Northern Ireland/Foreign Affairs

FACT SHEET: The United States and India Advance Growing Space Partnership

On December 17, U.S. Principal Deputy National Security Advisor (PDNSA) Jon Finer, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, and Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra traveled to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, to mark the significant progress the United States and India have made to strengthen space cooperation, including under the… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/18/fact-sheet-the-united-states-and-india-advance-growing-space-partnership/">FACT SHEET: The United States and India Advance Growing Space Partnership</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Dec 18 2024

Press Release Message to the Senate Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservat

TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES: With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification, I transmit herewith the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (the “Agreement”). I… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/18/press-release-message-to-the-senate-agreement-under-the-united-nations-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea-on-the-conservation-and-sustainable-use-of-marine-biological-diversity-of-areas-beyond-national/">Press Release Message to the Senate Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Dec 18 2024

Press Release: Bill Signed: S. 50, S. 310, S. 1478, S. 2781, S. 3475, S. 3613

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the President signed into law: S. 50, the “Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act of 2024,” which amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to give priority consideration to selecting Pensacola and Perdido Bays as an estuary of national significance. Thank you to Senators Rubio and Rick… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/legislation/2024/12/17/press-release-bill-signed-s-50-s-310-s-1478-s-2781-s-3475-s-3613/">Press Release: Bill Signed: S. 50, S. 310, S. 1478, S. 2781, S. 3475, S. 3613</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Dec 18 2024

Remarks by APNSA Jake Sullivan in a Conversation with Ian Bremmer on the State of National Security

New York, New York MR. BREMMER: So, I mean, for a lot of us here, this is the coolest thing going on in New York City right now. There’s a lot of self-selection in this crowd. (Applause.) So, a very warm welcome to my friend, Jake Sullivan. And also, just to say, we’re going to run… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/18/remarks-by-apnsa-jake-sullivan-in-a-conversation-with-ian-bremmer-on-the-state-of-national-security/">Remarks by APNSA Jake Sullivan in a Conversation with Ian Bremmer on the State of National Security</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Dec 18 2024

Remarks by President Biden Before Marine One Departure (December 17, 2024)

Q President Biden, do you have any plans to speak to the press before you leave office? THE PRESIDENT: Sure. I’m heading home now for a memorial service. Q Will you hold a press conference before the end of the year? Q Mr. President, what’s the explanation for all of those drones over New Jersey? What — what’s behind… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/18/remarks-by-president-biden-before-marine-one-departure-december-17-2024/">Remarks by President Biden Before Marine One Departure (December 17, 2024)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Dec 18 2024

Remarks by Vice President Harris to Young Leaders Who Are Active and Engaged in Their Local Communities

Prince George’s Community CollegeLargo, Maryland 11:50 A.M. EST THE VICE PRESIDENT: Can we hear it for Lauren? (Applause.) Good morning, everyone. Have a seat, please. Good morning. AUDIENCE: Good morning. THE VICE PRESIDENT: Oh. (Laughs.) (Applause.) Oh, I just love seeing all of our young leaders. You know, when I look out at all of… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/17/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-to-young-leaders-who-are-active-and-engaged-in-their-local-communities/">Remarks by Vice President Harris to Young Leaders Who Are Active and Engaged in Their Local Communities</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Dec 18 2024

World Arabic Language Day (18.12.24)

On the occasion of World Arabic Language Day, France expresses its commitment to promoting, showcasing and teaching the Arabic language. With close to three million speakers in France, Arabic is the second most widely spoken language in the country this year, as well as the most widely taught language within the French education abroad network. In diplomacy, the Arabic language is a major asset for our staff and embassies as a language of communication and a working language, especially in (…)

Updated: Wed Dec 18 2024

EU - Adoption of sanctions against Russia and actors involved in destabilization operations (17.12.24)

France hails the Foreign Affairs Council's adoption of the 15th package of EU sanctions against Russia yesterday, more than a thousand days after the start of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as the first package of sanctions aimed at Russian actors involved in destabilization operations. The 15th sanctions package targets a number of actors engaged in circumventing the sanctions put in place by the EU, as well as individuals and entities that directly contribute to the (…)

