Norway Joins Pax Silica Initiative On May 6, the United States welcomed the decision by the Kingdom of Norway to join the Pax Silica initiative. As a member of Pax Silica, Norway will play a leading role to develop diversified critical mineral supply chains. Norway’s Ambassador to the United States, Anniken Huitfeldt, signed the Pax Silica Declaration in Washington, D.C., officially acknowledging Norway’s participation in the initiative. The United States and Norway affirmed

Businesses urged to take simple steps for smoother trade with the EU UK-EU SPS Agreement - Information for Businesses On 19 May 2025, the UK government and the European Union (EU) agreed to pursue a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. This, together with the Windsor Framework, will make it easier, cheaper and more predictable for goods to move not just between the UK and the EU, but also within the UK itself, including smoother movements from Great Britain to Nort

United States Welcomes Ireland’s Signing of the Artemis Accords The Department of State congratulates Ireland on joining the Artemis Accords. Ireland is the 66th country to sign the Accords to date, pledging its commitment to peaceful space exploration and use. Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke signed the Accords on behalf of the Republic of Ireland on May 4, 2026. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Chief of Staff to the Under Secret

United States Welcomes Malta’s Signing of the Artemis Accords The Department of State congratulates the Republic of Malta on joining the Artemis Accords. Malta is the 65th country to sign the Accords to date, pledging its commitment to peaceful space exploration and use. Malta’s Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation Clifton Grima signed the Accords on behalf of the Republic of Malta on May 4. U.S. Ambassador to Malta Somers W. Farkas and NASA Euro

Poland National Day On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Poland on your Constitution Day. Poland’s 1791 constitution, the first modern constitution in Europe, stands as a testament to your nation’s enduring commitment to democracy, liberty, and national sovereignty. Polish defenders of liberty have been a part of America’s story from the beginning, and we continue to be united by our shared commitment to freedom and prosperity. The United St

Joint Statement on the Strategic Dialogue Between the United States and Poland The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Poland on the occasion of the U.S.-Poland Strategic Dialogue. Begin Text The United States of America and the Republic of Poland held the 16th round of the U.S.-Poland Strategic Dialogue April 30 in Warsaw. U.S. Department of State Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Ho

The Netherlands National Day On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and the people of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on the occasion of Koningsdag. The partnership between the United States and the Netherlands took root in Henry Hudson’s early voyages to North America in 1609 on behalf of the Dutch East India Company and grew with the Netherlands’ recognition of American independence in 1782. These historic milestones refle

New agreement between the UK and France to step up patrols and intelligence operations in France to reduce illegal crossings Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, and French Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nunez The United Kingdom and France today signed an agreement to strengthen operations to combat illegal migration in northern France to prevent crossings to the United Kingdom with a significant increase in dedicated human, technological and intelligence resources. Since the

Joint Statement on Libya Unified Budget Agreement The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Begin Text Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America welcome the signing on April 11 of a unified 2026 budget for Libya,