Foreign Affairs

Sudan - Q&A - (5 Nov 2021)

Q: Following the coup d'état in Sudan, might you reconsider your promise to cancel Sudan's debt? A: France has supported the democratic transition process in Sudan since early 2019 and has been a staunch partner of that country in every area in which we cooperate. The process of canceling the Sudanese debt was part of that. I want to remind you that it was launched as part of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, as agreed at the Paris Conference on Sudan on May 17, in (...)

Updated: Tue Nov 09 2021

A Proclamation on World Freedom Day, 2021

For nearly 3 decades, the Berlin Wall stood as a physical symbol of the Cold War, dividing democratic West Berlin from communist East Berlin. Today, we remember the East Germans who escaped and those who died attempting to attain a life of freedom. We recognize the irrepressible human spirit that no wall could contain, which fueled the...

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Afghanistan - Evacuation flight (Nov. 5, 2021)

Qatar has conducted another evacuation operation between Kabul and Doha. As a result, 39 Afghan men and women who were at high risk because of their work in the cultural and legal fields and the media, or because of their cooperation with France, were placed under protection. Early next week, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs will organize their transfer to France. France wishes to thank the Qatari authorities for their crucial assistance, which has made it possible to evacuate (...)

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Belarus - Human rights - Activation of OSCE Vienna Mechanism (Nov. 5, 2021)

In light of the seriously troubling human rights situation in Belarus, 34 participating States in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), including France, invoked the Vienna Mechanism against that country. Under this mechanism, Belarus must answer a series of questions on the implementation of its human rights commitments - commitments undertaken by the organization's 57 participating States. This decision was taken in the wake of Belarus's failure to implement the (...)

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

FACT SHEET: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Boosts Clean Energy Jobs, Strengthens Resilience, and Advances Environmental J

President Biden has made combatting the climate crisis a central priority of his Administration, including throughout his legislative agenda. Climate change is already impacting almost every aspect of life in the United States. Extreme heat waves, catastrophic wildfires, and severe drought are taking American lives and livelihoods. In the last year alone, extreme weather has...

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Iraq - Attempted assassination of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi (07 November 2021)

France utterly condemns the attempted assassination of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi at his home on the morning of Sunday 7 November. France fully supports the democratic process in Iraq, marked by the recent, satisfactory organization of a general election by the Iraqi Government. In this context, France rejects any kind of destabilization of the country, violence and intimidation. France stands alongside the Iraqi authorities and people and calls for restraint and (...)

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Libya - Q&A - (Nov. 5, 2021)

Q: Would France support postponing the Libyan elections for a few months? A: Holding presidential and legislative elections is vital to stability and political reconciliation in Libya and corresponds to the will of the Libyan people as expressed by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, endorsed by the UN Security Council. The transition's progress on the security and political fronts is what makes it possible. With the international community's support, the Libyan High National Election (...)

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Nepal - Search mission (Nov. 5, 2021)

France is sending a search mission to Nepal today to find our three compatriots who were swept away by an avalanche in late October. This extraordinary operation organized by the Crisis and Support Center of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of France in Katmandu will be carried out by the Gendarmerie Nationale. The operation will be conducted by a 14-person team that includes 10 gendarmes from various High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoons (PGHM), the Mountain (...)

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Niger - Attack on Banibangou (Nov. 2, 2021)

France condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack carried out on November 2 near Banibangou in the Tillaberi region of western Niger, which killed several dozen civilians. It offers its condolences to the victims' families and to the Nigerien people. Along with all the partners of the Coalition for the Sahel, France stands with Niger to combat terrorism and protect the people by supporting Nigerien defense and security forces and by supporting authorities' efforts to restore basic (...)

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Portugal - Clément Beaune's visit (Nov. 5, 2021)

Clément Beaune, Minister of State for European Affairs, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is traveling to Portugal today. There he will meet with Ana Paula Zacarias, the Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs; they will discuss French-Portuguese bilateral relations, and particularly the "cultural season" that will run simultaneously in both countries from February to October 2022. They will also address the challenge of ocean conservation ahead of the One (...)

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room 1:07 P.M. EST MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Hi, everybody. Wow. This is all for Pete. I know. I know, it's all for - we like to call him "Secretary Mayor Pete." (Laughs.) All right, good afternoon, everyone. Good to see everybody. Joining us today, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who - surprise, surprise - is here to talk about the...

