Scotland/Foreign Affairs

FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Continues to Support Life-Saving Wildfire Response Efforts in California

Over the last 24 hours, U.S. Forest Service personnel have suppressed 50 fire starts Under President Biden’s leadership, the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to support life-saving and life-sustaining response efforts for the wildfires impacting Los Angeles, California. President Biden continues to be regularly briefed by his team, including this morning by Homeland Security Advisor Liz… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/09/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-continues-to-support-life-saving-wildfire-response-efforts-in-california/">FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Continues to Support Life-Saving Wildfire Response Efforts in California</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 09 2025

Lebanon - Election of a president (09.01.25)

France is delighted that a president has been elected in Lebanon, following the parliamentary session of 9 January. It offers its warm congratulations to Mr Joseph Aoun. It wishes him every success in carrying out his mission, which commits him at a historic, crucial moment for Lebanon's future. This election ends two years that have weakened Lebanon, when the presidency has been vacant, and opens a new chapter for the Lebanese people. It must provide grounds for hope for them and all (…)

Updated: Thu Jan 09 2025

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves California Major Disaster Declaration

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of California and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires and straight-line winds beginning on January 7, 2025, and continuing. The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/08/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-california-major-disaster-declaration/">President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves California Major Disaster Declaration</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 09 2025

Readout of President Joe Biden’s Call with President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon to congratulate him on his election victory. The Presidents agreed that the time is now to fully implement the cessation of hostilities announced on November 26, 2024, and for Lebanon and its people to recover and rebuild. President Biden pledged to continue… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/09/readout-of-president-joe-bidens-call-with-president-joseph-aoun-of-lebanon/">Readout of President Joe Biden’s Call with President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 09 2025

Remarks by President Biden During Briefing on the Palisades Wildfire | Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica Fire Station #5Santa Monica, California 11:16 A.M. PST THE PRESIDENT: Well, the governor asked for a declaration that provides for everything the federal government can do, and I’m prepared to sign it today. The — folks, the fact is that I’ve directed DOD — the Department of Defense — to rapidly provide additional… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2025/01/09/remarks-by-president-biden-during-briefing-on-the-palisades-wildfire-santa-monica-ca/">Remarks by President Biden During Briefing on the Palisades Wildfire | Santa Monica, CA</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 09 2025

Statement from President Joe Biden on AFL-CIO and SEIU Reuniting

This is a big deal. Today, SEIU reunited with the AFL-CIO, America’s largest federation of labor unions and a key voice for workers across the country. SEIU is one of the most powerful unions in America representing two million care and service workers. Their affiliation will help workers across the country to organize, earn higher wages, receive… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/08/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-afl-cio-and-seiu-reuniting/">Statement from President Joe Biden on AFL-CIO and SEIU Reuniting</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 09 2025

Statement from President Joe Biden on Lebanon’s Presidential Election

Today, the Speaker of Lebanon’s Parliament convened a session of Parliament to elect Lebanon’s next President, and an overwhelming majority of Lebanon’s Parliament voted in favor of Joseph Aoun. I congratulate him on his election as President of Lebanon. President Aoun’s election comes just six weeks after the United States secured an end to the… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/09/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-lebanons-presidential-election/">Statement from President Joe Biden on Lebanon’s Presidential Election</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 09 2025

Statement from President Joe Biden on the ILA and USMX Tentative Agreement

Collective bargaining plays an important role when it comes to building a strong economy from the middle out and the bottom up. Today’s tentative agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance shows that labor and management can come together to benefit workers and their employers. I applaud the dockworkers’ union for delivering… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/08/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-ila-and-usmx-tentative-agreement/">Statement from President Joe Biden on the ILA and USMX Tentative Agreement</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 09 2025

Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre

After returning this evening from Los Angeles, where earlier today he had met with police, fire and emergency personnel fighting the historic fires raging in the area and approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, President Biden made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/08/statement-from-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-5/">Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 09 2025

Thailand - Condemnation of the murder of Lim Kimya (9 Jan. 2025)

France condemns the murder of Lim Kimya, a French citizen and a member of the Cambodian opposition, who was killed in Thailand on January 7. We offer our condolences to his family and loved ones, to whom we have offered consular assistance. France will closely monitor the investigation ordered by the Thai authorities to fully establish the facts of this case.

Updated: Thu Jan 09 2025

United States - Meeting between Jean-Noël Barrot and his American counterpart, Antony Blinken (8 Jan. 2025)

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot met in Paris today with his American counterpart, Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Two weeks before Antony Blinken leaves the State Department, the Minister wanted to offer him his heartfelt gratitude for his ongoing commitment to our countries' shared values over the course of a four-year term punctuated by numerous crises. He also commended the Secretary of State on his personal efforts to strengthen French-American relations, as (…)

Updated: Thu Jan 09 2025

30th Conference of Ambassadors (6-7 Jan. 2025)

Every year since 1993, all the heads of France's diplomatic missions have met in Paris for the Conference of Ambassadors. These Conferences aim to affirm France's principles, interests and solidarity. The 30th Conference, in Paris on 6 and 7 January 2025, addressed major international challenges such as global security, Defence Europe, feminist foreign policy, manipulation of information and the diplomatic action of local governments. A 30th Conference in a diplomatic continuum The first (…)

Updated: Wed Jan 08 2025

Executive Order on Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in the Western Balkans

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C.… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/08/executive-order-on-taking-additional-steps-with-respect-to-the-situation-in-the-western-balkans/">Executive Order on Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in the Western Balkans</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 08 2025

FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Supporting Robust Response Efforts to California Wildfires

Under President Biden’s leadership, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking significant actions to support state and local response efforts for the wildfires in Los Angeles, California. As the fires continue to devastate communities, President Biden is focused on mobilizing life-saving and life-sustaining resources across the region. The President is closely monitoring ongoing response efforts and is… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/08/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-supporting-robust-response-efforts-to-california-wildfires/">FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Supporting Robust Response Efforts to California Wildfires</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 08 2025

France condemns the breach of the ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (08.01.2025)

France condemns the recent clashes in North Kivu in eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is deeply concerned about the taking of Masisi, which is a breach of the ceasefire concluded on 31 July 2024 as part of the Luanda Process. These events compromise the essential peace efforts by Angola under the Luanda Process. France reiterates its support to the Process in order to find a lasting solution to the conflict. France calls on the parties to immediately fulfil the (…)

Updated: Wed Jan 08 2025

Information Integrity - META scales back its content moderation and fight against information manipulation (8 January 2025)

France expresses its concern over US social media company META's decision to reassess the effectiveness of fact-checking in curbing the spread of false information. It notes that this decision is currently limited to the United States. France remains vigilant and committed to ensuring that META, along with other platforms, comply with their obligations under European law, particularly the Digital Services Act (DSA). Fully implemented in 2024, this innovative regulatory framework holds (…)

Updated: Wed Jan 08 2025

Message to the Congress on Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in the Western Balkans

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES: Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby report that I have issued an Executive Order in order to take additional steps with respect to the national… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/08/message-to-the-congress-on-taking-additional-steps-with-respect-to-the-situation-in-the-western-balkans/">Message to the Congress on Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in the Western Balkans</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 08 2025

Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with Chancellor Scholz of Germany

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany and thanked him for his partnership throughout the Biden-Harris Administration. The Vice President underscored the vital importance of the U.S.-Germany Alliance in addressing global challenges, from economic growth to global stability and security, and for standing for democratic principles around the world. The Vice… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/08/readout-of-vice-president-harriss-call-with-chancellor-scholz-of-germany/">Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with Chancellor Scholz of Germany</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 08 2025

Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with President Arévalo of Guatemala

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala and thanked him for his partnership. They discussed progress made in addressing irregular migration through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Root Causes Strategy and through Central America Forward, the public-private partnership led by the Vice President which has helped reduce irregular migration to the United… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/08/readout-of-vice-president-harriss-call-with-president-arevalo-of-guatemala/">Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with President Arévalo of Guatemala</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 08 2025

Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with President Macron of France

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today to President Emmanuel Macron of France and thanked him for his partnership throughout the Biden-Harris Administration. They reflected on their first meeting in November 2021 in Paris and further meetings in Washington and Munich. The Vice President expressed continued support for a strong, united NATO and thanked President Macron… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/08/readout-of-vice-president-harriss-call-with-president-macron-of-france-2/">Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with President Macron of France</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 08 2025

Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with President William Ruto of Kenya

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with President William Ruto of Kenya and thanked him for his partnership and their shared work strengthening the U.S.-Kenya relationship. The Vice President emphasized her continued interest in expanding digital inclusion across the continent of Africa, and making progress in technology, AI, and climate and clean energy, among other areas of… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/08/readout-of-vice-president-harriss-call-with-president-william-ruto-of-kenya/">Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with President William Ruto of Kenya</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 08 2025

Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with Prime Minister Holness of Jamaica

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica and thanked him for his partnership. The Vice President underscored the strength of the U.S.-Jamaica partnership and the longstanding bonds between the American and Jamaican people. The Vice President expressed her continued support for strengthening U.S. partnerships throughout the Caribbean region and… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/08/readout-of-vice-president-harriss-call-with-prime-minister-holness-of-jamaica-2/">Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with Prime Minister Holness of Jamaica</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 08 2025

Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados

Vice President Kamala Harris today spoke to Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and thanked her for her partnership. The Vice President emphasized her belief that U.S. economic and strategic interests are intertwined with those of our neighbors in the Caribbean. They reviewed progress in the U.S.-Caribbean partnership, and… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/08/readout-of-vice-president-harriss-call-with-prime-minister-mottley-of-barbados/">Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 08 2025

Third Defense Trade Strategic Dialogue (DTSG) between the United States and France (Paris, 17 Dec. 2024)

The third Defense Trade Strategic Dialogue (DTSG) between the United States and France was held on December 17 in Paris. This dialogue, co-chaired by high-level representatives of the Department of State and the Department of Defense for the United States and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Armed Forces for France, aims to promote defense market access and to identify measures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of export controls. The DTSG (…)

Updated: Wed Jan 08 2025

FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Introduces New Guidance for Missile Technology Exports to Advance Nonproliferati

On January 3, President Biden issued a National Security Memorandum to update policy guidance for the U.S. Government’s implementation of the Missile Technology Control Regime, or “MTCR.” These updates reflect a renewed U.S. commitment to nonproliferation, while advancing the President’s goals of strengthening allied defense capabilities, bolstering the U.S. defense industrial base, streamlining defense trade,… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/07/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-introduces-new-guidance-for-missile-technology-exports-to-advance-nonproliferation-goals-and-bolster-allied-defense-capabilities/">FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Introduces New Guidance for Missile Technology Exports to Advance Nonproliferation Goals and Bolster Allied Defense Capabilities</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Jan 07 2025