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October 4 – October 10

The safety and security of Americans is our top priority. We have staff around the world working to assist U.S. citizens in Lebanon. If you or someone you know is in Lebanon and needs help, please use our crisis intake form.

Here's what happened at State this past week. ⤵️

• 🇱🇦 Secretary Blinken traveled to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to strengthen U.S. ties with the Indo-Pacific.
• 🇱🇧 The U.S. and our partners continue to provide support in Lebanon and the region.
• 🕯️ The U.S. marked the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Secretary Blinken Strengthens Our Critical Partnerships in Southeast Asia

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is at the heart of our Indo-Pacific Strategy. ASEAN’s centrality and our partnership is critical to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

During his travel to Laos, Secretary Blinken highlighted our affirmative agenda for the region at the ASEAN-U.S. Summit and discussed ongoing regional and global challenges at the East Asia Summit, including:

• The ongoing crisis in Burma.
• The importance of upholding international law in the South China Sea.
• Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

He also reaffirmed our commitment to the U.S.-Lao PDR Comprehensive Partnership.

Secretary Blinken met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Thailand alliance. 

“The U.S. is deeply appreciative of Thailand’s strong relationship within ASEAN, and we commend Thailand for its continued support in addressing the conflict in Burma,” Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter.

Secretary Blinken also met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Laos to thank him for Malaysia’s leadership, reaffirm our commitment to deepening our Comprehensive Partnership, and advance shared goals.

“As a democratic leader in Southeast Asia, Malaysia plays a key role in promoting regional stability and prosperity,” Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter.

Addressing the Escalating Crisis, Supporting Americans in Lebanon

More than a million people have been displaced from their homes due to the escalating crisis in Lebanon. 

In response, the United States has taken numerous steps to support:

• Americans who seek to depart or relocate within Lebanon.
• Populations affected by conflict in Lebanon and the region.
• Efforts to reduce tensions in the region.

This week, we:

• Announced nearly $157 million in new humanitarian assistance. This funding will address new and existing needs of internally displaced persons and refugee populations inside Lebanon and the communities that host them. It will also support those fleeing to neighboring Syria.
• Secured more than 5,000 airplane seats for U.S. citizens, their immediate family members, and lawful permanent residents, and their family members to depart Lebanon.
• Continued to provide around the clock support, including emergency passport and loan services.

“We are committed to supporting those in need and delivering essential aid to displaced civilians, refugees, and the communities hosting them,” Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter.

Marking the Anniversary of the October 7 Attack on Israel

On October 7, President and First Lady Biden lit a yahrzeit candle and held a moment of silence to honor the victims of the 2023 attack on Israel. We mourn for the more than 1,200 innocent people, of all ages, including 46 Americans, massacred by Hamas.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to lasting peace and stability across the region and for a common future for Israelis and Palestinians with equal measures of security, dignity, opportunity, and freedom,” Secretary Blinken said in a statement.

How Foreign Policy Delivers for Americans

Local leaders and communities shape the work the State Department does around the world. To discuss how foreign policy starts at home, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma spoke at the University of Northern Iowa.

“State and local leaders are on the front lines of global issues: extreme weather, fentanyl, pollution, migration, and challenges to democracy,” Deputy Secretary Verma said. “At the same time, they are also focused on creating good jobs and improving the economic outlook of their states and cities. All of these issues have an international nexus, and so, depending on where you live, a county executive, mayor or governor also needs to be engaged internationally.”

Promising Young Scholars Visit the Department

We hosted 50 promising young scholars from Australia, India, Japan, the United States, and Southeast Asia at the second Quad Fellowship Summit in Washington on October 7.

The fellows receive a stipend to pursue graduate degrees in STEM fields at U.S. universities. The program is part of a broader commitment to harness emerging technologies for the benefit of people across the Indo-Pacific. 

“Great meeting with the second cohort of Quad Fellowship Students!” Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell said on X/Twitter.

News You May Have Missed

• U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield condemned violence in Haiti, calling for support to combat gang violence.
• U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith welcomed Swedish Ambassador Jan Knutsson to the Alliance.
• USAID is mobilizing a response to the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, providing disease response and preparedness support. 
• Our Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs celebrates 50 years of advancing environmental and scientific diplomacy.
• Take this quiz to find out how Hispanic Americans make our communities better.
• We introduced live ASL interpretation to our Department Press Briefings, ensuring the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities have more access to critical news and timely information.
• We brought together more than 75 climate experts and advocates in the U.S. as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program to explore solutions to the climate crisis.

🔎 Looking Ahead 

• October 11: International Day of the Girl Child
• October 13-14: World Health Summit in Berlin
• October 14-18: World Food Forum
• October 16: World Food Day

👉 Note to Our Readers

We welcome your feedback on this newsletter. Send us your thoughts to EmailTeam@state.gov. 📩

Useful links

• Travel advisories and updates on international travel for U.S. Citizens from the Department of State
• Did you know that you can invite a representative from the Department of State to speak at your school, business, agency or organization? Learn about what we do through the firsthand experience of one of our representatives. 

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