Today the United States announced more than $169 million in humanitarian assistance to support those in Ethiopia and Kenya who are experiencing the effects of prolonged severe drought. This additional funding, including nearly $137 million in Ethiopia and nearly $33 million in Kenya, brings the total U.S. humanitarian contribution in Ethiopia and Kenya to more than $458 million in Fiscal Year 2017.
THE VICE PRESIDENT: President Margvelashvili, Prime Minister Kvrikashvili, Minister Izoria, General Chachibaya, members of the armed forces of the United States of America and Georgia, to all our distinguished guests, it is an honor to join you here today to address the men and women of Exercise Noble Partner. (Applause.)
PRIME MINISTER KVRIKASHVILI: (In progress, as interpreted.) -- that we are receiving not only the Vice President of our key strategic partner, Vice President of the United States, but the great friend of Georgia, Mr. Mike Pence, who we obtained as friend not long ago.
On behalf of the United States, congratulations to the people of Benin as you celebrate the 57th anniversary of your national independence on August 1st.
Please accept my best wishes as you and the people of Switzerland celebrate your National Day on August 1.
The United States condemns recurring violations of the ceasefire that have occurred in Mali between signatory armed groups to the 2015 Algiers Peace Accord. We urge the parties to end hostilities immediately and to strictly comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and to respect human rights, particularly with respect to civilians and prisoners.
The United States condemns the elections imposed on July 30 for the National Constituent Assembly, which is designed to replace the legitimately elected National Assembly and undermine the Venezuelan people’s right to self-determination.
The near unanimous votes for the sanctions legislation in Congress represent the strong will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States. We hope that there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues and these sanctions will no longer be necessary.
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Acting Administrator Wade Warren will join the Department of State in welcoming the 2017 Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit, the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), which represents the United States' investment in the next generation of African leaders.
President Donald J. Trump spoke today with King Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss the events that transpired in the region over the past two weeks. Both leaders said they were encouraged by the efforts taken to de-escalate tensions and by the progress that has been made.