Foreign Affairs

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends South Carolina Major Disaster Declaration

<p>Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the State of South Carolina by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for debris removal undertaken in the State of South Carolina as a result of Hurricane Helene. Under the President&#8217;s order today, Federal funds for debris removal, including direct&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/06/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-amends-south-carolina-major-disaster-declaration/">President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends South Carolina Major Disaster Declaration</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Fri Dec 06 2024

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Tennessee Major Disaster Declaration

<p>Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the State of Tennessee by authorizing an increase in the level of Federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures undertaken in the State of Tennessee as a result of Tropical Storm Helene.. Under the President&#8217;s order today, Federal funds for debris&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/06/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-amends-tennessee-major-disaster-declaration/">President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Tennessee Major Disaster Declaration</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Fri Dec 06 2024

Remarks by President Biden at the National Christmas Tree Lighting

<p>The EllipseWashington, D.C. 6:14 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Merry Christmas, everyone! (Applause.) Merry Christmas. This Christmas tree lighting is one of my wife Jill’s favorite events, so she truly regrets not being here tonight. She’s on an international trip in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and Sicily to &#8212; in order to promote women’s&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/05/remarks-by-president-biden-at-the-national-christmas-tree-lighting-3/">Remarks by President Biden at the National Christmas Tree Lighting</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Fri Dec 06 2024

Romania - Q&A - Extract from the press briefing (6 Dec. 2024)

Q: On December 4, the Romanian authorities released declassified documents regarding possible Russian interference in Romania's presidential election. Do you have any comment? A: France is closely following the unfolding of the election process in Romania, which is an EU member state, an important strategic partner and a friend. In this regard, we express our serious concern following yesterday's publication by the Romanian President's office of declassified documents pointing to Russian (…)

Updated: Fri Dec 06 2024

Statement from President Biden on CBO Report on Health Insurance Coverage

<p>Health care should be a right, not a privilege, and every American should be able to access quality affordable coverage. My Administration has worked tirelessly to make it happen, and our plan is working: premiums for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act are more affordable, Medicare and Medicaid are strong, seniors are paying less&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/06/statement-from-president-biden-on-cbo-report-on-health-insurance-coverage/">Statement from President Biden on CBO Report on Health Insurance Coverage</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Fri Dec 06 2024

Statement from President Joe Biden on the November 2024 Jobs Report

<p>America’s comeback continues. Today’s report shows that the economy created 227,000 jobs in November, as Boeing machinists returned to work with record wage gains and hurricane recovery continued. Unemployment of 4.2% is in the same low range of the past seven months. This has been a hard-fought recovery, but we are making progress for working families. Since&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/06/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-november-2024-jobs-report/">Statement from President Joe Biden on the November 2024 Jobs Report</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Fri Dec 06 2024

UNESCO - Skills of Paris’s zinc roofers and ornamentalists added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, together with

France is delighted that UNESCO has added the skills of Paris's zinc roofers and ornamentalists to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, together with funfair culture. This latest addition took place on December 2. In so doing, the Intergovernmental Committee meeting in Asunción, Paraguay, honored two further examples of France's living heritage, bringing to 30 the number of French inscriptions on the lists and register of UNESCO's Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural (…)

Updated: Fri Dec 06 2024

Afghanistan - Situation of women (5 Dec. 2024)

France utterly condemns the Taliban-imposed ban on Afghan women attending institutions offering medical education. Unacceptable and unjustifiable, this decision comes on top of countless violations of women's and girls' rights of which the Taliban has been guilty since it seized power in Afghanistan more than three years ago. France will continue to condemn the serious, systematic human-rights violations by the Taliban, which aims to erase half of Afghanistan's population. No return to (…)

Updated: Thu Dec 05 2024

French participation in the ceasefire monitoring mechanism in Beirut, under the authority of Brigadier Guillaume Ponchin

Joint press release issued by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for the Armed Forces and Veterans The ceasefire agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon on 26 November, which came into force on 27 November, provides for a ceasefire monitoring mechanism chaired by the United States. The ceasefire agreement is the fruit of diplomatic efforts made with the United States over many months. France calls on all the parties to comply with it, over the long term, and (…)

