Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs is headed by Assistant Secretary of State Arturo A. Valenzuela, 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.
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![Date: 09/22/2009 Description: Remarks by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the Launch of Inter-American Social Protection Network [IASPN] © State Dept Image by Michael Gross](/img/09/34207/2009_09_22_IASSPN_200_1.jpg "Date: 09/22/2009 Description: Remarks by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the Launch of Inter-American Social Protection Network [IASPN] © State Dept Image by Michael Gross") | Inter-American Social Protection Network Secretary Clinton: "[T]he United States is proud to be a member of the Inter-American community, and we are committed to the long-term success of this social protection network. We believe that this network will help fulfill the promise embodied in the democratic charter that our country signed eight years ago." -Full Text |
 | New Era of Engagement Secretary Clinton: "Whether in Latin America or Lebanon, Iran or Liberia, those who are inspired by democracy, who understand that democracy is about more than just elections – that it must also protect minority rights and press freedom, develop strong, competent and independent judiciaries, legislatures and executive agencies, and commit for democracy to deliver results – these are the people who will find that Americans are their friends, not adversaries." -Full Text |
 | North American Leaders Summit Continuing his efforts to strengthen partnerships, President Obama attended the North American Leaders Summit with Mexican President Calderón and Canadian Prime Minister Harper. President Obama described the spirit of the summit, "Indeed, in the 21st century, North America is defined not simply by our borders, but by our bonds." -White House Blog |
Brazilian Black Consciousness Day
On November 20, as the people of Brazil recognize Black Consciousness Day, we congratulate the people of Brazil and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership as, together, we provide leadership and examples of democracy, diversity, and social justice to our Hemisphere and to the world. -More
U.S. Assistance to El Salvador
In response to Tropical Storm Ida, the U.S. Government has provided more than $840,000 in emergency assistance to El Salvador through the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Southern Command. -More
Situation in Honduras
Spokesman Kelly: "[We] are continuing to call on both sides to begin implementing the Tegucigalpa-San Jose Accord. One of the key parts of that is setting up a government of unity and reconciliation, and we feel that once that is set up and the other elements of the accord are implemented, that it will be easier for the international community to recognize the elections. " -Full Text
Colombia-Venezuela Dialogue
Spokesman Kelly: "[W]e call on Colombia and Venezuela to resolve whatever differences that they have through bilateral dialogue. We support cooperation in that region, in South America, and we stand ready to assist if we can play some kind of supportive or facilitative role." -Full Text
Travel Alert
The Department of State alerts American citizens to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice. -Full Text
Fact Sheet: The 2009-H1N1 Influenza Virus: A Global Challenge
Visit travel.state.gov for country specific travel information and travel announcements. -Hurricane Season Travel Alert
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