Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Trinidad and Tobago and to Guyana; Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats; and more.

U.S. Department of State sent this bulletin at 07/10/2023 06:00 PM EDT

The Week at State | July 3-9

Note to readers: The Week at State video team took a break for the Fourth of July – check back next week for coverage from the NATO Summit in Vilnius and the Secretary's travel to Indonesia. For the latest, visit state.gov and our YouTube channel.

Secretary Blinken Travels to Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana

Secretary Blinken smiles and waves at the open door of a jetplane, with a sunny blue sky behind him.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken traveled on July 5, 2023, to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago where he participated in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government meeting and the 50th Anniversary of CARICOM celebration. Building on Vice President Harris' historic June 8 visit to The Bahamas, where she co-hosted the U.S.-Caribbean Leaders Meeting, Secretary Blinken engaged on pressing issues in the region with the represented heads of governments, including Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, and incoming CARICOM Chair and Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

On July 6, Secretary Blinken traveled to Georgetown, Guyana to meet with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, and key members of the cabinet to discuss priority bilateral issues including food and energy security and decarbonization, climate resilience, regional migration, and building local capacity. Read more about his trip below and on the trip page on state.gov.

New Food Security Program Launched

The U.S. government will launch a new food security program in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean region, designed in collaboration with Caribbean governments, with $5.3 million in food security assistance to address food security challenges. Read the fact sheet about U.S.-Guyana relations.

Importance of Trade Between U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago

A photo of a busy shipping port, with the words “Trade and economy. The United States is Trinidad and Tobago’s largest training partner”.

In 2022, total trade between our two countries topped $9 billion dollars, with nearly $1 billion in Trinbagonian exports entering the United States with preferential, duty-free access under the Caribbean Basin Initiative. Read the fact sheet to learn more.

Visits with Embassy Staff

Secretary Blinken, holding a baby, sits with children on a low wall outside. A checkerboard-patterned patio is in the foreground.

Secretary Blinken visited the U.S. Embassies in Trinidad and Tobago and in Guyana to meet staff and thank them for their dedication and commitment. Check out the Embassies on Twitter @USinTT and @USAmbGuyana to see more about their work.

United with Ukraine

Marking 500 Days Since the Kremlin's Full-Scale Invasion

Screenshot from a video showing a person in military clothing waving the Ukrainian flag and holding a weapon.

"500 days ago, the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. "The U.S. will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes to achieve a just and durable peace." Watch the spotlight video about 500 days of Russia’s war of aggression.

$800 Million in New Security Assistance

On July 7, Secretary Blinken announced $800 million in new security assistance to help “Ukraine's brave defenders continue to resist Russia's aggression while civilians across the country endure drone and missile strikes."

Refugees and Migration

Giving Refugees New Access to U.S. Higher Education

Students wearing backpacks walk outside on a college campus.

The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) announced the launch of Welcome Corps on Campus, a new initiative that enables U.S. colleges and universities to play a leading role in resettling refugee students. Welcome Corps on Campus "will support refugees whose opportunities to pursue higher education were cut short," PRM Assistant Secretary Julieta Valls Noyes on Twitter.

Combating Drugs and Crime

New Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats

A multi-color graphic image of the Earth, with the words “Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.”

Illicitly-manufactured synthetic drugs threaten the health, security, and wellbeing of people around the world. Learn more about how the U.S. and the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats will work to combat this issue. Watch Secretary Blinken's opening remarks (or read the transcript of his remarks) at the virtual Ministerial-level meeting to launch the Global Coalition.

Holidays and Commemorations

Fourth of July Around the World

About 20 people, many wearing red, white, and blue, pose for a photograph on a stage while celebrating the Fourth of July.

Last week the United States celebrated its 247th birthday! Check out the Fourth of July special edition of The Week at State to see how some of our Embassies and Consulates around the world celebrated.