Foreign Affairs

Statement of the International Contact Group (ICG) on the situation in the Great Lakes (19.12.2024)

The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes, chaired by the Netherlands, gave a statement on the situation in the Great Lakes region. The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes, including representatives from Belgium, European Union, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States, is deeply disappointed at the postponement of the December 15 Tripartite Summit on Peace and Security. It is important to preserve and expand the months (…)

Updated: Fri Dec 20 2024

Ukraine - Joint statement from the Tallinn Mechanism (20.12.24)

Donors accumulate 200 million euros for Ukraine's resilience in cyberspace. Ukraine has withstood Russia's brutal full-scale invasion for over 1000 days. This war does not only take place in the trenches but also in cyberspace; it confi¬rms that cyberattacks are an integral part of 21st century conflict and warfare, and cybersecurity is a crucial dimension of the overall resilience of society. Thanks to Ukraine's own resilience coupled with the international assistance it has received, Ukraine (…)

Updated: Fri Dec 20 2024

Executive Order on Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on December

<p>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed and their employees excused from duty on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, the day before&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/12/19/executive-order-on-providing-for-the-closing-of-executive-departments-and-agencies-of-the-federal-government-on-december-24-2024/">Executive Order on Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on December 24, 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Marks Progress Strengthening America’s Supply Chains

<p>Upon taking office in 2021, President Biden and his Administration immediately got to work addressing the shocks that were roiling global supply chains and moved swiftly to secure key industries for America’s economy and national security. Everything in our lives—the food we eat, the medicines in our hospitals, the energy that powers our homes, the&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/19/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-marks-progress-strengthening-americas-supply-chains/">FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Marks Progress Strengthening America’s Supply Chains</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

FACT SHEET: President Biden and Vice President Harris Are Delivering for Rural Communities

<p>Over the past four years, President Biden and Vice President Harris have taken action to ensure rural Americans do not have to leave their hometowns to find opportunity. One year ago, President Biden visited a family farm in Northfield, Minnesota to kick off the “Investing in Rural America” event series, spurring over 30 visits by&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/19/fact-sheet-president-biden-and-vice-president-harris-are-delivering-for-rural-communities/">FACT SHEET: President Biden and Vice President Harris Are Delivering for Rural Communities</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

FACT SHEET: President Biden Sets 2035 Climate Target Aimed at Creating Good-Paying Union Jobs, Reducing Costs for All Am

<p>The U.S. Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is an economy-wide, all greenhouse gas target of reducing net emissions by 61-66 percent below 2005 levels in 2035 The emissions reduction strategy includes leveraging landmark investments from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, complemented by federal standards; coordinating with local, state, Tribal, and territorial governments; and&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/19/fact-sheet-president-biden-sets-2035-climate-target-aimed-at-creating-good-paying-union-jobs-reducing-costs-for-all-americans-and-securing-u-s-leadership-in-the-clean-energy-economy-of-the-future/">FACT SHEET: President Biden Sets 2035 Climate Target Aimed at Creating Good-Paying Union Jobs, Reducing Costs for All Americans, and Securing U.S. Leadership in the Clean Energy Economy of the Future</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

FACT SHEET: Update on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Commitment to Addressing the Global Mpox Outbreak

<p>For decades, the United States has been a leader in combatting infectious diseases. During the 2022 global outbreak of clade II mpox, the Biden-Harris Administration mounted a robust response by making vaccines, tests, and treatment available to those at risk in the United States and abroad. Now, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/19/fact-sheet-update-on-the-biden-harris-administrations-commitment-to-addressing-the-global-mpox-outbreak/">FACT SHEET: Update on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Commitment to Addressing the Global Mpox Outbreak</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on the U.S. Nationally Determined Contribution

<p>Via Teleconference 2:03 P.M. EST MR. FERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ: Hi. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining today&#8217;s embargoed press call. This press call will begin with on-the-record remarks from White House National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi and Senior Adviser to the President for International Climate Policy John Podesta. After the remarks, there will be a&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2024/12/19/press-call-by-senior-administration-officials-on-the-u-s-nationally-determined-contribution/">Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on the U.S. Nationally Determined Contribution</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