Updated: Thu Dec 05 2024

Meeting between M. Jean-Noël Barrot and his Portuguese counterpart, Mr Paulo Rangel (5 Dec. 2024)

M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, spoke to Mr Paulo Rangel, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal, in Paris today, Thursday 5 December. The ministers celebrated the longstanding ties of friendship that unite our two nations, welcoming the very great closeness of our peoples and noting, inter alia, the importance given to French-language teaching in Portugal. They agreed to step up our cooperation further in many areas, including on safeguarding the (…)

Updated: Thu Dec 05 2024

One Water Summit: A Summit for International Cooperation on Water (3 Dec. 2024)

The aim of the One Water Summit, on 3 December 2024 on the margins of COP16 to combat desertification in Riyadh, is to contribute to the ongoing United Nations discussions and process to enhance global water governance and to accelerate action on Sustainable Development Goal 6 (ODD6) on water and sanitation, building on the momentum of the UN Water Conference in 2023. Co-organized by France, Kazakhstan and the World Bank, the Summit also aims to act as an incubator of solutions, in (…)

Updated: Thu Dec 05 2024

Remarks by National Economic Council Deputy Director Daniel Hornung on Biden-Harris Efforts to Build and Preserve Housin

<p>As Prepared for Delivery at the Novogradac Housing Finance Conference We are at a critically important moment for housing policy. Housing is less affordable for Americans now than at any point in recent memory. Approximately half of renters are cost-burdened and a quarter are severely cost-burdened, meaning they must devote over half of their income&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/05/remarks-by-national-economic-council-deputy-director-daniel-hornung-on-biden-harris-efforts-to-build-and-preserve-housing-to-lower-costs-and-opportunities-ahead/">Remarks by National Economic Council Deputy Director Daniel Hornung on Biden-Harris Efforts to Build and Preserve Housing to Lower Costs, and Opportunities Ahead</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 05 2024

Remarks by Vice President Harris at the National Black Caucus of State Legislators’ 48th Annual Legislative Conference

<p>Capital HiltonWashington, D.C. 2:09 P.M. EST THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  I was &#8212; I knew you all were in town.  I couldn’t let it go without coming by to say hello and to say thank you to everyone here, all of these extraordinary leaders.  (Applause.) I wanted to come by and say happy&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/05/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-at-the-national-black-caucus-of-state-legislators-48th-annual-legislative-conference/">Remarks by Vice President Harris at the National Black Caucus of State Legislators&#8217; 48th Annual Legislative Conference</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 05 2024

Background Press Gaggle by a Senior Administration Official on the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor

<p>Luanda, Angola MODERATOR: Thank you all for joining for this gaggle. Everything will be attributed to a senior administration official, embargoed until 10:00 p.m. local time. For your awareness, but not for your reporting, our SAO is [senior administration official]. [Senior administration official], we’ll turn it over to you for a few words at the&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2024/12/03/background-press-gaggle-on-the-lobito-corridor/">Background Press Gaggle by a Senior Administration Official on the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Wed Dec 04 2024

FACT SHEET: Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment in the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor

<p>Today, the United States and Angola are co-hosting a Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor Summit, bringing together leaders from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Zambia, as well as the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). The leaders will affirm their commitment to continue developing the Corridor and invest&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/03/fact-sheet-partnership-for-global-infrastructure-and-investment-in-the-lobito-trans-africa-corridor/">FACT SHEET: Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment in the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Wed Dec 04 2024

Readout of President Joe Biden’s Meeting with President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

<p>President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to discuss the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor and the broader economic partnershipand the bilateral relationship between the United States and the DRC and the Congolese people. The two leaders affirmed the need to ensure conditions are in&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/04/readout-of-president-joe-bidens-meeting-with-president-felix-tshisekedi-of-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo/">Readout of President Joe Biden’s Meeting with President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Wed Dec 04 2024

Readout of President Joe Biden’s Meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia

<p>President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, to discuss the U.S.-Zambian relationship and our shared commitment to economic and democratic progress. The two leaders discussed the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor and the new rail line from the Angola border into Zambia. They discussed how these investments in infrastructure — including through&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/04/readout-of-president-joe-bidens-meeting-with-president-hakainde-hichilema-of-zambia/">Readout of President Joe Biden’s Meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Wed Dec 04 2024

