Press Releases: Deputy Secretary Sullivan’s Meeting With South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Lindiwe Sisulu


Public Schedule

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 21, 2018


The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:‎

Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met today with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Lindiwe Sisulu on the margins of the G20 Ministerial in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Deputy Secretary welcomed President Ramaphosa’s new government and his commitment to transparency, and expressed optimism that an improved business environment would open doors to prosperity for both countries. He encouraged a closer South African alignment with U.S. priorities, such as working together on global security and keeping the pressure on North Korea to work towards a de-nuclearized Korean Peninsula. Deputy Secretary Sullivan and Minister Sisulu discussed the importance of our bilateral trade relationship and pledged to continue high-level contacts between our governments.






Press Releases: Deputy Secretary John J. Sullivan’s Meeting With Saudi Foreign Minister al-Jubeir


Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 21, 2018


The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:

Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met today with Saudi Foreign Minister al-Jubeir at the G-20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Deputy Secretary noted the strong U.S.-Saudi bilateral relationship and reiterated our commitment to strengthen our ties further. Deputy Secretary Sullivan thanked Foreign Minister al-Jubeir for his government’s support for the President’s decision to withdraw from the JCPOA and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to address the full array of threats posed by Iran. The two leaders covered a broad range of regional and bilateral issues. On Yemen, the two discussed how best to support the UN-led political process, as well as efforts to improve the dire economic and humanitarian situation.

Deputy Secretary Sullivan emphasized the United States’ desire to resolve the Gulf dispute and his hope that all parties will engage constructively ahead of the U.S.—GCC Summit later this year.






Press Releases: Deputy Secretary Sullivan’s Meeting With Indian Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh


Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 21, 2018


The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:‎

Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met today with Indian Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh on the margins of the G-20 Summit. The two leaders affirmed the strong U.S.-India strategic partnership and India’s status as a Major Defense Partner of the United States. During the meeting, Deputy Secretary Sullivan and Minister of State Singh also discussed the agenda for the inaugural 2+2 ministerial dialogue to be hosted in the coming months. They also discussed opportunities to advance stability in Afghanistan and the region.






Press Releases: An Unfair, Unfree Vote in Venezuela 


Press Statement

Mike Pompeo

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

May 21, 2018


The United States condemns the fraudulent election that took place in Venezuela on May 20. This so-called “election” is an attack on constitutional order and an affront to Venezuela’s tradition of democracy. Until the Maduro regime restores a democratic path in Venezuela through free, fair, and transparent elections, the government faces isolation from the international community.

Sunday’s process was choreographed by a regime too unpopular and afraid of its own people to risk free elections and open competition. It stacked the Venezuelan courts and National Electoral Council with biased members aligned with the regime. It silenced dissenting voices. It banned major opposition parties and leaders from participating. As of May 14, more than 338 political prisoners remained jailed, more than in all other countries in the hemisphere combined. The regime stifled the free press. State sources dominated media coverage, unfairly favoring the incumbent. Most contemptible of all, the regime selectively parceled out food to manipulate the votes of hungry Venezuelans.

The Maduro regime fails to defend the Venezuelan people’s right to democracy as reflected in the Inter-American Democratic Charter. The United States stands with democratic nations in support of the Venezuelan people and will take swift economic and diplomatic actions to support the restoration of their democracy.






Press Releases: Deputy Secretary Sullivan’s Meeting With Republic of Korea Vice Foreign Minister Cho


Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 20, 2018


The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:

On May 20, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on the margins of the G-20 Foreign Ministerial Meeting. Deputy Secretary Sullivan and Vice Foreign Minister Cho affirmed that the U.S.-ROK Alliance is stronger than ever and pledged to maintain close coordination during this crucial time.

The two leaders noted that the upcoming meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is an historic opportunity and evidence that the global maximum pressure campaign is working. The Deputy Secretary and the Vice Foreign Minister also discussed mutual G-20 priorities, bilateral economic cooperation, and trilateral initiatives with Japan.