Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo: "On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I extend congratulations to the citizens of Costa Rica as you celebrate the 198th anniversary of your nation’s independence.

Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo: "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I am honored to congratulate the people of Brazil on the 197th anniversary of your independence on September 7.

Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo: "On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I congratulate the people of Tajikistan as you celebrate the 28th anniversary of your independence on September 9th.

Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo: "On behalf of the United States government and the American people, I offer my regards to the people of North Macedonia as you mark 28 years of independence.

Washington, DC - Friday, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan in Asunción, Paraguay, with President Mario Abdo Benítez.  He was joined by Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump.  They discussed our shared interest in efforts to create economic opportunity, combat corruption, and build a strong, self-reliant Paraguay in support of regional national security.

Washington, DC - The United States welcomes the news of the release of 35 Ukrainians held by Russia, in exchange for 35 prisoners held by Ukraine.  We have consistently called for the release of the 24 Ukrainian crewmembers detained by Russia following the November 2018 attack on Ukrainian vessels in the Black Sea near the Kerch Strait, as well as Oleh Sentsov and other political prisoners.  We welcome the announcement that they have returned home.