The Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs and the Department of Defense’s Office of the Secretary of Defense are co-hosting the 11th annual Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI) Worldwide Consultations at the State Department on June 12-16, 2017. Participants from the Department of State, Department of Defense, other key U.S. government organizations, and the United Nations are discussing the evolving nature of peacekeeping; ways to strengthen performance and operational readiness of peacekeeping units; and efforts to address sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers. Participants will also review ongoing GPOI activities, share implementers’ best practices, and discuss program priorities for the years ahead.

GPOI represents the U.S.’s primary global investment for strengthening international capacity and capabilities to execute peace operations around the world. The GPOI program accomplishes this goal by enhancing partner-country capabilities to train and sustain peacekeeping proficiencies and by building the capacity of the UN and regional organizations to conduct such missions.

GPOI has created a tangible return on investment by helping to expand the base of capable peacekeepers. For example, GPOI partners have increased their military deployment rates to UN and African Union (AU) peace operations by 161 percent since becoming GPOI partners. Additionally, GPOI is helping the majority of its partner countries develop critical enabling capabilities which are in short supply in UN and regional peace operations, such as aviation, engineering, logistics, and medical support. GPOI is also helping partner countries recognize the important role women play in peace operations. For example, over the past five years, active GPOI partners have increased the number of female military peacekeepers deployed by 62 percent. GPOI’s positive impact can be seen in virtually every UN or regional organizations’ peace operation around the world today.

For more information, please contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at PM-CPA@state.gov and follow us on Twitter @StateDeptPM.

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I am pleased to extend warm greetings on behalf of the United States on the occasion of Portugal Day.

The United States and Portugal share a close bond, dating back to the founding of the United States. Our alliance is built upon and strengthened by innumerable ties of friendship and family. The transatlantic relationship between the United States and Portugal remains vital today. Our two countries cooperate closely through NATO and the United Nations in support of global peace and security.

On this important occasion, we reiterate our commitment to further deepen the friendship between the United States and Portugal and look forward to continued cooperation with our Portuguese partners.

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On behalf of President Trump and the American people, congratulations and best wishes to the people of the Republic of the Philippines as you commemorate your 119^th independence day on June 12.

The United States proudly stands with the Philippines as a longstanding ally, especially as the country confronts challenges associated with terrorism and extremism, including recent attacks in Marawi City and elsewhere. We admire the resilience and strength of Filipino people in battling adversity and building a more prosperous and secure future.

On this special day, we honor the enduring U.S.-Philippine alliance, built on our shared democratic values, growing commerce, and strong people-to-people ties.

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On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer congratulations to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as they celebrate Her Majesty’s 91st birthday on June 10.

Queen Elizabeth II has served as a symbol of stability and strength throughout her 65 year reign, even in the face of great challenges and tremendous change. She rightfully enjoys the respect and admiration not only of the British people, but of people throughout the world.

The United States’ partnership with the United Kingdom is as vibrant and relevant today as it was when Winston Churchill coined the term “Special Relationship” in 1946. We continue to cooperate closely on a wide range of regional and global challenges, including countering terrorism, promoting economic prosperity, and supporting human dignity and the rule of law. The United Kingdom is a strong NATO ally and, together, we have advanced our shared security goals and common interests.

The United States looks forward to continuing our close cooperation to address the most important and pressing issues facing our two countries.

I wish Her Majesty the Queen and the people of the United Kingdom a joyful birthday celebration.

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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.

We are gravely concerned about the safety and well-being of Murad Amriev, a Russian athlete from Chechnya, who was reportedly detained by Belarusian authorities and returned to Russia, where he may be in custody. Mr. Amriev has reportedly expressed fears of torture and abuse in Chechnya. We urge the Russian government to ensure Mr. Amriev has access to his lawyer and that his rights under the Russian constitution, laws and international obligations are respected. We call on the Russian government to ensure the safety of Mr. Amriev and his lawyer.

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.