Updated: Tue Dec 17 2024

Haiti - Adoption of a package of European sanctions against individuals violating human rights (17 Dec. 2024)

France welcomes the European Union Foreign Affairs Council's adoption of sanctions targeting three gang leaders on 16 December, under the European regime of restrictive sanctions in view of the situation in Haiti. The measures, adopted on France's initiative, aim to impose sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations and criminal activities in Haiti, contributing to the ongoing rise in violence. They send a strong signal from the European Union, following on from the (…)

Updated: Tue Dec 17 2024

Press Release: Bill Signed: S. 3960

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the President signed into law: S. 3960, which establishes a good faith exception to the imposition of fines for false assertions and certifications related to the reduction of patent-related fees. Thank you to Senators Coons and Tillis, and Representatives Issa and Hank Johnson for their leadership. ### The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/17/press-release-bill-signed-s-3960/">Press Release: Bill Signed: S. 3960</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 17 2024

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Virtual Thank You Event for Educators

South Court AuditoriumEisenhower Executive Office Building Good evening. We owe our schools and our communities better. We cannot accept this as normal. We must protect our children and educators from gun violence. Thank you for being here. It’s hard to believe that this is one of our last gatherings of educators at the White House.… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/16/remarks-as-prepared-for-delivery-by-first-lady-jill-biden-at-a-virtual-thank-you-event-for-educators/">Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Virtual Thank You Event for Educators</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 17 2024

Remarks by President Biden at a Hanukkah Holiday Reception

East Room 8:12 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: My name — my name is Joe Biden, and I’m Jill Biden’s husband. (Laughter.) And I was raised by — some of you know me well — by a righteous Christian: my dad. My dad used to come home and rail against the fact that we didn’t let… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/16/remarks-by-president-biden-at-a-hanukkah-holiday-reception-2/">Remarks by President Biden at a Hanukkah Holiday Reception</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 17 2024

Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on the School Shooting in Madison, WI

Over the weekend, our nation paused to remember the innocent children and brave educators who were taken from us 12 years ago when someone armed with a weapon of war walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Today, senseless gun violence has once again visited our classrooms as students and teachers in Madison,… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/16/statement-by-vice-president-kamala-harris-on-the-school-shooting-in-madison-wi/">Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on the School Shooting in Madison, WI</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 17 2024

Statement from President Joe Biden on the FTC Banning Hidden Junk Fees

I’ve always put families and hardworking Americans first. That’s why I called on my Administration to do everything we can to lower costs. Today, the Federal Trade Commission is doing just that by banning hidden junk fees when you book a hotel or purchase event tickets. We all know the experience of encountering a hidden… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/17/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-ftc-banning-hidden-junk-fees/">Statement from President Joe Biden on the FTC Banning Hidden Junk Fees</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 17 2024

Syria - Arrival of a French diplomatic mission in Damascus (17.12.24)

As announced by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, a team of diplomats traveled to Damascus on December 17 to mark France's determination to stand with the Syrian people following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. This is France's first diplomatic mission in Damascus in 12 years. The team spoke with a representative appointed by the transition authorities. They noted that in keeping with the ideals of the 2011 revolution, which it supported, France hoped for a peaceful (…)

Updated: Tue Dec 17 2024

Vanuatu - Earthquake (17.12.24)

Following the powerful earthquake that struck Vanuatu, France assures the island's authorities and affected populations of its utmost solidarity at this difficult time and offers its condolences to the victims' families and loved ones. We stand with Vanuatu's authorities and are prepared to favorably consider any request they might make for assistance with rescue operations. Our Embassy's teams on the ground and diplomatic posts in the region working with the Crisis and Support Center of the (…)

Updated: Tue Dec 17 2024

A Proclamation on the Establishment of the Frances Perkins National Monument

Few Americans have had deeper influence in shaping labor and social policy in the United States than Frances Perkins. Perkins became the first woman to serve as a Cabinet Secretary when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt appointed her as the Secretary of Labor in 1933. During the subsequent 12 years, Secretary Perkins played a pivotal… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/16/a-proclamation-on-the-establishment-of-the-frances-perkins-national-monument/">A Proclamation on the Establishment of the Frances Perkins National Monument</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 16 2024

