Scotland/Foreign Affairs

Readout of the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor Summit

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… 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>.

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

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… 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>.

Updated: Wed Dec 04 2024

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

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… 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>.

Updated: Wed Dec 04 2024

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

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’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… 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>.

Updated: Wed Dec 04 2024

A Proclamation on International Day of Persons with Disabilities , 2024

The over one billion disabled people around the world have made incredible contributions — 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. … 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>.

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

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

Luanda, Angola MODERATOR: All right, well, thanks, everyone. So, we’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… 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’s Meeting with President Lourenço of Angola</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

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

FACT SHEET: President Biden’s Trip to Angola

On the occasion of President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s visit to Angola, we celebrate the transformation and deepening of the U.S.-Angola relationship. This trip marks the first visit ever by a sitting U.S. president to the Republic of Angola, and the first visit of a U.S. president to sub-Saharan Africa since 2015. This visit comes on… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/02/fact-sheet-president-bidens-trip-to-angola/">FACT SHEET: President Biden’s Trip to Angola</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

France denounces the new prison sentence for Aleksei Gorinov, opponent of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine (2 De

France vigorously denounces the verdict handed down by a Russian court against Aleksei Gorinov, the former Russian municipal deputy and opponent of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, sentencing him to an additional three years of prison under a strict detention regime. In 2022, Aleksei Gorinov received a seven-year prison sentence for opposing Russian's war of aggression against Ukraine, which was decided down under a repressive law that was passed shortly after the Russian (…)

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

Georgia (29 Nov. 2024)

France is closely monitoring the situation in Georgia. We are concerned by reports of crackdowns on protestors and journalists and we call for the right to peaceful protest to be respected. Fundamental freedoms, political pluralism and civil society must be respected. Alongside its European partners, France will continue to maintain strong ties with the people of Georgia and support their European aspirations, which must not be (…)

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

M. Jean-Noël Barrot participates in the international humanitarian conference for Gaza’s civilian population (Cairo, 2 D

M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, represented France at the humanitarian conference for Gaza, which Egypt held in Cairo on 2 December. A year after the international humanitarian conference for Gaza's civilian population held in Paris on 7 November 2023, Jean-Noël Barrot reaffirmed France's determination to lend its support to the civilian victims of the conflict in Gaza. France has already raised €200 million for this since the start of the conflict in order to (…)

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

Memorandum on Delegation of Authority Under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE SUBJECT: Delegation of Authority Under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 621 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), I hereby delegate to the Secretary… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/03/memorandum-on-delegation-of-authority-under-section-614a1-of-the-foreign-assistance-act-of-1961-6/">Memorandum on Delegation of Authority Under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

Readout of President Joe Biden’s Meeting with President João Lourenço of Angola

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with President João Lourenço, highlighting the transformation of the U.S.-Angolan relationship and reaffirming our joint commitment to continue working together to address global challenges. The two leaders discussed significant trade and investment opportunities that keep our companies competitive and defend the interests of workers, addressed the shared responsibility… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/03/readout-of-president-joe-bidens-meeting-with-president-joao-lourenco-of-angola/">Readout of President Joe Biden’s Meeting with President João Lourenço of Angola</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

REMARKS BY FIRST LADY JILL BIDEN AT THE UNVEILING OF THE 2024 WHITE HOUSE HOLIDAY THEME AND DECOR

East Room 12:54 P.M. EST THE FIRST LADY: Hello. How are you? (Applause.) (Laughs.) Hi. Well, gosh. In the swirl of the end of each year, we hope to begin to turn toward our hope for tomorrow. So, as we celebrate our finally — final holiday season here in the White House, we are guided… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/02/remarks-by-first-lady-jill-biden-at-the-unveiling-of-the-2024-white-house-holiday-theme-and-decor/">REMARKS BY FIRST LADY JILL BIDEN AT THE UNVEILING OF THE 2024 WHITE HOUSE HOLIDAY THEME AND DECOR</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

Remarks by President Biden and President João Lourenço of Angola Before Bilateral Meeting | Luanda, Angola

Presidential PalaceLuanda, Angola 1:00 P.M. WAT PRESIDENT LOURENÇO: (As interpreted.) (In progress) diplomatic relations since 19th of May, 1993, which have been growing year after year, mainly since in Angola we started the process of fight against corruption and impunity, and we establishing the best business environment. The Angola president José Eduardo dos Santos was… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/03/remarks-by-president-biden-and-president-joao-lourenco-of-angola-before-bilateral-meeting-luanda-angola/">Remarks by President Biden and President João Lourenço of Angola Before Bilateral Meeting | Luanda, Angola</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

Remarks by President Biden Honoring the Past and Future of the Angolan-U.S. Relationship | Belas, Angola

