Remarks at Boggess Bunker Unveiling Ceremony December 13, 2020 Distinguished guests, Mayor Lutgen, friends, I’d like to take you back to that cold winter of 1944. Imagine you’re part of lieutenant charles boggess’ (boh-zhesses) platoon. Your leader is determined to reach bastogne. There’s just one last obstacle – a small bunker – that you can barely …
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Ambassador Gidwitz Remarks at Mardasson ceremony Bastogne, December 12, 2020 Secretary Matz, Secretary Michel, Mayor Lutgen, distinguished guests, What an honor and an immense pleasure to be back in Bastogne and to announce a new chapter in our enduring partnership. We’re standing here on a sacred site where 76 years ago, thousands of Americans fought and died for the very freedom we all enjoy today. As Ambassador, …
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Ambassador Remarks for the Dedication of the Nurses’ Memorial in Bastogne Friday, December 11, 2020 Mr. Mayor, Dear friends of Bastogne, Traditionally, december had long marked a time of joy for families gathering in Bastogne. In the final full year of the war, Renée Lemaire and Augusta Chiwy had both made their way home for …
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November 19, 2020 Via Zoom Good Evening, Thank you for the invitation to join you today. It’s been my genuine pleasure to meet with AmCham, its member companies, and its leadership – as often as I’ve been able – since my arrival in Belgium in July 2018. Our Thanksgiving events have always been a highlight …
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October 27, 2020 Good Afternoon, Thank you for the invitation to join you today. It’s been my genuine pleasure to meet with VOKA, its member companies, and its leadership – as often as I’ve been able – since my arrival in Belgium in July 2018. In that time, I’ve encountered many business people who have told me how much more they prefer doing business in the …
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Release Date: September 28, 2020 BRUSSELS, Belgium –Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense Philippe Goffin and United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium Ronald Gidwitz signed a “preclearance” agreement on Monday that will allow passengers boarding flights from Brussels Airport to the United States to clear U.S. customs and immigration prior to embarkation in Brussels, and to …
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Hello. I’m Ron Gidwitz, the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium. I want to take a minute to share some thoughts during these unprecedented times, speaking from my home, to you in your home. First, a word of thanks to all of you who are working hard to keep us safe. From law enforcement, to those keeping …
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Are you a Belgian professional writer, aged between 21 and 65? Do you want to participate in the Fall Residency of the world-renowned Iowa 2020 International Writing Program (IWP)? Do you want to spend a few months in the U.S. for a workshop with other emerging and recognized writers from August 30 till November 17, …
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February 4, 2020 – The U.S. Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium is now recruiting Belgian companies to join a business delegation led by Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz to the 2020 SelectUSA Investment Summit, June 1-3, in Washington, D.C. The SelectUSA Investment Summit promotes the United States as the world’s premier investment destination and connects qualified …
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In the summer of 2020, the U.S. Embassy to Belgium will give five secondary school or young undergraduate students (ages 15-21) the opportunity to participate in a Youth Soccer and English as a Second Language Camp in the United States! This 2-week program will consist of an intensive soccer camp (non-elite level) followed by a …
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Are you a student and do you have an American dream? Exchanges are the perfect way to experience the United States, improve your English, and get to know students from all over the world. We have lots of exchange opportunities for this summer. Time is flying, so apply now! SUSI: http://www.fulbright.be/awards/grants-for-belgian-and-luxembourgish-citizens/summer-institute-for-students/ Education USA Academy: http://www.educationusa.be/edusaacademy/ BFTF: https://be.usembassy.gov/bftf-2020/
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Ambassador Gidwitz Remarks at Wereth Massacre Memorial Ceremony Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019 Seventy-five years ago today, where we now stand, 11 African-American soldiers were murdered during the earliest days of the Battle of the Bulge. Cut off behind enemy lines after a barrage of heavy fire from the Germans, these 11 soldiers struck out, hoping …
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Ambassador Gidwitz Remarks at Malmedy Massacre Memorial Ceremony Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 As grim as war can be, some moments are more searing – and more disheartening – than others. Today we’ve come together – here – to remember such a day. That day unfolded 75 years ago, right where we stand, and in the …
Read More» Ambassador Gidwitz Remarks at the U.S. Embassy reception to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 Mayor Lutgen, Speaker Pelosi and delegation members, Secretary Matz, Senator Boozman and delegation members, dear veterans, Belgian friends, and American colleagues – allow me to welcome you to the U.S. Embassy reception …
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Ambassador Gidwitz Remarks at City of Bastogne Reception Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 Mayor Lutgen, Prime Minister Wilmès, Madame Speaker, Senator Boozman, Congressional delegation members, citizens of Bastogne, dear Belgian friends, and American colleagues – I’m very happy to be with you all tonight as a guest of the Mayor of the City of Bastogne. I …
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Ambassador Gidwitz Remarks at the Battle of the Bulge Veterans Lunch Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 I’m so pleased to be here today to welcome all of you to the inaugural event of our multi-day commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. And also, to celebrate the completion of the first phase …
