Press Releases: Secretary Pompeo’s Call With France’s Foreign Minister Le Drian


Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC
April 18, 2019


The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:‎

Today, Secretary Michael R. Pompeo offered his condolences to French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on the fire at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris. The Secretary praised the quick response of Parisian firefighter and police units, which ensured that no lives were lost and that most of the irreplaceable artwork was saved. The Secretary affirmed that the United States was committed to helping France rebuild such a historic and iconic treasure and place of worship. Le Drian appreciated the Secretary’s call and has promised to keep the United States informed as to how we can best support France’s efforts.






Press Releases: Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting With Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates


Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC
April 18, 2019


The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met today with Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for the United Arab Emirates’ support for UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister agreed that parties must make good on the commitments they made in Sweden. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed the importance of stability in Libya and Sudan. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed countering the Iranian regime’s destabilizing activity in the region, including in Lebanon, as well as continuing to shape the Middle East Strategic Alliance.






Press Releases: Supporting a Transition to Civilian Rule in Sudan


Press Statement

Morgan Ortagus

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC
April 18, 2019


The United States supports a transition to a peaceful and democratic Sudan led by civilians who represent the diversity of Sudanese society. The will of the Sudanese people is clear: it is time to move toward a transitional government that is inclusive and respectful of human rights and the rule of law.

We are encouraged by the decision to release political prisoners and cancel the curfew in Khartoum. The United States, along with our international partners, continues to stress with the members of the Transitional Military Council and other armed groups the need to show restraint, avoid conflict, and remain committed to the protection of the Sudanese people.

Sudan’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism remains in effect, and Phase II discussions are suspended. We will continue to calibrate our policies based on our assessment of events on the ground and the actions of transitional authorities.






Press Releases: The Republic of Zimbabwe’s National Day


Press Statement

Michael R. Pompeo

Secretary of State

Washington, DC
April 18, 2019


On behalf of the United States, I offer our sincerest congratulations on the 39th anniversary of Zimbabwe’s independence.

Zimbabwe has the opportunity to set itself on a path of deep and meaningful political and economic reform, which holds the promise of improved lives and a better future for all Zimbabweans. The United States remains committed to the people of Zimbabwe, and it is our sincere hope that promised reforms will soon bear fruit.

We wish all Zimbabweans a very happy independence day.






Press Releases: U.S., Japan to Hold Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”) Meeting


Notice to the Press

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC
April 17, 2019


Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan will host Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya for a Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”) meeting on Friday, April 19, at the Department of State.

The meeting will focus on U.S.-Japan coordination on the evolving regional security environment, including achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; enhancement of the U.S.-Japan Alliance’s capabilities across conventional and non-conventional domains; and cooperation to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. The participants will also discuss the continued realignment of U.S. armed forces in Japan.

There will be an open camera spray with Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Kono at 8:00 a.m. preceding the dialogue; a pooled camera spray with Secretary Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Shanahan, Foreign Minister Kono, and Defense Minister Onodera will follow. An open joint press availability will follow the dialogue at 9:50 a.m.

The 8:00 a.m. camera spray will have a 7:15 a.m. preset time for video cameras and 7:30 a.m. preset time for still photographers and journalists from the C Street entrance.

The 9:50 a.m. joint press availability will have a 9:00 a.m. preset time for video cameras and 9:30 a.m. preset time for still photographers and journalists from the 23rd Street Entrance.

The camera sprays and press availability will be streamed live on www.state.gov and Facebook.com/usdos. Please follow @StateDept for more information.

Media representatives may attend this event upon presentation of one of the following: (1) a U.S. Government-issued photo media credential (e.g., Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense or Foreign Press Center), or (2) an official photo identification card issued by their news organization, or (3) a letter from their employer on official letterhead verifying their current employment as a journalist. Additionally, they must present an official government photo identification card (i.e., U.S. driver’s license or passport).

For further information, please contact the Press Office at 202-647-2492.