Press Releases: Joint Communique on the U.S.-Algeria Strategic Dialogue


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC
January 29, 2019


The United States and Algeria convened the fourth session of the Strategic Dialogue on January 29, 2019, with Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdelkader Messahel chairing their respective delegations. Secretary Pompeo and Minister Messahel reviewed the close and productive partnership between the United States and Algeria and discussed areas for future U.S.-Algerian cooperation.

The two governments agreed to sustain cooperation to advance shared interests in regional stability and a defeat of terrorist groups including AQIM and ISIS. Both sides emphasized their strong support for increased business-to-business engagement, free, fair and reciprocal trade, and a closer economic partnership. The governments also reviewed cultural and educational programs between the two countries and agreed to intensify joint work to promote educational exchange and protect cultural heritage.

Foreign Minister Messahel and Secretary of State Pompeo emphasized their commitment to a long-standing relationship between the United States and Algeria. The United States and Algeria anticipate continuing consultations on the topics reviewed at the Strategic Dialogue.






Press Releases: Under Secretary Hale’s Travel to Canada for U.S.-Canada High-Level Policy Review Group


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC
January 29, 2019


Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale will travel to Canada January 29-30. On January 30, Under Secretary Hale will co-chair the twelfth meeting of the U.S.-Canada High-Level Policy Review Group (HLPRG) in Ottawa, Canada with Canadian Assistant Deputy Minister for International Security and Political Director Mark Gwozdecky.

The HLPRG, launched in 2009, is an opportunity for the United States and Canada to discuss and coordinate efforts on a broad range of global issues including the restoration of democracy in Venezuela, NATO cooperation, Iran’s malign actions, and the denuclearization of North Korea.






Press Releases: Protecting Venezuela’s Assets for Benefit of Venezuelan People


Press Statement

Robert Palladino

Deputy Spokesperson

Washington, DC
January 29, 2019


On January 25, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo certified the authority of Venezuela’s interim President Juan Guaido to receive and control certain property in accounts of the Government of Venezuela or Central Bank of Venezuela held by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or any other U.S. insured banks, in accordance with Section 25B of the Federal Reserve Act. This certification will help Venezuela’s legitimate government safeguard those assets for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.

We call on other governments to recognize interim President Juan Guaido and take similar steps to protect Venezuela’s patrimony from further theft by Maduro’s corrupt regime.






Press Releases: Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun Travels to Palo Alto, California


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC
January 28, 2019


Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun will travel to Palo Alto, California January 31 to meet with experts from Stanford University and give remarks at the Walter Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center on U.S. efforts towards the final, fully verified denuclearization of the D.P.R.K.






Press Releases: U.S. Condolences on Burst Dam in Brazil


Press Statement

Robert Palladino

Deputy Spokesperson

Washington, DC
January 28, 2019


We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Brumadinho, Brazil, where a burst dam has led to terrible loss of life and property. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected, and we offer our condolences to the families of those who have passed away.

Our hearts are with the Brazilian people in this terrible moment, and we are continuing to monitor events on the ground. The United States stands ready to assist the Brazilian government in any way possible.