Did you miss key foreign policy developments this week? We’ve got you covered. Each week, DipNote recaps the latest U.S. Department of State highlights spanning a wide range of global issues, events, and initiatives in one blog post.
Here are the highlights from This Week at State:
State Department Commemorates World Press Freedom Day
On World Press Freedom Day, recognized around the world on May 3, we highlight the critical role of independent media in facilitating the open exchange of information and ideas so vital to free, prosperous, and secure democratic societies. This year, as the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic, it is particularly important that both professional and citizen journalists be free to report what they see and hear, and to express their opinions openly.
On #WPFD2020, we honor the indispensable role a #FreePress plays in sustaining democracy. Especially during the #COVID19 pandemic, we call for an end to censorship and violence against independent media, and for the immediate release of journalists imprisoned around the world. pic.twitter.com/lbfJ0XZ61f
— Morgan Ortagus (@statedeptspox) May 3, 2020
The U.S. Is Leading the Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Developing a Vaccine
In a May 4 media note, Spokesperson Ortagus outlined U.S. leadership in the COVID-19 pandemic. She said “The United States is bringing together the brightest minds in U.S. government agencies, the private sector, universities, and overseas partners to develop vaccines and therapeutic interventions to protect the world from COVID-19.”
Congratulations to Department of State Employees Cecilia Coates, Thomas Debass, and Monica Ager Jacobsen for Being Named as 2020 Service to America Medal Finalists
On May 4 the Department announced that three Department of State employees are 2020 Service to America Medal finalists. The Service to America Medal honors the achievements of federal employees making significant contributions to the U.S. government.
Cecilia Coates of the Logistics Management Office is one of the six national finalists for the Paul A. Volcker Career Achievement Medal. Ms. Coates has dedicated her career to creating the state-of-the-art global supply chain management system that provides $10 billion worth of goods and services every year to diplomats and other federal employees serving the United States overseas.
Monica Ager Jacobsen of the Bureau of Legal Affairs is one of the five national finalists for the Emerging Leaders Medal. Ms. Jacobsen has played a crucial behind-the-scenes role shaping the complex legal and policy issues involved in imposing sanctions against dozens of human rights abusers worldwide.
Thomas Debass of the Office of Global Partnerships is one of six national finalists for the Safety, Security, and International Affairs Medal. Mr. Debass and his team created public-private partnerships to advance America’s foreign policy interests while leveraging over $1.5 billion of public and private sector resource commitments.
Additional U.S. Foreign Assistance Builds Upon U.S. Leadership in the Global COVID-19 Response
In a May 6 statement, Secretary Pompeo announced additional assistance for the COVID-19 response. On Wednesday the United States announced an additional $128 million in global health and humanitarian assistance.
As we work together to defeat the coronavirus at home, the United States stands with our global partners in their time of need, as we always have. A healthier world means a healthier United States.
– Secretary Pompeo
75th Anniversary of the Victory in Europe
In a May 8 statement, Secretary Pompeo commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the Victory in Europe. On this day, we mark 75 years since the end of hostilities in Europe in the Second World War. We pay tribute today to all those who stood up for humanity and freedom in the face of tyranny, and we honor the sacrifices of all service members involved in ridding the world of Nazi, fascist, and other aggression.
On #VEDay75, we stand together to reflect on our shared history and remember all those who served as a force for freedom against Nazi and fascist aggression. Now, as then, we are stronger when we stand together. #VE75andCounting pic.twitter.com/RXJdcMAZts
— Department of State (@StateDept) May 8, 2020
Secretary Pompeo Meets with Foreign Leaders
On May 6, Secretary Pompeo conducted calls with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, Vietnamese DPM/FM Pham Binh Minh, Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang, Czech Prime Minister Babiš, and Iraqi Prime Minister Kadhimi.
On May 7, Secretary Pompeo conducted a call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba.
COVID-19 Resources
For more information on COVID-19 or coronavirus, please refer to the below websites:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
Each week, we recap the latest from the U.S. Department of State and cover a wide range of global issues, events, and initiatives. To learn more, go to www.state.gov and follow @SecPompeo, @StateDeptSPOX, @StateDept and Facebook.