Readout of President Biden’s Call with His Holiness Pope Francis

<p>Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke with His Holiness Pope Francis to discuss efforts to advance peace around the world during the holiday season. The President thanked the Pope for his continued advocacy to alleviate global suffering, including his work to advance human rights and protect religious freedoms. President Biden also graciously accepted His Holiness&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/19/readout-of-president-bidens-call-with-his-holiness-pope-francis-2/">Readout of President Biden’s Call with His Holiness Pope Francis</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

Readout of White House Sustainable Freight Workshop

<p>On December 17, the Biden-Harris Administration hosted the first-ever White House Sustainable Freight Workshop, bringing together nearly 100 public and private stakeholders from across the freight sector to discuss a path forward to reducing emissions from the freight system while protecting the economic vitality created by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Recognizing the critical&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/18/readout-of-white-house-sustainable-freight-workshop/">Readout of White House Sustainable Freight Workshop</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

Remarks by National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard on Making America’s Supply Chains More Resilient

<p>At The Brookings InstitutionAs Prepared for Delivery Supply Shocks and Supply Chain Fragility I am delighted to join you for this discussion on strengthening America’s supply chains as we release the first ever Quadrennial Supply Chain Review. When President Biden came into office, the economy was experiencing the most disruptive supply shocks in a generation.&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/19/remarks-by-national-economic-advisor-lael-brainard-on-making-americas-supply-chains-more-resilient/">Remarks by National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard on Making America’s Supply Chains More Resilient</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Republicans Threatening a Government Shutdown

<p>Republicans need to stop playing politics with this bipartisan agreement or they will hurt hardworking Americans and create instability across the country. President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance ordered Republicans to shut down the government and they are threatening to do just that—while undermining communities recovering from disasters, farmers and ranchers, and community health centers.&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/18/statement-from-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-on-republicans-threatening-a-government-shutdown/">Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Republicans Threatening a Government Shutdown</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Republicans’ Billionaire Giveaway

<p>Republicans are doing the bidding of their billionaire benefactors at the expense of hardworking Americans. Republicans are breaking their word to support a bipartisan agreement that would lower prescription drug costs and make it harder to offshore jobs to China—and instead putting forward a bill that paves the way for tax breaks for billionaires while&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/19/statement-from-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-on-republicans-billionaire-giveaway/">Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Republicans’ Billionaire Giveaway</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s Travel to Italy

<p>President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will travel to Rome, Italy from January 9 to 12 to meet separately with His Holiness Pope Francis, President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni. On January 10, President Biden will have an audience with the Pope and discuss efforts to advance peace around the world. He will also meet with Italy’s leaders to highlight the strength of the U.S.-Italy relationship,&#8230;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/19/statement-from-white-house-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-on-president-bidens-travel-to-italy/">Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s Travel to Italy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov">The White House</a>.</p>

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

Turkey - Conversation between M. Jean-Noël Barrot and his counterpart (18 Dec. 2024)

Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, spoke on Wednesday 18 December to Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, following on from President Macron's call to Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the same day. During the telephone call, they discussed the situation in Syria, emphasizing the importance of supporting a rigorous transition that respects every component of Syrian society. They spoke about France and Turkey's security interests in Syria and the need to (…)

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

UN Security Council unanimously adopts statement on Syria (19 Dec. 2024)

France applauds the UN Security Council's December 17th press statement on the situation in Syria. France spearheaded this unanimous statement on Syria, the first in several years. In it, the Security Council reiterates its call for the establishment of a Syrian-led political process facilitated by the UN and based on the key principles listed in UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The statement expresses support for efforts backing this process. The Council members also reaffirm their (…)

Updated: Thu Dec 19 2024

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

<p>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&#8230;</p> <p>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>.</p>

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

<p>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 &#8220;Agreement&#8221;). I&#8230;</p> <p>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>.</p>

Updated: Wed Dec 18 2024

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

<p>On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the President signed into law: S. 50, the &#8220;Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act of 2024,&#8221; 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&#8230;</p> <p>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>.</p>

Updated: Wed Dec 18 2024

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

<p>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&#8217;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&#8217;re going to run&#8230;</p> <p>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>.</p>

Updated: Wed Dec 18 2024

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

<p>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&#8217;s the explanation for all of those drones over New Jersey? What &#8212; what&#8217;s behind&#8230;</p> <p>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>.</p>

Updated: Wed Dec 18 2024

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

<p>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&#8230;</p> <p>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>.</p>

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