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Ambassador Gidwitz Remarks at the Grave of Volunteer Nurse Augusta Chiwy Bastogne, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 Friends and guests, please allow me to express my thanks to you for the honor of speaking at Augusta Chiwy’s grave here today. Those who learn her story come to view Augusta as equal parts hero and inspiration. She …
Read More» During the Battle of the Bulge the 101st Airborne Division turned the tide of war. The division was surrounded, but they survived and fought in terrible conditions, holding the city of Bastogne. We were honored to meet with a 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) who are in Bastogne to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. #75yearsliberation #NeverForget #Bastogne75 #WeAreAllies …
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December 04 – The first phase of the restoration of the Mardasson Memorial is complete, just in time for the key ceremonies set to take place in Bastogne for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The U.S. Embassy announced the launch of the renovation project on October 1, which included extensive cleaning …
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To mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Belgium and Battle of the Bulge, we are uncovering stories of heroism, and of the friendships forged from our shared American and Belgian sacrifices. We took our cameras on the road to gather WW2 testimonials from soldiers and families, who share their personal stories from the …
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We are looking for aspiring young leaders who want to work with American and other European youth to build a network that will lead to a lifetime of change! Is this you? Then, send us a 2-minute video in English for your chance to take part in the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship exchange program …
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October 1, 2019 – To mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, the sacrifices of American armed forces during World War II, and the generosity of the Belgian people, the U.S. Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium announced the launch of a project to restore the Mardasson Memorial in Bastogne, Belgium. U.S. …
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Secondary schools from all over Belgium now can apply for the 2019-2020 Game Changers negotiation skills, leadership and exchange program! Through workshops, students will learn negotiation skills and connect with students from another commune/region, language community and background. The program is conducted in English and run by PATHWAYS in partnership with Scholengroep Brussel, KBR-the Royal …
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Ambassador Gidwitz’s Remarks 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Belgium Monceau-Imbrechies Monday, September 2, 2019 Mr. Mayor, members of the city council, veterans, service members, dear friends – It’s truly an honor to be here today to commemorate the liberation of Belgium 75 years ago and to remember all those who fought and died …
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Ambassador Gidwitz’s remarks 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Mons in the Second World War Sunday, September 1, 2019 Chers Montois et Chères Montoises, c’est un grand honneur d’être parmi vous aujourd’hui. I’d like to thank Mayor Martin, the City of Mons, the War Heritage Institute, our friends from SHAPE, and all the museum staff …
Read More» U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY POMPEO Belgium National Day July 21, 2019 On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send my congratulations and best wishes to the people of Belgium on your national day. This year, as we approach the 75th …
Read More» Ambassador Gidwitz Keynote Remarks AmCham Belgium Gala, June 13, 2019 AmCham President Howard Liebman; Chief Executive Marcel Claes; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. Good evening. Thank you, Howard, for the kind introduction, and for the opportunity to be with all of you tonight. Since my arrival in Brussels nearly one year ago, it’s been …
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Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz Memorial Day Flanders Field American Cemetery May 26, 2019 Thank you for your introduction, Mr. Sheridan. I’m honored to be with all of you today for my first Memorial Day as United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium. I’ve been privileged to serve my country as Ambassador for close to a …
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Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz Memorial Day Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery May 25, 2019 Thank you for the introduction, Mr. Sheridan. I’m honored to be with you today for my first Memorial Day as the United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium. I’ve been privileged to serve my country as Ambassador for close to a year now. …
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Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz Memorial Day Ardennes American Cemetery May 25, 2019 Thank you for your kind introduction, Mr. Sheridan. I’m honored to be with all of you today for my first Memorial Day as United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium. I’ve been privileged to serve my country as Ambassador for close to a …
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Official Trivia Contest Rules – Do you know Disney? Contest Sponsors 1 Do you know Disney? is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Public Affairs Brussels and Disney (the “Contest Sponsors”). Description of the Contest In light of the release of the live-action adaptation of Aladdin, we want to engage our community and …
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The Embassy is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program to support events commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The deadline for applications is April 19, 2019 so please visit the links below to apply. We are looking for programs that would take place during …
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Participation deadline extended to Friday, February 8, 2019! We are looking for aspiring young leaders who want to work with American and other European youth to build a network that will lead to a lifetime of change! Is this you? Then, send us a 2-minute video in English for your chance to take part in …
