Washington, DC - Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Secretary Pompeo reiterated that the United States seeks an improved relationship with Russia and agreed to future dialogue.

Washington, DC - The members of the Troika (the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway) support the engagement of the region in the recent Khartoum-based negotiations on outstanding governance and security issues. We acknowledge the role of Sudan in hosting these negotiations. Considerable challenges lie ahead, and we are concerned that the arrangements agreed to date are not realistic or sustainable. Given their past leadership failures, South Sudanese leaders will need to behave differently and demonstrate commitment to peace and good governance.

Washington, DC - President Donald J. Trump announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Paraguay to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Mario Abdo Benitez on August 15, 2018, in Asuncion, Paraguay.

Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo: "On behalf of the Government of the United States, I extend congratulations to the people of Ecuador on the anniversary of the first call to independence on August 10, 1809, which sparked the independence movement in Latin America 209 years ago.

Washington, DC - The United States government is gravely concerned by credible reports of numerous detentions, beatings, and other abuses of Zimbabweans over the past week, particularly targeting opposition activists. There should be no role for violence, intimidation, or harassment in the new Zimbabwe.

Washington, DC - In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the ruling coalition’s announcement of a consensus candidate other than President Kabila represents a significant step forward for Congolese democracy. We are encouraged by this sign that he intends to uphold his commitments to the Congolese constitution and the terms of the December 2016 St. Sylvestre agreement by not seeking a third term.