Acting Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Molly Phee will travel to Geneva, Switzerland, from February 26 – March 2, for the opening of the 37th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC).

Acting Assistant Secretary Phee will deliver the U.S. national statement at the Council on February 28, outlining U.S. priorities at the HRC.

While in Geneva, the Acting Assistant Secretary will also meet with leaders of several international organizations, including the World Health Organization, International Telecommunication Union, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

For further information, contact IO-Press-DL@state.gov. Follow the Bureau of International Organization Affairs at @State_IO.

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On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I wish to congratulate Estonia and its people on the commemoration of the centennial anniversary of your declaration of independence.

Estonia is a vital ally of the United States and our relationship is stronger than ever. Our two countries are linked by shared sacrifice, vibrant economic ties and a common commitment to Western freedom. During his visit last year, Vice President Pence emphasized the United States’ unwavering support for Estonia and the region. He also reiterated our commitment to NATO and to Article 5. I commend Estonia on your successful EU Presidency, your leadership in cybersecurity, and for spending two percent of Estonia’s GDP on defense spending. I also want to thank Estonia for your continued support to defeat terrorism and defend democracy.

Congratulations on your 100th anniversary, which we look forward to commemorating with you throughout this special year.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

In May, the United States plans to open a new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. The opening will coincide with Israel’s 70th anniversary. The Embassy will initially be located in the Arnona neighborhood, in a modern building that now houses consular operations of U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem. Those consular operations, including American citizen and visa services, will continue at the Arnona facility without interruption, as part of the Embassy. Consulate General Jerusalem will continue to operate as an independent mission with an unchanged mandate, from its historic Agron Road location. Initially, the interim Embassy in Arnona will contain office space for the Ambassador and a small staff. By the end of next year, we intend to open a new Embassy Jerusalem annex on the Arnona compound that will provide the Ambassador and his team with expanded interim office space. In parallel, we have started the search for a site for our permanent Embassy to Israel, the planning and construction of which will be a longer-term undertaking. We are excited about taking this historic step, and look forward with anticipation to the May opening.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I send my best wishes to the people of Brunei Darussalam as you celebrate your 34th National Day on February 23, 2018.

Brunei Darussalam is our valued partner in Southeast Asia, with our friendly relations dating back more than 170 years. The United States believes our longstanding bilateral relationship serves as a model for cooperation in strengthening peace and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific. We look forward to working with Brunei Darussalam to advance our shared interests in the economic, security, and cultural realms.

I wish His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah and all the people of Brunei a peaceful and prosperous year, and I extend the warmest congratulations from the American people as you celebrate your country’s anniversary.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

The U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that the lists of more than 150 U.S. higher education institutions that sent the most Fulbright U.S. Students and Scholars abroad in academic year 2017-2018 are now available. The lists highlight the Fulbright Program’s strong institutional diversity and impact on American communities.

The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, compiles the lists, which are organized by Carnegie Classification.

Topping this year’s lists of Research, Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Special-focus 4-year institutions that sent the most U.S. students abroad on the Fulbright Program are Brown University (RI), Truman State University (MO), Bates College (ME), and the Rhode Island School of Design. The University of Michigan, Ithaca College (NY), Middlebury College (VT), and the University of Richmond (VA) sent the most Fulbright U.S. Scholars in the Research, Master’s, and Bachelor’s categories. Fulbright Students are recent college graduates, graduate students, and early career professionals. Fulbright Scholars are faculty, researchers, administrators, and established professionals.

Twenty-five U.S. community colleges and several special focus four-year institutions also sent Fulbright U.S. Scholars abroad in 2017-2018 and are recognized in the top producing lists. For a full list of the institutions by category, please visit the Fulbright Online website.

Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 380,000 participants—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential—with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Over 1,900 U.S. students, artists, and early career professionals in more than 100 different fields of study receive Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants annually to study, teach English, and conduct research overseas. More than 800 U.S. scholars, artists and professionals teach or conduct research overseas through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program annually.

Interested media should contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at eca-press@state.gov.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.