National Museum of SlaveryBelas, Angola 5:54 P.M. WAT THE PRESIDENT: You are a brave crowd to come out in the rain. I brought my hat just in case. I don’t have much hair to help me. (Laughter.) Leaders of Angola, government and civil society, students, young leaders, staff of the National Slavery Museum, distinguished guests,… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/03/remarks-by-president-biden-honoring-the-past-and-future-of-the-angolan-u-s-relationship-belas-angola/">Remarks by President Biden Honoring the Past and Future of the Angolan-U.S. Relationship | Belas, Angola</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

Statement from NSC Spokesperson Sean Savett on Outcomes of the Fifth Negotiating Session on a Global Agreement to End Pl

The United States is disappointed in the lack of a legally binding international agreement fit to meet the moment on addressing plastic pollution at the INC-5 and we are resolved to make more progress in the next stages of this negotiation. While the global movement to reign in the urgent threats of plastic waste in… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/03/statement-from-nsc-spokesperson-sean-savett-on-outcomes-of-the-fifth-negotiating-session-on-a-global-agreement-to-end-plastic-pollution/">Statement from NSC Spokesperson Sean Savett on Outcomes of the Fifth Negotiating Session on a Global Agreement to End Plastic Pollution</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

Telephone conversation between Jean-Noël Barrot and his Israeli counterpart (2 Dec. 2024)

On 2 December 2024, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot spoke over the phone with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar. The Minister insisted on the need for all parties to respect the ceasefire in Lebanon and highlighted the efforts that France has undertaken to this end, together with our American partners. The Minister stressed that the ceasefire in Lebanon must pave the way for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all of the hostages, and a massive influx (…)

Updated: Tue Dec 03 2024

First Lady Jill Biden Announces the 2024 White House Holiday Theme: A “Season of Peace and Light”

Today, First Lady Jill Biden is announcing the 2024 White House Holiday theme: A “Season of Peace and Light” In a welcome letter to visitors at the beginning of the commemorative 2024 White House Holiday Guidebook, the President and First Lady write: “The holidays have always held a special place in our hearts, and we’ve… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/02/first-lady-jill-biden-announces-the-2024-white-house-holiday-theme-a-season-of-peace-and-light/">First Lady Jill Biden Announces the 2024 White House Holiday Theme: A “Season of Peace and Light”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 02 2024

Global health - World AIDS Day (1 Dec. 2024)

On World AIDS Day, 1 December, France reaffirms its resolute commitment to the battle against HIV and AIDS. As the second-largest contributor historically to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, France calls on all players in the international community to mobilize and redouble their efforts to end the pandemic by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. Despite considerable progress made over the last 30 years, in 2023 more than (…)

Updated: Mon Dec 02 2024

OPCW - International Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare (30 Nov. 2024)

On the occasion of the international Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare, on 30 November, France reaffirms its resolute commitment to a complete ban on chemical weapons. The Chemical Weapons Convention is an essential pillar of the international disarmament framework. It brings together 193 States and has allowed declared chemical weapons stockpiles to be totally destroyed. France reiterates its full support for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (…)

Updated: Mon Dec 02 2024

Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby E

Aboard Air Force OneEn Route Luanda, Angola 2:45 P.M. CVT MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, just one note at the top before I hand it over. I know you’ve all seen the president’s statement on the pardon he signed for his son, Hunter. The president’s statement was quite comprehensive, but I’ll take your questions on this after… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2024/12/02/press-gaggle-by-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-and-white-house-national-security-communications-adviser-john-kirby-en-route-luanda-angola/">Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby En Route Luanda, Angola</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 02 2024

Press Release: Bill Signed: H.R. 1505

On Sunday, December 1, 2024, the President signed into law: H.R. 1505, the “No Stolen Trademarks Honored in America Act of 2023,” which modifies the prohibition on recognition by United States courts of certain rights relating to certain marks, trade names, or commercial names. Thank you to all the Representatives and Senators who helped advance… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/02/press-release-bill-signed-h-r-1505/">Press Release: Bill Signed: H.R. 1505</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 02 2024

Readout of President Joe Biden’s Meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva of the Republic of Cabo Verde

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with President Ulisses Correia e Silva of the Republic of Cabo Verde in Sal, Cabo Verde. The two leaders discussed the growing U.S.-Cabo Verdean relationship, bolstered by the vibrant Cabo Verdean diaspora in the United States; support for democratic freedoms and human rights; and strengthening our collaboration to increase climate resilience.… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/02/readout-of-president-joe-bidens-meeting-with-prime-minister-ulisses-correia-e-silva-of-the-republic-of-cabo-verde/">Readout of President Joe Biden’s Meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva of the Republic of Cabo Verde</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 02 2024

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Holiday Reception for National Guard Families

State Dining Room, The White House It’s great to be here today with a fellow community college professor and Delawarean. Lieutenant Garden, thank you for sharing your story, and for adding a new link to the chain of your family’s military legacy. I am so grateful to you, John, and Jaiden for your family’s service.… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/02/remarks-as-prepared-for-delivery-by-first-lady-jill-biden-at-a-holiday-reception-for-national-guard-families/">Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Holiday Reception for National Guard Families</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Mon Dec 02 2024