Read More» Brussels, Belgium December 4, 2018 SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you, Ian, for the kind introduction. Good morning to all of you; thank you for joining me here today. It’s wonderful to be in this beautiful place, to get a chance to make a set of remarks about the very work that you do, the issues that …
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Remarks by Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz American European Community Association Wednesday, November 14, 2018 CEO Christophe de Callatay; Chairman Leonard Schrank; Foreign Minister Reynders; Ambassador Sondland; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; good evening. Let me begin by thanking AECA for the invitation and for your important work in strengthening Trans-Atlantic understanding. While I’m a “new-ish” Ambassador …
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Seminar: Doing Business in the US Meet with experts and improve your network Why: Companies that are interested to explore the American market should attend this seminar. Companies can learn more about export and investment strategies, cultural differences, differences between states, Visa procedures and where to get help. There is a special presentation on Florida …
Read More» Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC October 25, 2018 The United States welcomes the decision by the Government of Belgium to purchase thirty-four new F-35 fighter aircraft. Belgium is now poised to fly the F-35 alongside its closest NATO Allies and longtime partners. The United States is proud of our enduring air partnership …
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The United States welcomes Belgium’s decision to purchase the F-35 fighter aircraft. Belgium will fly the F-35 Lightning II alongside some of its closest NATO allies and longtime partners in air defense. With Belgium’s commitment to the F-35 program, its five-star aerospace industry will continue to expand as it supports this 5th generation aircraft, which was jointly developed with …
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“It is with great pride that I have the honor to join all of you by this roadside in Petite-Chapelle today. We are here to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the men of the 370th U.S. Infantry Regiment who, 100 years ago this year, were fighting alongside the French 10th Army, in part because …
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Ambassador Gidwitz’s Remarks at the 370th Infantry Regiment Commemoration Event Petite-Chapelle, Couvin, Belgium October 4, 2018 Mayor Douniaux, members of the Cabinet of Couvin, ladies, gentlemen, students, honored guests. Since my arrival as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, I have attended a number of commemoration ceremonies to honor Americans who made the ultimate …
Read More» Remarks by Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz to the Luncheon hosted by the Federation of Belgian Entreprises Monday, September 24, 2018, FEB Headquarters President Gilliot and CEO Timmermans; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon. It’s my honor and pleasure to join you today. I’ve been in Brussels for a little over two months now. We’re neighbors …
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Ambassador Ronald J. Gidwitz’s Remarks at the 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the Crash of the “Picklepuss” August 17, 2018 Montzen, Plombières, Belgium Mayor Wimmer, Marcel and Mathilde, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is an honor to be with you here today. On my way to Plombieres, I visited the cemeteries of Ardennes and Henri-Chapelle to pay …
Read More» Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC July 21, 2018 On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer my sincere congratulations to the people of Belgium as they celebrate their national day. Through two world wars, the founding of NATO, and the fight against terrorism, the United …
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Remarks at Oudenaarde WWI ceremony Chargé d’Affaires Matthew R. Lussenhop Sunday, May 27, 2018 As prepared Mayor De Meulemeester People of Oudenaarde, Representatives of the Belgian and American armed forces, Burke and Smithhisler family members, Honored guests Het is een hele eer om vandaag bij jullie te zijn. This weekend, Americans all over the world …
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Memorial Day speech at Flanders Fields Cemetery Chargé d’Affaires Matthew Lussenhop May 27, 2018 As prepared The Representative of His Majesty, the King; Minister of Defense Vandeput; Representative Bogaert Excellencies; Honored Veterans and Service Members; Family Members and Friends; While we gather here in this solemn place in Belgium, all across the United States thousands …
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Memorial Day Speech at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery Chargé d’Affaires Matthew Lussenhop May 26, 2018 Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery The Representative of His Majesty, the King; Representative Jaddin; Excellencies; Honored Veterans and Service Members; Family Members and Friends; While we gather here in this solemn place in Belgium, all across the United States thousands of Americans will …
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Memorial Day Speech at Ardennes American Cemetery Chargé d’Affaires Matthew Lussenhop May 26, 2018 As prepared The Representative of His Majesty, the King; Speaker of the House Bracke; Minister Bacquelaine Excellencies; Honored Veterans and Service Members; Family Members and Friends; While we gather here in this solemn place in Belgium, all across the United States …
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Kemmel Memorial Remarks Chargé Matthew Lussenhop Kemmel Memorial Monument Friday May 25, 2018 As prepared Mayor Lewyllie, Admiral Christenson, Superintendent Arsenault, Beste Kinderen, It is an honor to be here today. This weekend Americans all over the world will remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their nation. It …
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The Ties that Bind by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Matthew Lussenhop, May 25, 2018 This weekend, Americans will remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their nation. In the United States, Memorial Day (May 27) will be honored with parades of veterans, children on bicycles decorated with red, white and …