A Proclamation on Wright Brothers Day, 2024

On Wright Brothers Day, we celebrate the bold vision, steadfast determination, and transformative innovation of Orville and Wilbur Wright. Their aircraft, which completed the first sustained, controlled, and powered flight 121 years ago, forever altered the course of human history and took our Nation to new heights. The Wright brothers embody the best… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/16/a-proclamation-on-wright-brothers-day-2024/">A Proclamation on Wright Brothers Day, 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 16 2024

Agreement on restructuring Zambia’s debt (16 Dec. 2024)

Since the Zambian State's non-payment in November 2020 and the Zambian authorities' appeal to find a lasting solution to the financial deadlock, France has made active efforts to identify multilateral solutions allowing Zambia to restore its budgetary sovereignty. Over the past few years France has been committed, within the G20's Common Framework for Debt Treatments, to mobilizing Zambia's creditors, including China, to restructure Zambia's debt. In June 2023, these efforts led to a historic (…)

Updated: Mon Dec 16 2024

FACT SHEET: President Biden Designates Frances Perkins National Monument

Action Uplifts Women’s History by Honoring the First Woman Cabinet Secretary, Longest-Serving Secretary of Labor, and a Key Architect of the New Deal Today President Biden will sign a proclamation establishing the Frances Perkins National Monument in Newcastle, Maine, to honor the historic contributions of America’s first woman Cabinet Secretary and the longest-serving Secretary of… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/16/fact-sheet-president-biden-designates-frances-perkins-national-monument/">FACT SHEET: President Biden Designates Frances Perkins National Monument</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 16 2024

Joint Statement from Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Z

We, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the High Representative of the European Union condemn in the strongest possible terms the increasing military cooperation between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Russian Federation, including the deployment of DPRK troops to Russia for use on the battlefield against Ukraine. In a continued show of support and (…)

Updated: Mon Dec 16 2024

President Biden Announces Key Nominees

WASHINGTON – Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to renominate the following individual to continue serving as a key leader in his administration: Anton Hajjar, Nominee to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service Board of Governors Anton Hajjar was previously confirmed by the U.S. Senate via voice vote, and sworn into… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/16/president-biden-announces-key-nominees-80/">President Biden Announces Key Nominees</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 16 2024

Remarks by President Biden Honoring our Nation’s Labor History and Establishing the Frances Perkins National Monument

U.S. Department of LaborWashington, D.C. 12:38 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Hello. (Applause.) It’s a good day. (Applause.) Thank you, Acting Secretary Su. AUDIENCE: Thank you, Joe! Thank you, Joe! Thank you, Joe! THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. I — I had no choice. (Laughter.) My grandfather would come down from Heaven if I didn’t do this. … The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/16/remarks-by-president-biden-honoring-our-nations-labor-history-and-the-biden-harris-administrations-work-to-strengthen-americas-workforce/">Remarks by President Biden Honoring our Nation’s Labor History and Establishing the Frances Perkins National Monument</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 16 2024

Statement from President Joe Biden on Shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin

Today, families in Madison, Wisconsin, are grieving the loss of those who were killed and wounded at Abundant Life Christian School. It’s shocking and unconscionable. We need Congress to act. Now. From Newtown to Uvalde, Parkland to Madison, to so many other shootings that don’t receive attention – it is unacceptable that we are unable… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/16/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-shooting-at-abundant-life-christian-school-in-wisconsin/">Statement from President Joe Biden on Shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 16 2024

Statement from President Joe Biden on the 50th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act

Today, as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, we celebrate the tremendous progress our country has made in bringing clean drinking water to all Americans – and we recommit ourselves to the work still to come. I am proud to have been one of the Senators who supported… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/16/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-safe-drinking-water-act/">Statement from President Joe Biden on the 50th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 16 2024