Scotland/Foreign Affairs

Israel/Palestinian Territories - Ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza (15 Jan. 2025)

France welcomes the conclusion of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement for Gaza. It thanks the mediators, particularly the United States, Qatar and Egypt, for their efforts that made this agreement possible, and calls on the parties to implement it immediately. For more than a year, France has been calling for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of hostages and the massive and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave, in order to end the intolerable (…)

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

Joining Forces, Department of Defense, and Department of Education Announce New Actions to Support Military Children wit

Today, Joining Forces, along with the Department of Defense and Department of Education (ED), announced new actions to support military children with disabilities and ensure they receive the services they need when they move schools. Together, these actions will address delays in services due to issues with transferring special education records from one school district to… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/16/joining-forces-department-of-defense-and-department-of-education-announce-new-actions-to-support-military-children-with-disabilities/">Joining Forces, Department of Defense, and Department of Education Announce New Actions to Support Military Children with Disabilities</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

Letter to the Chairmen and Chair of Certain Congressional Committees in Accordance with Section 508 of the Global Fragil

Dear Mr. Chairman: (Dear Madam Chair:) In accordance with section 508 of the Global Fragility Act of 2019 (GFA) (Title V of Div. J, P.L. 116-94), I am transmitting the Progress Report for implementing the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in GFA priority countries (Haiti, Libya, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea) and the… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/16/letter-to-the-chairmen-and-chair-of-certain-congressional-committees-in-accordance-with-section-508-of-the-global-fragility-act-of-2019/">Letter to the Chairmen and Chair of Certain Congressional Committees in Accordance with Section 508 of the Global Fragility Act of 2019</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

Message to the Congress with Regards to Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in Syria

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… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/15/message-to-the-congress-with-regards-to-taking-additional-steps-with-respect-to-the-situation-in-syria/">Message to the Congress with Regards to Taking Additional Steps with Respect to the Situation in Syria</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

President Biden Signs Executive Order to Facilitate Hiring of Alumni of Full-Time AmeriCorps Programs

This action will strengthen the federal workforce and streamline the pathway into service for 23,000 trained AmeriCorps alumni annually Today, President Biden signed an Executive Order allowing agencies to more quickly hire individuals who have completed an AmeriCorps program. This action honors the service of AmeriCorps members who have worked full-time to address the most… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/16/president-biden-signs-executive-order-to-facilitate-hiring-of-alumni-of-full-time-americorps-programs/">President Biden Signs Executive Order to Facilitate Hiring of Alumni of Full-Time AmeriCorps Programs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

President Biden Signs Executive Order to Facilitate Hiring of Alumni of Full-Time AmeriCorps Programs

This action will strengthen the federal workforce and streamline the pathway into service for 23,000 trained AmeriCorps alumni annually Today, President Biden signed an Executive Order allowing agencies to more quickly hire individuals who have completed an AmeriCorps program. This action honors the service of AmeriCorps members who have worked full-time to address the most… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/16/president-biden-signs-executive-order-to-facilitate-hiring-of-alumni-of-full-time-americorps-programs-2/">President Biden Signs Executive Order to Facilitate Hiring of Alumni of Full-Time AmeriCorps Programs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Alaska Disaster Declaration

Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Alaska and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm and flooding from October 20 to October 23, 2024. Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/16/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-alaska-disaster-declaration-12/">President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Alaska Disaster Declaration</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with King Abdullah II of Jordan

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with King Abdullah II of Jordan. The Vice President and King Abdullah discussed their work together to strengthen U.S.-Jordan ties across numerous meetings and phone calls. The Vice President and King Abdullah discussed the ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, and expressed their expectation that it will… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/16/readout-of-vice-president-harriss-call-with-king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan/">Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with King Abdullah II of Jordan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with President Herzog of Israel

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with President Isaac Herzog of Israel to thank him for his partnership and friendship, their twelfth conversation since she took office. The Vice President reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to the security of Israel. The Vice President and President Herzog discussed the ceasefire and hostage deal that has been reached… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/16/readout-of-vice-president-harriss-call-with-president-herzog-of-israel-5/">Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with President Herzog of Israel</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

