‘We Want the World to Come to America’
 Travel and tourism are a key part of America’s foreign policy and economy.
In 2024, we broke passport processing records for the third consecutive year, issuing 24.5 million passports and 11.5 million visas. This brings more travel and tourism to the U.S., and supports millions of Americans working in this industry.
“America is open for business, we’re open for travel, we’re open for tourism,” Secretary Blinken said, after a meeting with Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce. “We want the world to come to America.”
Passport processing times are also down, and more than 1 million Americans have used our online system to renew their passports.
“We’re about to enter this mega decade for big sports events, the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics and Paralympics, the Rugby World Championships, all here in the United States,” Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter. “And we’re making sure that people traveling to the United States for those events are going to get their visas, get them on time, and get to enjoy everything here.”
The U.S. Supports Lebanon and its Sovereign Institutions
The United States stands in support of the Lebanese people.
Last Friday, Secretary Blinken met with Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Mikati in London. There, the Secretary discussed support for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, humanitarian needs, and Lebanon’s stability.
“A diplomatic resolution that implements (United Nations Security Council Resolution) 1701 is essential so displaced citizens can return home,” Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter.
The same day in Paris, Deputy Secretary Richard Verma sat down with Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Bou Habib. They talked about ending the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, and providing humanitarian aid.
Secretary Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met Republic of Korea Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul and Minister of Defense Kim Yong-hyun on Thursday.
The meeting followed commitments that both sides made during ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol’s state visit to the U.S. in 2023.
“Our enduring alliance with the Republic of Korea is vital as we face growing DPRK provocations and geopolitical challenges,” Secretary Blinken said on X/Twitter.
 Photo credit: The Associated Press
The Department and the Recording Academy honored 10-time Grammy-Award winner Dolly Parton with the 2024 PEACE Through Music Award.
The icon’s timeless music and philanthropy promote peace worldwide. Parton’s Imagination Library helps underserved children all over the world learn through reading. She is also a champion for public health, most recently the COVID-19 vaccine.
The award is part of our Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, an initiative Secretary Blinken announced in 2023. In her acceptance speech, Parton said music has the power to soothe, educate, and bring people together in peace.
“There’ll always be music as long as there’s a story to be told,” Parton sang. “There’ll always be music, ‘cause music is the voice of the soul.”
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