable trade, including in critical minerals.

    G7 members agreed to pursue concrete initiatives, jointly with partners, to address vulnerabilities by reducing our dependencies, and strengthening our collective economic resilience and security.

    End Text.

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  • U.S. Support for Hurricane Melissa Recovery

    U.S. Support for Hurricane Melissa Recovery

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    Office of the Spokesperson

    The United States continues to provide disaster assistance throughout the Caribbean to help recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. As of November 12, this includes:

    • Travel by Senior Official for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom Jeremy Lewin to Jamaica to meet with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the State Department Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), and the Fairfax County and Los Angeles County Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams;
    • The announcement of nearly $12.6 million in additional disaster assistance on November 10, bringing the total U.S. assistance in the wake of Hurricane Melissa to nearly $37 million;
    • The deployment of a DART, comprised of State Department disaster response experts, to The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica on October 29;
    • The deployment of the Fairfax County and Los Angeles County Fire Departments’ USAR teams to Jamaica to support search and rescue operations and debris clearing efforts;
    • 530,000 pounds of relief commodities, including food, safe drinking water, and shelter supplies, airlifted by the U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Task Force-Bravo to hard-hit communities in western Jamaica;
    • The delivery of 12,000 tarps,12,000 shelter kits, and hygiene supplies for 12,000 families to Jamaica from a State Department warehouse in Miami, Florida;
    • The distribution of nearly 3,000 plastic sheeting and shelter kits — prepositioned by the U.S. in Haiti — via the International Organization for Migration for Haitians displaced by the storm;
    • The distribution of food commodities by the UN World Food Program to 12,700 people in Haiti;
    • Support to The Bahamas Red Cross Society to provide shelter and water, sanitation, and hygiene support and,
    • Funding for Catholic Relief Services in Cuba to ensure Cuban people affected by Hurricane Melissa receive assistance without the interference of the Cuban regime.

    The United States continues to stand by the people of Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, and The Bahamas as they recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

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  • Designations of Antifa Ost and Three Other Violent Antifa Groups

    Designations of Antifa Ost and Three Other Violent Antifa Groups

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    Today, the Department of State announces the designation of Antifa Ost, Informal Anarchist Federation/International Revolutionary Front, Armed Proletarian Justice, and Revolutionary Class Self-Defense as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) and the intent to designate all four groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), effective November 20, 2025. 

    • Antifa Ost (also known as Antifa East and Hammerbande) is a Germany-based militant group. Antifa Ost conducted numerous attacks against individuals it perceives as “fascists” or part of the “right-wing scene” in Germany between 2018 and 2023 and is accused of having conducted a series of attacks in Budapest in mid-February 2023.
    • On September 26, 2025, Hungary declared Antifa Ost to be a terrorist organization and added the group to its national anti-terrorism list.

    Informal Anarchist Federation/International Revolutionary Front (FAI/FRI)

    • FAI/FRI is a militant anarchist group that primarily operates in Italy with historical self-proclaimed affiliates across Europe, South America, and Asia. FAI/FRI declares the necessity of the revolutionary armed struggle against nation states and “The Fortress Europe.”
    • Since 2003, FAI/FRI has claimed responsibility for threats of violence, bombs, and letter bombs against political and economic institutions, including a courthouse and other “capitalist institutions.”

    Armed Proletarian Justice

    • Armed Proletarian Justice is a Greek anarchist and “anti-capitalist” group that has attempted and conducted improvised explosive device (IED) attacks against Greek government targets.
    • Armed Proletarian Justice claimed responsibility for planting a bomb near the Greek riot police headquarters in Goudi, Greece on December 18, 2023.

    Revolutionary Class Self-Defense

    • Revolutionary Class Self-Defense is a Greek anarchist and “anti-capitalist” group. The group links its actions to broader political and social issues and cites opposition to “capitalist structures,” “state repression,” and solidarity with Palestine.
    • Revolutionary Class Self-Defense claimed responsibility for two IED attacks targeting the Greece Ministry of Labor (February 3, 2024) and the Hellenic Train offices (April 11, 2025).

    Terrorist designations expose and isolate entities and individuals, denying them access to the U.S. financial system and resources they need to carry out attacks.

    All property and property interests of designated individuals or groups that are in the United States or that are in possession or control of a U.S. person are blocked. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting business with sanctioned persons. It is also a crime to knowingly provide material support or resources to those designated, or to attempt or conspire to do so.

    Persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with those designated today may expose themselves to sanctions risk.  Notably, engaging in certain transactions with them entails risk of secondary sanctions pursuant to counterterrorism authorities.

    Today’s actions are taken pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224.  FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register.

    Petitioners requesting removal of those designated from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List should refer to the Department of State’s Delisting Guidance page.

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  • Secretary Rubio’s Call with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

    Secretary Rubio’s Call with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

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    Office of the Spokesperson

    The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister continued discussions on our collective efforts to implement President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Conflict in Gaza. The Secretary also emphasized the importance of achieving a humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan. The Secretary and Sheikh Abdullah affirmed the strategic relationship between the United States and the UAE.

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  • Deputy Secretary Landau’s Call with North Macedonia Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Mucunski

    Deputy Secretary Landau’s Call with North Macedonia Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Mucunski

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    Office of the Spokesperson

    The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

    Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau spoke with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timčo Mucunski to thank North Macedonia for its opposition to Cuba’s annual anti-embargo resolution at the United Nations General Assembly. The call underscored the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and North Macedonia.

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  • Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Argentine Foreign Minister Quirno

    Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Argentine Foreign Minister Quirno

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    The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: 

    Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs Pablo Quirno to congratulate him on his appointment and to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to deepening our bilateral relationship.  Secretary Rubio commended President Milei’s continued leadership in advancing regional stability and welcomed the government’s efforts to implement reforms following the recent midterm elections.

    During the meeting, Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Quirno discussed expanding cooperation on economic growth, technology, energy resources, illegal immigration, and security.  The Secretary also welcomed Argentina’s commitment to encouraging long-term investment opportunities by strengthening infrastructure, advancing regulatory reforms and addressing security concerns.  Both leaders agreed to continue close coordination on immigration issues and to work toward resolving outstanding matters related to U.S. business interests in Argentina.

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