Readout of White House Presidential Transition Exercise

Today, Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall convened current and future Cabinet members to conduct a statutorily-mandated Principals-Level Presidential Transition Exercise in accordance with President Biden’s direction to carry out a professional transition. This traditional meeting provided a structured opportunity to share lessons learned over the last four years and help the incoming team prepare to protect… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/15/readout-of-white-house-presidential-transition-exercise/">Readout of White House Presidential Transition Exercise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

Remarks by President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the Administration’s Work to Strengthen America and

U.S. Department of StateWashington, D.C. 2:23 P.M. EST SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon. (Applause.) If I didn’t say anything, this would go on all afternoon — (laughter) — for good reason. Mr. President, it is an honor to welcome you back to the State Department. On day one of this administration, you shared a few things… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2025/01/15/remarks-by-president-biden-and-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-on-the-administrations-work-to-strengthen-america-and-lead-the-world/">Remarks by President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the Administration’s Work to Strengthen America and Lead the World</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

Remarks by President Biden Establishing the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Rhian. (Applause.) Thank you, thank you, thank you. (Applause.) Please. I’m going home now. (Applause.) Thank you, thank you, thank you. Please — please sit down. Rhian, thank you for that introduction. Your commitment to conservation gives me so much optimism for the future, and I mean that sincerely. Before I go much… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2025/01/15/remarks-by-president-biden-establishing-the-chuckwalla-national-monument-and-the-sattitla-highlands-national-monument-in-california/">Remarks by President Biden Establishing the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in California</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

Venezuela - Chargé d’affaires summoned (16 Jan. 2025)

Venezuela's chargée d'affaires in France was summoned to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs today, Wednesday 15 January. The summons follows the Venezuelan regime's decision to reduce the diplomatic capabilities of the French Embassy in Venezuela. France categorically rejects the allegations of interference made against it. France is committed to maintaining dialogue with all the parties to facilitate a peaceful solution to the crisis. The work of our diplomats – to whose daily (…)

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: President Biden Builds on Historic Conservation Legacy, Establishes Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highla

Adding to his legacy of conserving more lands and waters than any President in history, two days ago President Biden signed proclamations creating the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in California. These two monuments together conserve 848,000 acres of lands in California and will protect clean water for communities, honor areas… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/16/what-they-are-saying-president-biden-builds-on-historic-conservation-legacy-establishes-chuckwalla-and-sattitla-highlands-national-monuments-in-california/">WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: President Biden Builds on Historic Conservation Legacy, Establishes Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments in California</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders: Final Report to the President

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) has issued Rising Together, its final report to President Joe Biden. The report offers a comprehensive review of the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investments in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and includes: To view the full report, please visit: wh.gov/whiaanhpireport2025. The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/15/white-house-initiative-on-asian-americans-native-hawaiians-and-pacific-islanders-final-report-to-the-president/">White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders: Final Report to the President</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Thu Jan 16 2025

Angola - Meeting between Jean-Noël Barrot and his counterpart, Téte António (15 Jan. 2025)

M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, hosted a meeting with his Angolan counterpart, Mr Téte António, Minister of External Relations, on 15 January 2025, on the eve of the State visit to France by Mr João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola. The two ministers welcomed the continued strengthening of relations between France and Angola since President Lourenço's visit to France in 2018, followed by President Macron's visit to Luanda in 2023. The Minister (…)

Updated: Wed Jan 15 2025

Memorandum on the Eligibility of the Republic of Cyprus to Receive Defense Articles and Defense Services Under the Forei

Presidential Determination No. 2025-03 MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE Subject: Eligibility of the Republic of Cyprus to Receive Defense Articles and Defense Services Under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act Pursuant to the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States,… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/15/memorandum-on-the-eligibility-of-the-republic-of-cyprus-to-receive-defense-articles-and-defense-services-under-the-foreign-assistance-act-of-1961-and-the-arms-export-control-act/">Memorandum on the Eligibility of the Republic of Cyprus to Receive Defense Articles and Defense Services Under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 15 2025

Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Widespread Humanitarian Crisis

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES: Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/15/message-to-the-congress-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-the-widespread-humanitarian-crisis-in-afghanistan-and-the-potential-for-deepening-economic-collapse-in-afghanistan/">Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Widespread Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan and the Potential for Deepening Economic Collapse in Afghanistan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 15 2025

Notice to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Widespread Humanitarian Crisis

On February 11, 2022, by Executive Order 14064, I declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the widespread humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/15/notice-to-the-congress-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-the-widespread-humanitarian-crisis-in-afghanistan-and-the-potential-for-deepening-economic-collapse-in-afghanistan/">Notice to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Widespread Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan and the Potential for Deepening Economic Collapse in Afghanistan.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 15 2025

President Biden Announces Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Palau to Attend the Inauguration of His Excellency

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. on January 16, 2025, in Ngerulmud, Palau. The Honorable Joel Ehrendreich, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Palau, will lead the delegation. ### The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/14/president-biden-announces-presidential-delegation-to-the-republic-of-palau-to-attend-the-inauguration-of-his-excellency-surangel-s-whipps-jr/">President Biden Announces Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Palau to Attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 15 2025

Proclamation on the Establishment of the Chuckwalla National Monument

In southeastern California, where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts intersect, ancient trails weave through a land of canyon-carved mountain ranges bound together by radiating alluvial bajadas and dark tendrils of dry wash woodlands. Sharing a name with the wide-bodied lizard that is commonly found here and derived from the Cahuilla word “čáxwal,” the Chuckwalla region… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/14/proclamation-on-the-establishment-of-the-chuckwalla-national-monument/">Proclamation on the Establishment of the Chuckwalla National Monument</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 15 2025

Readout of President Joe Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel

President Biden spoke today with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel to congratulate him on the ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas. The two leaders discussed the unimaginable conditions the hostages – including Americans – have experienced over their 15 months in captivity and the terrible suffering their families have faced, and expressed their joy… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/15/readout-of-president-joe-bidens-call-with-prime-minister-netanyahu-of-israel-12/">Readout of President Joe Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Wed Jan 15 2025

BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION TAKES ACTION TO COMBAT EMERGING FIREARM THREATS AND IMPROVE SCHOOL-BASED ACTIVE SHOOTER DRILLS

Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security Release New Resources to Help Schools Improve Active Shooter Drills Emerging Firearm Threats Task Force Sends President Biden Report on Machinegun Conversion Devices and 3D Printed Firearms The Biden-Harris Administration has overseen the two largest single-year decreases in homicide ever recorded. Violence in many cities… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/14/biden-harris-administration-takes-action-to-combat-emerging-firearm-threats-and-improve-school-based-active-shooter-drills/">BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION TAKES ACTION TO COMBAT EMERGING FIREARM THREATS AND IMPROVE SCHOOL-BASED ACTIVE SHOOTER DRILLS</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Jan 14 2025

Lebanon - Appointment of the President of the Council of Ministers (14 Jan. 2025)

France extends its warm congratulations to Mr Nawaf Salam on his appointment as President of the Council of Ministers of the Lebanese Republic following parliamentary consultations on 13 January. It wishes him every success in carrying out his mission, at this historic time for Lebanon. Following President Joseph Aoun's election last week, this appointment offers further grounds for hope for Lebanon and the Lebanese people. France very much hopes that a strong government, capable of (…)

Updated: Tue Jan 14 2025

Message to the Congress on the Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES: I am pleased to transmit to the Congress, pursuant to subsections 123 b. and 123 d. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2153(b), (d)) (the “Act”), the text of an Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America… The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/14/message-to-the-congress-on-the-agreement-for-cooperation-between-the-government-of-the-united-states-of-america-and-the-government-of-the-kingdom-of-thailand-concerning-peaceful-uses-of-nuclear-energy/">Message to the Congress on the Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.

Updated: Tue Jan 14 2025