On behalf of the United States government, I congratulate the people of Latvia on the 99th anniversary of your independence.

The relationship between the United States and Latvia is strong. This strength is anchored in our shared commitment to upholding democratic values and the unity of our transatlantic community. Latvia is a valuable partner and a vital NATO Ally. In 2017, our two countries shared many successes, including two meetings between Vice President Pence and Latvian President Vējonis. Vice President Pence underscored the United States’ ironclad commitment to NATO and collective defense under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. Our relationship is strong across many fields, including security and defense, trade, entrepreneurship and innovation, and cultural and academic exchanges, and will continue to broaden through the deep connections between our people.

As you begin to light your candles in Riga and across Latvia to celebrate 99 years of independence, I also want to wish you a great start to your centennial independence celebrations in the New Year. The United States is looking forward to celebrating with you in 2018 as you mark your 100th anniversary.

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SECRETARY TILLERSON: Good evening. Well, I’m pleased to welcome Chairman Faki of the African Union to the State Department. We’ve got a significant African Union ministerial tomorrow, the whole day, and look forward to having an early discussion with the chairman. Thank you.

CHAIRPERSON FAKI: Thank you.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Welcome.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, should Robert Mugabe step down?

SECRETARY TILLERSON: We’re going to follow that situation. Thank you.

QUESTION: (In French.)

CHAIRPERSON FAKI: (In French.)

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External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

Today, following bilateral meetings in Khartoum with Deputy Secretary of State Sullivan, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry formally announced Sudan’s commitment to sever all trade and military ties with North Korea. The United States welcomes the Government of Sudan’s pledge and will continue engagement on this issue to ensure that this commitment is fully implemented.

Isolating the North Korean regime is a top priority for the United States, and is a key element to maintaining peace and stability worldwide. The United States is grateful for Sudan’s commitment to take these important steps in light of the critical threat posed by the DPRK.

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 announced $4.3 million in funding to support energy diversification in the Caribbean. The announcement was made at the U.S. and Caribbean Prosperity Roundtable November 15 in Miami. This funding, programmed through the Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources, USAID, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), will advance the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative and the Caribbean 2020 Strategy by providing energy-related technical assistance, grant funding for project preparation, and new opportunities for globally competitive U.S. energy firms and exports.

The U.S. and Caribbean Prosperity Roundtable brought together Caribbean ministers and U.S. executives from the private sector to spur investment and address obstacles and opportunities for economic collaboration. This year’s Roundtable was led by the Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Kenneth Merten and affirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to increase the security, the prosperity, and the well-being of the people of the United States and the Caribbean.

To view the full Caribbean 2020 strategy, please visit: https://www.state.gov/p/wha/rt/caribbeanstrategy/index.htm.

For more information on the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative, please visit: https://www.state.gov/e/enr/c66945.htm.

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External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

The United States congratulates President Pahor on his re-election as President of the Republic of Slovenia. Slovenia is a close U.S. partner and NATO Ally, and we value the contributions Slovenia makes to regional and global peace and stability.

We appreciate President Pahor’s work to strengthen the U.S.-Slovenian relationship and, during his second term, look forward to deepening our already close cooperation on security, economic, and people-to-people ties between our two countries.

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.