On behalf of the people of the United States, our best wishes to all Ugandans as you celebrate the 55th anniversary of your independence.

The United States values its relationship with Uganda, a key partner with shared interests in promoting regional security and economic growth. After decades of cooperation, the bonds between our governments and our peoples are strong. I have no doubt that our relationship will continue to grow and mature as we work together toward our mutual goals of peace and prosperity.

Congratulations on 55 years of independence and best wishes for another year of progress.

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.

Eleven years ago renowned journalist Anna Politkovskaya was shot and killed in her Moscow apartment building. We continue to urge Russian authorities to identify and prosecute the person or persons who ordered, planned, and funded this terrible crime.

Ms. Politkovskaya’s reporting brought to light the violation of human rights in Russia and the suffering of victims of the war in the North Caucasus region. Recent reports of abuses against LGBTI persons and extrajudicial killings in Chechnya leave us deeply concerned that human rights violations are still regularly committed with impunity in this region.

The unsolved murders of Ms. Politkovskaya – a dual U.S.-Russian citizen – and other journalists in Russia, as well as threats against journalists exposing more recent abuses in Chechnya, have only worsened an atmosphere of intimidation for the independent press.

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 stand with the people of Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras affected by Tropical Storm Nate, and offer our condolences to the loved ones of those killed in the storm. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We stand ready to provide assistance if needed.

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 Department of State has awarded the construction contract for the new U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Mexico to Caddell Construction Company of Montgomery, Alabama.

The new campus will include a Chancery, Marine residence, and support facilities.

The architect for the project is the joint venture of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects/Davis Brody Bond of New York, New York.

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.

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Verification and Compliance Anita Friedt hosted an event updating the UN First Committee on the work of the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification (IPNDV). The event included speakers from Argentina, Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), a U.S. non-profit. Participants discussed the conclusion of Phase One of the Partnership’s work, which has focused on building international capacity and deepening technical understanding related to verifying nuclear disarmament. The panel highlighted the importance of the upcoming plenary in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which will mark the end of Phase One, the release of publications documenting the Partnership’s accomplishments to date, and the launch of the next phase of the Partnership’s work in identifying and addressing verification challenges. This technical work is an integral part of further, concrete steps on nuclear disarmament.

For further information, please contact the AVC Press Team at AVC-Press-DL@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.