The United States has fully implemented the decision by the Government of the Russian Federation to reduce the size of our mission in Russia. We believe this action was unwarranted and detrimental to the overall relationship between our countries.

In the spirit of parity invoked by the Russians, we are requiring the Russian Government to close its Consulate General in San Francisco, a chancery annex in Washington, D.C., and a consular annex in New York City. These closures will need to be accomplished by September 2.

With this action both countries will remain with three consulates each. While there will continue to be a disparity in the number of diplomatic and consular annexes, we have chosen to allow the Russian Government to maintain some of its annexes in an effort to arrest the downward spiral in our relationship.

The United States hopes that, having moved toward the Russian Federation’s desire for parity, we can avoid further retaliatory actions by both sides and move forward to achieve the stated goal of both of our presidents: improved relations between our two countries and increased cooperation on areas of mutual concern. The United States is prepared to take further action as necessary and as warranted.

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On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer congratulations to the people of Vietnam as you celebrate your National Day on September 2nd.

Since the normalization of bilateral ties 22 years ago, relations between our two countries have grown in ways many would have never predicted. We have moved past conflict and division, towards a flourishing partnership that spans political, security, economic, and people-to-people ties.

The recent visits of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh, and Defense Minister Ngo Xuan Lich to the United States have reinforced this positive momentum between our two nations, and President Trump’s commitment to travel to Vietnam for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting promises to elevate our partnership to new heights.

On this occasion, I wish all Vietnamese people peace and prosperity in the coming year.

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The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations’ Industry Advisory Group (IAG) charter has been renewed for an additional 2-year period. The IAG serves in an advisory capacity with respect to industry and academia’s latest concepts, methods, best practices, innovations and ideas related to property management that are applicable to OBO’s vital mission to provide safe, secure and functional facilities that represent the U.S. Government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives.

The group meets annually in the spring at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. Procedures for registration are included with each meeting announcement, no later than 15 business days before each meeting.

OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure and functional facilities that represent the U.S. Government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.

For further information, please visit the OBO website at https://overseasbuildings.state.gov/, or contact Christine Foushee at FousheeCT@state.gov.

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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.

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, congratulations to the people of the Slovak Republic on your Constitution Day September 1st.

The United States and the Slovak Republic have enjoyed a strong bilateral relationship since the founding of Slovakia. Our friendship is a strong one, based on close ties between our people, a shared commitment to human rights, and the pursuit of economic prosperity in both of our countries.

As a close NATO ally, we are proud to cooperate with Slovakia to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens, and to pursue our mutual commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration and the promotion of democratic values.

As you celebrate this special day, I extend our best wishes to the people of the Slovak Republic for the upcoming year.

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The following is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:

Today U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met with Foreign Secretary of Mexico Luis Videgaray to review issues of bilateral and regional importance. Secretary Tillerson thanked the Government of Mexico for its offer of assistance in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. They discussed joint efforts to weaken transnational criminal organizations and to strengthen Central America’s economy. They also discussed region-wide efforts to reverse the Maduro regime’s current course, to address the needs of the Venezuelan people, and to seek fundamental respect for Venezuela’s democratic institutions and the rule of law. Foreign Secretary Videgaray and Secretary Tillerson also previewed Round Two of NAFTA negotiations in Mexico City September 1-5.

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