On behalf of the United States, I offer our sincerest congratulations on the 39th anniversary of Zimbabwe’s independence.

Zimbabwe has the opportunity to set itself on a path of deep and meaningful political and economic reform, which holds the promise of improved lives and a better future for all Zimbabweans. The United States remains committed to the people of Zimbabwe, and it is our sincere hope that promised reforms will soon bear fruit.

We wish all Zimbabweans a very happy independence day.

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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.

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan will host Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya for a Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”) meeting on Friday, April 19, at the Department of State.

The meeting will focus on U.S.-Japan coordination on the evolving regional security environment, including achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; enhancement of the U.S.-Japan Alliance’s capabilities across conventional and non-conventional domains; and cooperation to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. The participants will also discuss the continued realignment of U.S. armed forces in Japan.

There will be an open camera spray with Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Kono at 8:00 a.m. preceding the dialogue; a pooled camera spray with Secretary Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Shanahan, Foreign Minister Kono, and Defense Minister Onodera will follow. An open joint press availability will follow the dialogue at 9:50 a.m.

The 8:00 a.m. camera spray will have a 7:15 a.m. preset time for video cameras and 7:30 a.m. preset time for still photographers and journalists from the C Street entrance.

The 9:50 a.m. joint press availability will have a 9:00 a.m. preset time for video cameras and 9:30 a.m. preset time for still photographers and journalists from the 23rd Street Entrance.

The camera sprays and press availability will be streamed live on www.state.gov and Facebook.com/usdos. Please follow @StateDept for more information.

Media representatives may attend this event upon presentation of one of the following: (1) a U.S. Government-issued photo media credential (e.g., Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense or Foreign Press Center), or (2) an official photo identification card issued by their news organization, or (3) a letter from their employer on official letterhead verifying their current employment as a journalist. Additionally, they must present an official government photo identification card (i.e., U.S. driver’s license or passport).

For further information, please contact the Press Office at 202-647-2492.

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.

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan will host Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Washington, D.C., for a Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”) meeting April 19.

The meeting will focus on U.S.-Japan coordination on the evolving regional security environment, including achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; enhancement of the U.S.-Japan Alliance’s capabilities across conventional and non-conventional domains; and cooperation to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. The participants will also discuss the continued realignment of U.S. armed forces in Japan.

Following the meeting, Secretary Pompeo, Acting Secretary Shanahan, and their Japanese counterparts will hold a joint press availability.

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.

We congratulate the people of Indonesia on holding their first simultaneous presidential and legislative elections on April 17. The spirited campaigns and robust participation by Indonesia’s public, civil society, and media underscore the strength and dynamism of Indonesia’s democracy.

The United States and Indonesia are two large, diverse, and vibrant democracies with shared values and common interests that serve as a foundation of our bilateral Strategic Partnership.

This year we celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations with Indonesia. The United States looks forward to working with Indonesia’s elected officials through increased economic engagement, a strong security relationship, and shared global policy priorities.

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.

Today, the United States has affirmed its commitment to use all economic and diplomatic tools to promote accountability for the Ortega regime and to support the Nicaraguan people in their quest for freedom.

The United States has sanctioned Laureano Ortega and Banco Corporativo SA (Bancorp), pursuant to Executive Order 13851, which President Trump signed November 27, 2018. Because of this action, their U.S. assets are frozen and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from transactions with Laureano Ortega and Bancorp.

Laureano Ortega, son of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, is a key enabler of the Ortega regime’s corruption. On the regime’s behalf, he has sought international financial support and foreign investment. In doing so, he has placed the interests of his family and his personal fortune ahead of the interests of the Nicaraguan people by engaging in corrupt business deals. Bancorp has served as the personal slush fund for the Ortega family and the instrument for corrupt deals with Nicolas Maduro and his former regime in Venezuela.

We urge the Ortega regime to restore democratic order in Nicaragua and heed the calls of Nicaraguans clamoring for early free, fair, and transparent elections. The regime must also abide by the commitments it has already made, including under the Inter-American Democratic Charter. We call on Nicaragua to unconditionally and fully release arbitrarily detained persons and protect the fundamental human rights of its citizens. We will continue to promote accountability for those who have demonstrated a blatant disregard for human rights and fomented violence in support of the Ortega regime.

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.