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Annual U.S. Memorial Day ceremonies in Belgium May 26 -27, 2018 Belgian and American service members fought side by side to liberate Belgium and Europe from occupation during two World Wars. Of the nearly 500,000 Americans who died, more than 14,000 are buried in Belgium. On Memorial Day, Americans pay homage to their fallen soldiers …
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Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires Matthew R. Lussenhop at the international colloquium “Revival after theGreat War: Repair, Rebuild, Remember,” May 9, 2018. KU Leuven Library As prepared Mr. Mayor Mr. Vice Rector Distinguished guests, Thank you It is an honor to say a few words at the closing of this important conference. I want to thank …
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U.S. Business and Investment Seminar Please join us at the U.S. Embassy for this seminar designed exclusively for Belgian entrepreneurs and investors. Learn about the new U.S. tax reforms, how to protect your intellectual property rights, why you should consider the United States for your business and how you can get the support you require. …
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In May 2017, students from Morehouse College, Atlanta GA came to Belgium as part of an exchange program dedicated to Wereth 11 and their legacy. During their time in Belgium, the students visited Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery where each student took on the persona of the one of the Wereth 11 soldiers buried at this cemetery. …
Read More» Press release February 1, 2018 U.S. Embassy to Belgium, Brussels U.S. Government Presents Best and Final Offer for the Belgian Defense Air Combat Capability Program On February 14, the U.S. F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) submitted its Best and Final Offer (BaFO) for the F-35 as the optimal choice in response to the Belgian Defense …
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Press release February 1, 2018 U.S. Embassy to Belgium, Brussels| Honoring 40 years of U.S.-Belgian defense cooperation On January 31, the U.S. Embassy to Belgium organized a reception to bring together longtime allies and key partners in honor of four decades of air defense cooperation. The event highlighted the successes of the past and focused …
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Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires Matthew Lussenhop at U.S.-Belgium Defense Cooperation Reception Wednesday, January 31, 2018, Whitlock Hall Good evening Minister, Ambassadors, Representatives, distinguished guests – welcome to tonight’s reception. I would like to extend a special welcome to our guest speakers; it gives me great pleasure to welcome Norwegian Air Chief General Skinnarland and Dutch …
Read More» Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires Matthew R. Lussenhop AmCham Belgium and American Club of Brussels Holiday Gala December 13, 2017 Introduction President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium, Mr. Howard Liebman; President of the American Club of Brussels, Mr. Peter Forrest, distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. Good evening. It is my distinct honor and …
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Tuesday, November 28, 2017 Catholic University of Louvain-la- Neuve Good afternoon, et merci beaucoup de votre attention aujourd’hui. It is a pleasure to be in Louvain-la- Neuve today. This is my first visit, and I look forward to spending more time here and visiting your new museum. Today I would like to talk about the …
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“Make a short video in English and participate in our contest to take part in a prestigious exchange program in the United States during the summer of 2018.” The U.S. Embassy is organizing its annual Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute for Youth contest and invites Belgian students who will be 16, 17, or 18 …
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Are you a current bachelor’s student in Belgium looking for a way to spend your summer? Apply for the 2018 Study of the U.S. Institute for European Student Leaders on Environmental Issues and you could spend six weeks exploring themes in environmental studies at a U.S. university with student leaders from around the world. Sponsored …
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November 13, 2017, Brussels – Jasna Rokegem, a 24-year- old designer from Antwerp, was selected by the U.S. Department of State to represent Belgium at the 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Hyderabad, India from November 28-30, 2017. The summit is a public-private partnership that supports entrepreneurs, facilitates the exchange of ideas, and champions new …
Read More»![U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson address reporters at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. on November 1, 2017. [State Department Photo/ Public Domain]](https://d2v9ipibika81v.cloudfront.net/uploads/sites/191/ReyndersTillerson750.jpg "ReyndersTillerson750")
SECRETARY TILLERSON: Good morning, all. I want to welcome Deputy Prime Minister Reynders of Belgium to the State Department. It’s a pleasure to have you here. FOREIGN MINISTER REYNDERS: Thank you. SECRETARY TILLERSON: I do want to make a comment on yesterday’s events in New York City. Of course, we extend our condolences to the families and loved …
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Twenty-nine years after Belgian surrealist Agnes Lorca’s unique art work went missing from an art gallery in Philadelphia, seven of those pieces are returning home to the artist’s family in Belgium. At a September 15 reception co-hosted by the Embassy of the United States to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Belgian Federal Police, members …
Read More» Belgium National Day Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC July 20, 2017 On behalf of the United States of America, best wishes to the people of Belgium on the occasion of your national day. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I, when U.S. and …
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Current and past exchange program participants are invited to compete to win up to $25,000 in support of their public service projects. The Office of Alumni Affairs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is pleased to announce the FY2017 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) competition. AEIF offers alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange …
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