Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

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The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs is headed by Assistant Secretary of State Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., who is responsible for managing and promoting U.S. interests in the region by supporting democracy, trade, and sustainable economic development, and fostering cooperation on issues such as drug trafficking and crime, poverty reduction, and environmental protection.

Mission: We are working with our partners in the Americas to generate broad-based growth through freer trade and sound economic policies; to invest in the well-being of people from all walks of life; and to make democracy serve every citizen more effectively and justly.

Objectives: We are strengthening an Inter-American community formed by:

• Economic partners that are democratic, stable, and prosperous;
• Friendly neighbors that help secure our region against terrorism and illegal drugs;

• Nations that work together in the world to advance shared political and economic values.

President Bush Discusses Cuba, Marks Day of Solidarity President Bush (May 21): "Thanks for coming to mark this Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People. ... Most of all, this is a day of hope. We have hope because we see a day coming when Cubans will have the freedom of which they have dreamed for centuries...." Full Text | Proclamation  | Fact Sheet | Briefing: Text, Video | Teleconference Call

Central America and the Merida Initiative Assistant Secretary Shannon: "Drug trafficking, gang violence, crime, and human smuggling, all linked to Central America, now directly afflict many areas of the United States, while arms and cash flows move south across our border and through Mexico to sustain these criminal organizations. The United States has a compelling strategic interest in moving quickly to reinforce our partnership with Central America to check illicit activity in the region." Full Statement | View Video  | Factsheet

North American Leaders' Summit  President Bush hosted the North American Leaders' Summit on April 21-22 in New Orleans. This fourth meeting of North American leaders since 2005 continues our work on Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) initiatives. It also serves as an opportunity for the three leaders from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada to discuss hemispheric and global issues of importance to North America.  More from the White House