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March 7 – March 13

From pursuing a ceasefire in Ukraine to strengthening alliances at the G7, U.S. leadership remains focused on keeping America safe, strong, and prosperous.

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

• The U.S. and Ukraine took strong steps toward restoring a durable peace.
• Secretary Rubio advanced our America First policy at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Quebec, Canada.
• We shared some tips on staying safe when going abroad for spring break.

Key Steps Toward Lasting Peace in Ukraine

Secretary Marco Rubio, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Head of Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, and Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov attend a meeting on March 11, 2025. (State Dept/Freddie Everett)

On March 11, U.S. and Ukrainian officials came to an agreement toward restoring a durable peace after a productive meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia. Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the U.S. proposal to enact an immediate 30-day ceasefire and as a result, the U.S. agreed to immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume assistance to Ukraine, Secretary Rubio shared on X.

As the Secretary stated in his remarks to the press with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, "The number one goodwill gesture we could see from the Russians is to see the Ukrainian offer and reciprocate it with a yes." He also noted that the ball is now in Russia's court in taking the next steps to finding an enduring peace.

Putting America First at the G7 Ministers' Meeting

Secretary Rubio attends the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Canada, March 12-14, 2025. (State Dept./Freddie Everett)

After stopping to speak with the press in Ireland, Secretary Rubio continued his travels to Quebec for the first G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting since Canada assumed the presidency this year. 

Discussions ranged from security in the Indo-Pacific to conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, reinforcing the Trump Administration's America First foreign policy — emphasizing cooperation with allies while keeping U.S. priorities front and center. Strong efforts to curb illicit drug flows, counter foreign influence in the Western Hemisphere, and promote fair trade were also main focal points.

Enjoy Your Spring Break Adventures — Safely!

As spring break approaches for students across America, the Bureau of Consular Affairs shared tips and resources on staying safe abroad, including:

• What to do if your passport is lost or stolen
• The latest updates for travelers to Mexico
• Laws and customs for any destination 
• What countries to avoid when making plans
• Making sure travel documents are up to date

For even more information and travel resources, visit travel.state.gov and follow Consular Affairs on their X, Facebook or Instagram accounts.

Supporting a Unified Syria

On March 11, Secretary Rubio issued a statement welcoming the recently announced agreement between the Syrian interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces. Unifying northeast Syria promotes steps toward a political transition "as the best path to avoid further conflict," per the Secretary's post on X. 

While this agreement marks progress, there is still more to be done. The U.S. condemned the radical Islamist terrorists who murdered people in western Syria in recent days, offering condolences to the victims and their families. The Secretary reaffirmed that Syria's interim authorities must hold the perpetrators of these massacres against religious and ethnic minorities accountable.

News You May Have Missed

• President Trump hosted the first-ever White House Digital Asset Summit, focused on the future of cryptocurrency in the U.S.
• We marked the second annual U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day on March 9, remembering Americans who remain unjustly held around the world.
• President Trump hosted the Taoiseach of Ireland for a St. Patrick's Day Reception at the White House. 
• The Secretary announced new sanctions on the Foxtrot Network for trafficking, violence, and attacks on Israeli targets with Iranian support.
• Secretary Rubio shared how tariffs on steel and aluminum are about protecting national security and rebuilding our domestic capability.

Looking Ahead

• March 20: Nowruz
• April 3-4: NATO Foreign Ministers' Meeting
• April 13: World Expo 2025 begins in Osaka, Japan

Note to Our Readers

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