Inaugural United States-ASEAN AI Ministerial On May 20, Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg convened the inaugural U.S.-ASEAN AI Ministerial in the Republic of Singapore on the margins of Asia Tech x Singapore. The ministerial launched “The Road to 50 Years of U.S.-ASEAN Relations” ahead of Singapore’s 2027 ASEAN Chairmanship, marking a significant milestone in the U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. ASEAN Digital Ministers, the ASEAN Deput

Election of Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale The United States congratulates Prime Minister Matthew Wale on his election. We look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Wale and his new government to grow our cooperation with Solomon Islands. Together, we will make our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

Timor-Leste National Day On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Timor-Leste on your National Day. The partnership between the United States and Timor-Leste reflects our mutual dedication to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. I am proud that our two nations work closely together in defense and security, economic affairs, and beyond. We value the progress we have made together. We also congratulate Timor-Leste on achi

Cameroon National Day On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the government and people of Cameroon as you celebrate your country’s National Day. This past year has seen meaningful progress in our bilateral cooperation, and we proudly reaffirm our sustained friendship with Cameroon. The United States greatly appreciates Cameroon’s cooperation on security, commercial engagement, and the expansion of health security partnerships. We look forward to working w

United States Responds to Ebola Outbreak in Africa The Department of State is coordinating a comprehensive response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. By working to contain the outbreak before it reaches American shores, the United States is protecting the health of Americans at home and abroad. On May 15, 2026, within 24 hours of learning of the confirmed cases, the Department leveraged its outbreak response and humanitarian ass

Further U.S. Sanctions on Cuban Regime Elites The Trump Administration continues to take decisive action to protect U.S. national security and deprive Cuba’s communist regime and military of access to illicit assets. Today, pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order 14404 of May 1, 2026, “Imposing Sanctions on Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba and for Threats to United States National Security and Foreign Policy,” I designated 11 Cuban regime elites and three gove

Summary from the Global Partnership Conference satellite session in Geneva. Co-hosted by the UK and South Africa on 17 May 2026 Global Partnerships Conference - Summary from Satellite Session On 17 May, the UK and South Africa co-hosted a satellite session of the Global Partnerships Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, focused on Reimagining the Multilateral Health System. The event brought together Health Ministers as well as leaders and representatives of global and regional

South African business Khayelitsha Cookies secured UK contracts worth more than R1.4 million to supply British Airways flights and private‑label shortbread, increasing exports and supporting employment for women Khayelitsha Cookies to be Sold on British Airways Flights Khayelitsha Cookies is a biscuit producer based in Cape Town. It has agreed contracts worth more than R1.4 million with two companies UK backed companies. Under the agreements, Khayelitsha Cookies will supply b

Norway Constitution Day On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate His Majesty King Harald V and the people of the Kingdom of Norway on the occasion of your Constitution Day. The ties between the people of our two countries span generations of shared history, laying the foundation for the strong bilateral relationship we enjoy today. As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence, we recognize the significant contributions Norwegian-Americ