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Remarks by President Biden Honoring the 2021 NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks

South Lawn 3:31 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It's an honor. It's an honor to host the 2021 NBA championship - the champions, the Milwaukee Bucks. (Applause.) I - congratulations to team owners Marc and Wes and Jamie and Mike. And to two dear, dear friends, Ted and Mary Kellner - you won't...

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh's Travel to Ghana and Senegal

Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics Daleep Singh led a U.S. delegation to Ghana and Senegal to discuss the infrastructure needs within these countries and around the region. Singh was joined by Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Alexia Latortue and U.S. International Development Finance Corporation's (USAID) Deputy Assistant Administrator for...

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Statement by President Joe Biden on Today's Counter Ransomware Actions

Cyber threats are a concern for every American, every business regardless of size, and every community. Since the earliest days of my Administration, cybersecurity has been a core priority as we have marshaled a comprehensive national effort, as well as broad international coordination, to protect our people and critical infrastructure, our allies, and our interests....

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Statement by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on Nicaragua's Sham Elections

What Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, orchestrated today was a pantomime election that was neither free nor fair, and most certainly not democratic. The arbitrary imprisonment of nearly 40 opposition figures since May, including seven potential presidential candidates, and the blocking of political parties from participation rigged the outcome well...

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on Her Trip to France

Tonight, I will travel to France at the invitation of President Macron to build on our Administration's progress strengthening our alliances and partnerships in Europe and around the world. During my visit, I will join leaders at the Paris Peace Forum to address the rising inequality that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. To promote...

Updated: Mon Nov 08 2021

Statement by President Joe Biden on the Terrorist Attack in Iraq

I strongly condemn the terrorist attack targeting the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister al-Kadhimi. I am relieved the Prime Minister was not injured and commend the leadership he has shown in calling for calm, restraint, and dialogue to protect the institutions of the state and strengthen the democracy Iraqis so richly deserve. The perpetrators of...

Updated: Sun Nov 07 2021

Fact Sheet: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal

Today, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act), a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's infrastructure and competitiveness. For far too long, Washington policymakers have celebrated "infrastructure week" without ever agreeing to build infrastructure. The President promised to work across the aisle to deliver results and rebuild our crumbling infrastructure. After the...

Updated: Sat Nov 06 2021

Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room 3:04 P.M. EDT MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right, everyone. Happy Friday. Q Happy Friday. (Laughter.) MS. JEAN-PIERRE: It's been a long week. It's been a long week. Okay, I got a couple toppers for all. So, President Biden's economic plan is working. And thanks to his Rescue Plan and our successful vaccine program, America...

Updated: Sat Nov 06 2021

Remarks by President Biden on Passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal

State Dining Room 9:59 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, folks. Well, finally: Infrastructure Week. (Laughter.) I'm so happy to say that: Infrastructure Week. (Laughs.) Folks, yesterday - I don't think it's an exaggeration to suggest that we took a monumental step forward as a nation. We learned that our economy created 5.6 million jobs...

Updated: Sat Nov 06 2021

Statement by President Joe Biden

I am urging all members to vote for both the rule for consideration of the Build Back Better Act and final passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill tonight. I am confident that during the week of November 15, the House will pass the Build Back Better Act. ###

Updated: Sat Nov 06 2021

Fishing licenses - Q&A - (4 november 2021)

Q: Concerning the Channel Islands: Is France negotiating directly with the autonomous authorities of those islands on the question of fishing licenses? A: The issuance of fishing licenses for European vessels and their access to British waters is linked to the proper implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed by the EU and the United Kingdom.

Updated: Fri Nov 05 2021

Iran - JCPoA - Q&A - (04 Nov. 2021)

Q: By announcing that it will return to Vienna for nuclear negotiations on November 29, hasn't Iran succeeded in deflecting any possible reaction by you at the next IAEA board meeting with regard to any failure on its part to cooperate with the organization? A: We remain extremely concerned by Iran's failure to comply with its obligations toward the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), especially the commitments it itself took with regard to the Agency on September 12. Iran must (...)

Updated: Fri Nov 05 2021