Readout of the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum

<p>On November 15, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration held the Fourth Annual White House Tribal Youth Forum.  At the Forum, over 100 Native American youth from across the country engaged with Administration officials on key issues impacting their communities, including food sovereignty, climate change, mental health, and missing and murdered Indigenous persons. Discussions touched on themes youth leadership,&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/04/readout-of-the-2024-white-house-tribal-youth-forum/">Readout of the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Wed Dec 04 2024

Readout of the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor Summit

<p>Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Angolan President João Lourenço co-hosted African leaders from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania, as well as private sector CEOs, U.S. development and finance institutions, and the Africa Finance Corporation, to celebrate and highlight progress on the development of the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor and the partnership of the Lobito Corridor&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/04/readout-of-the-lobito-trans-africa-corridor-summit/">Readout of the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor Summit</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Wed Dec 04 2024

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Joining Forces Event with Military Families at NAS Sigonella

<p>Catania, Italy Thank you, Captain Shoemaker. I’m grateful to you and Lisa for the warm welcome to Sigonella and for your leadership of this base. And what a beautiful performance from the band! Ambassador Markell—Jack, Joe could not have asked for a better partner from Delaware to the White House in Italy. It’s so wonderful&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/04/remarks-as-prepared-for-delivery-by-first-lady-jill-biden-at-a-joining-forces-event-with-military-families-at-nas-sigonella/">Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Joining Forces Event with Military Families at NAS Sigonella</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Wed Dec 04 2024

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden in her Ancestral Hometown

<p>Gesso, Italy Buongiorno! Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for a warmer welcome than I could have imagined. I’m also grateful to Ms. Prefect Di Stani and to President Schifani for their leadership. Ambassador Markell, Jack, Carla, thank you for your hospitality and your work to strengthen the special relationship between Italy and the United States. I&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/04/remarks-as-prepared-for-delivery-by-first-lady-jill-biden-in-her-ancestral-hometown/">Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden in her Ancestral Hometown</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Wed Dec 04 2024

Remarks by President Biden Participating in the Lobito Corridor Trans-Africa Summit | Benguela, Angola

<p>Carrinho Food Processing FactoryBenguela, Angola 2:01 P.M. WAT MR. HOCHSTEIN: Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Amos Hochstein. I’m a senior adviser to President Biden. It&#8217;s an honor to be here with all of you. I want to open first by saying thank you to Nelson Carrinho and the staff of this facility for opening&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/04/remarks-by-president-biden-participating-in-the-lobito-corridor-trans-africa-summit-benguela-angola/">Remarks by President Biden Participating in the Lobito Corridor Trans-Africa Summit | Benguela, Angola</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Wed Dec 04 2024

A Proclamation on International Day of Persons with Disabilities , 2024

<p> The over one billion disabled people around the world have made incredible contributions &#8212; propelling us all forward in the pursuit of progress. This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recommit to ensuring that people with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect and have every opportunity to reach their full potential. &#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/03/a-proclamation-on-international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-2024/">A Proclamation on International Day of Persons with Disabilities , 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

Background Press Gaggle on President Biden’s Meeting with President Lourenço of Angola

<p>Luanda, Angola MODERATOR: All right, well, thanks, everyone. So, we&#8217;re going to do this gaggle on background, attributable to a senior administration official. For your awareness, but not for your reporting, this is [senior administration official]. And by all means, feel free to share this audio with the pool. [Senior administration official] will share a&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/03/background-press-gaggle-on-president-bidens-meeting-with-president-lourenco-of-angola/">Background Press Gaggle on President Biden&#8217;s Meeting with President Lourenço of Angola</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

Chad - Reconfiguration of France’s military apparatus (29 Nov. 2024)

Two years ago, France began a reflection and dialogue process with its partners regarding the reconfiguration of its military apparatus in Africa, in particular within the framework of the mission led by Jean-Marie Bockel. In this context, France is in close dialogue with the Chadian authorities, who, in a communiqué published by the Chadian foreign ministry on November 29, 2024, expressed their desire to see the security and defense partnership evolve. France takes note of this and will (…)

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024