On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, congratulations to the people of Equatorial Guinea on your 49th anniversary of independence on October 12th. Our two countries share a focus on commercial and maritime security issues. Our bilateral relationship has potential to mature further as Equatorial Guinea diversifies its economy and embraces the development of a free society anchored in democratic institutions.

We wish the people of Equatorial Guinea the very best as they celebrate with family and friends on this special day.

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In an important symbol of our enduring friendship with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, U.S. Ambassador Larry Andre dedicated the new U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott yesterday.

The new Embassy is situated on a 10.5-acre site in the Tevragh Zeina district and includes a chancery, Marine Security Guard residence, support buildings, and facilities for the embassy community.

The design architect is AECOM of Arlington, Virginia, and the architect of record is Integrus Architecture of Spokane, Washington. The project was constructed by Caddell Construction Co. Inc. of Montgomery, Alabama.

Since 1999, as part of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Program, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) has completed 138 new diplomatic facilities, with an additional 61 projects now in design or under construction.

OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to host nations 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 contact Christine Foushee at FousheeCT@state.gov, or visit https://overseasbuildings.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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.