Press Releases: Nepali New Year


Press Statement

John J. Sullivan

Acting Secretary of State

Washington, DC

April 12, 2018


On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I wish a festive New Year to all Nepalis across the globe.

The celebration of Nepali New Year is a chance for all of us to celebrate Nepal’s many accomplishments this past year, including the peaceful conclusion of elections, and to look ahead to a future of increasing prosperity and deepening partnership between our governments. It is also a chance to honor the contributions of Nepali Americans to our culture and society.

Please accept my best wishes on this joyous day.






Press Releases: Bengali New Year


Press Statement

John J. Sullivan

Acting Secretary of State

Washington, DC

April 12, 2018


On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I wish Bengalis everywhere a joyous New Year. We commemorate this important day along with all those from Bangladesh, India, and around the world who come together today to mark the arrival of the New Year.

Pohela Boishakh is an opportunity for those who speak Bangla as a mother tongue, of all faiths and beliefs, to celebrate their rich history and culture with beautiful parades, fairs, and dances.

Here in the United States, we take this opportunity to thank the Bangladeshi American community for its outstanding contributions to our nation, our economy, and our culture. We join all of you in looking toward a bright future, and wish you the best in the year to come.

Shubho Noboborsho!






Press Releases: Sinhala and Tamil New Year


Press Statement

John J. Sullivan

Acting Secretary of State

Washington, DC

April 12, 2018


On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I wish a joyous New Year to all the Sri Lankan people.

The New Year celebration is a chance to reflect on the milestones of the past year, including the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence and U.S.-Sri Lankan diplomatic relations, as well as continued progress on good governance, economic stability, and reconciliation to ensure an even brighter future for the Sri Lankan people.

The United States looks forward to working with Sri Lanka on our shared goals of peace, prosperity, and further growth in the Indo-Pacific region in the year ahead.

Best wishes to the Sri Lankan people for a safe and prosperous year ahead.






Press Releases: Houthi Missile Attack on Riyadh


Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

April 11, 2018


The United States strongly condemns today’s Houthi missile attack on Riyadh. We support the right of our Saudi partners to defend their borders against these threats, which are fueled by the Iranian regime’s dangerous proliferation of weapons and destabilizing activities in the region. The Houthis’ continued attacks on Saudi population centers calls into question their commitment to helping shape a peaceful, prosperous, and secure future for Yemen. We continue to call on all parties to return to UN-facilitated political negotiations and move toward ending the war in Yemen.






Press Releases: On the 20th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement


Press Statement

John J. Sullivan

Acting Secretary of State

Washington, DC

April 11, 2018


On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer my best wishes to the people of Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement this week.

Twenty years ago, the Good Friday Agreement brought an end to thirty years of violence in which more than 3,500 lives were lost. It offered a framework for a new beginning to build peace, prosperity, and reconciliation in the region. The Good Friday Agreement, endorsed widely by the people of the region, remains an inspiration around the world.

As we reflect on this important anniversary, let us remind ourselves – and the generations since the signing in 1998 – of how far the people of the region have traveled, as well as the challenges that persist. We encourage all parties in Northern Ireland to work together to form a regional, power-sharing government that benefits all the people of the region.