On October 12, 2017, the Department of State notified UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova of the U.S. decision to withdraw from the organization and to seek to establish a permanent observer mission to UNESCO. This decision was not taken lightly, and reflects U.S. concerns with mounting arrears at UNESCO, the need for fundamental reform in the organization, and continuing anti-Israel bias at UNESCO.

The United States indicated to the Director General its desire to remain engaged with UNESCO as a non-member observer state in order to contribute U.S. views, perspectives and expertise on some of the important issues undertaken by the organization, including the protection of world heritage, advocating for press freedoms, and promoting scientific collaboration and education.

Pursuant to Article II(6) of the UNESCO Constitution, U.S. withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2018. The United States will remain a full member of UNESCO until that time.

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The United States Government, working in conjunction with the Government of Pakistan, has secured the release of the Boyle-Coleman family from captivity in Pakistan.

In 2012, U.S. citizen Caitlan Coleman and Canadian citizen Joshua Boyle were taken hostage by the Haqqani network. Their three children were subsequently born in captivity. Today they are safe and secure.

I applaud the innumerable lines of effort from across the U.S. Government. I’m particularly proud of Ambassador Hale and his Mission Islamabad team for their engagement with Pakistan. These efforts reflect the best of what America can accomplish.

The United States also expresses our deep gratitude to the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistani Army for their cooperation. President Trump’s new South Asia strategy recognizes the important role Pakistan needs to play to bring stability and ultimately peace to the region. The United States is hopeful that Pakistan’s actions will further a U.S.-Pakistan relationship marked by growing commitments to counterterrorism operations and stronger ties in all other respects.

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On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, best wishes to the people of Spain as you celebrate your National Day.

The United States and Spain are great friends and close allies. As the President said during his September 26 meeting with President Rajoy, the deep relationship between our two peoples is a strong foundation for lasting cooperation. Our bonds, culture, and commerce go back many centuries and continue to deepen. We are allies and partners in efforts to counter terrorism, improve global security, support economic prosperity, and ensure people all over the world can live in freedom and peace.

As you celebrate today, know that the United States values our enduring partnership and supports a strong and united Spain.

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The following is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:

Secretary Tillerson spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. Secretary Tillerson conveyed to the Foreign Minister his profound concern over the detentions of Turkish national employees of our diplomatic mission to Turkey and of several American citizens. Secretary Tillerson emphasized the importance of transparency in the accusations made by the Turkish government and the need for the Turkish government to present the evidence behind these accusations. Secretary Tillerson and Foreign Minister Cavusoglu agreed the two sides would remain in close contact to address U.S. concerns about these detentions.

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Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan will travel to Tokyo and Seoul for a Deputies-level trilateral meeting hosted by the Republic of Korea on October 18. The trilateral meeting will focus on strategic coordination related to the urgent threat from DPRK’s advancing nuclear weapons program and include discussion on regional and global areas of cooperation.

The Deputy Secretary also will hold bilateral meetings in Tokyo from October 16-17 and in Seoul from October 18-19. He looks forward to engaging with U.S. Embassy staff in both Seoul and Tokyo, U.S. Forces Korea in Seoul, as well as representatives from the business community and civil society.

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.