Partnering With Malta To Support Investment and Development in Libya

Posted by Lorraine Hariton / May 07, 2012

About the Author: Lorraine Hariton serves as Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs.

Against a backdrop of beautiful gardens and sunshine, I was honored to be welcomed by both Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg and Minister of Finance, Economy, and Investment Tonio Fenech when I arrived in Malta last week. I made the journey to discuss possible areas of cooperation between Malta and the United States with a view to commercial activity in North Africa, especially Libya.

Minister Fenech explained that, over the years, Malta has built an important relationship with Libya that cuts across all sectors. I learned the security situation in Libya continues to improve, and that investment and development opportunities exist. Both the U.S. and Maltese governments hope to build on this meeting to develop Malta's potential as a commercial engagement hub for North Africa.

Minister Fenech described the visit as the foundation stone for a Maltese-American… more »

Seeing Fulbright in Action in Amman, Jordan

Posted by Marianne Craven / May 07, 2012

About the Author: Marianne Craven serves as Managing Director for Academic Programs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

A few weeks ago, Fulbright Program administrators from across the Middle East and North Africa convened in Jordan with their U.S.-based colleagues for a dynamic three-day workshop. The Binational Fulbright Commission in Jordan, led by Executive Director Alain McNamara and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, hosted us.

Together with representatives from regional Fulbright Commissions, U.S. embassies and non-governmental partners, we reviewed academic exchange priorities, shared information and best practices, and addressed issues and challenges faced by the Fulbright Program… more »

Travel Diary: Secretary Clinton in Bangladesh

Posted by DipNote Bloggers / May 06, 2012

More: Trip Page | Interactive Travel Map

On May 5, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled to Bangladesh to meet with senior Government of Bangladesh officials and civil society representatives to review robust U.S.-Bangladesh cooperation across the full range of political, economic, and security matters. In a joint press conference with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Secretary Clinton said, "Today, we are working together to help solve some of Bangladesh's most pressing challenges, from disaster response to healthcare, from food security to climate change. Bangladesh represents one of the largest… more »

Young African Leaders: Changing Perceptions

Posted by Nathan Arnold / May 05, 2012

About the Author: Nathan Arnold serves as the communications officer for the Office of International Visitors in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

What always energizes those of us who work on exchange programs for professionals is seeing the passion of emerging foreign leaders. This week, 20 Young African Leaders, participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program, arrived in Washington. In conversations with U.S. government officials -- including Grant Harris, Senior Director for African Affairs at the White House, and Ronan Farrow, the State Department's Special Adviser for Global Youth Issues -- the participants shared their experiences, gained a better understanding of U.S. policy, and discussed ways to keep the dialogue going after their program is over. Just as importantly, they talked about how their efforts are contributing to the changing impressions the world has about Africa.

Hindou… more »

Women Journalists Speak Out for Press Freedom

Posted by Joanne Levine / May 04, 2012

About the Author: Joanne Levine serves as Senior Advisor in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs. She is attending the UNESCO World Press Freedom Day Conference in Tunisia May 3-5.

Swarms of photographers surrounded a woman, blinding those near her with their flashes. Officials and journalists alike waited eagerly in a makeshift line to greet this woman who clearly was revered by those at the opening session for World Press Freedom Day in Tunis.

The woman at the center of this attention was Tawakkol Karman, was a 33 year old Yemeni journalist, known in her country as the mother of the revolution, and now known throughout the world as one of three women to share the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011. She has been in and out of jail, but still speaks out.

"We have risen for freedom of the press," she told a rapt audience from all over the world. "The young have sacrificed themselves while writing, filming and texting in alleys,… more »