U.S., European Union Collaborate on Trade, Technology, and Security
 In Washington, Secretary Blinken joined Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai in hosting our colleagues from the European Union for the fifth Trade and Technology Council Ministerial Meeting.
“In these challenging times, it is particularly valuable to have in the EU a partner of first resort,” Secretary Blinken said on Twitter/X. “The Trade and Technology Council has been an indispensable tool for our transatlantic economic cooperation.”
Alliances and Partnerships
Solidifying Our NATO Alliance
On January 29, Secretary Blinken met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to talk about the upcoming NATO summit and other matters relating to our Alliance.
“Once again, we see that NATO is advancing with a sense of urgency and a strong sense not only of unity of purpose but unity of action,” Secretary Blinken said, noting that Türkiye recently approved Sweden’s accession to NATO.
Peace and Security
State Department Sanctions Four Israelis for West Bank Violence
On February 1, the State Department announced it is imposing financial sanctions on four Israeli nationals/individuals connected to violence against civilians in the West Bank. These designations were imposed under a new Executive Order.
“Israel must do more to stop violence in the West Bank and hold accountable those responsible for it,” Secretary Blinken said in a statement.
Humanitarian Assistance
Increasing Aid for Palestinian Civilians
 On January 29, Secretary Blinken met with Sigrid Kaag, who is leading the United Nations’ efforts on humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
“We are working closely with her, and with Israel and Egypt, to maximize aid getting into Gaza,” Secretary Blinken said on Twitter/X. “Her mission could not be more vital, and we strongly support it.”
The next day, Secretary Blinken met with Tom Hart, the president and chief executive officer of InterAction, and fellow non-governmental organization leaders to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza and continued U.S. efforts to increase humanitarian access and assistance for Palestinian civilians.
Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy
Securing Stability in the Red Sea
Houthi attacks against commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea are directly impacting people’s lives. Ships taking longer journeys increase the cost of food, medicine, and fuel, as well as life-saving aid to people who need it most.
Operation Prosperity Guardian, a coalition of more than 20 countries led by the United States, is defending freedom of navigation and securing all nations’ mariners in the Red Sea.
Human Rights
Promoting Religious Freedom
Rashad Hussain, the U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, spoke at the 2024 International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington and gathered with leaders from government and civil society.
“I look forward to engaging with old and new friends this week and continuing to build on efforts to advance religious freedom,” Ambassador Hussain said on Twitter/X.
Travel and Visa Services
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