Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs is headed by Assistant Secretary of State Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., who is responsible for managing and promoting U.S. interests in the region by supporting democracy, trade, and sustainable economic development, and fostering cooperation on issues such as drug trafficking and crime, poverty reduction, and environmental protection.
Mission: We are working with our partners in the Americas to generate broad-based growth through freer trade and sound economic policies; to invest in the well-being of people from all walks of life; and to make democracy serve every citizen more effectively and justly.
Objectives: We are strengthening an Inter-American community formed by:
- Economic partners that are democratic, stable, and prosperous;
- Friendly neighbors that help secure our region against terrorism and illegal drugs;
Nations that work together in the world to advance shared political and economic values.
Sign up for Western Hemisphere email updates | New Era of Engagement Secretary Clinton: "Whether in Latin America or Lebanon, Iran or Liberia, those who are inspired by democracy, who understand that democracy is about more than just elections – that it must also protect minority rights and press freedom, develop strong, competent and independent judiciaries, legislatures and executive agencies, and commit for democracy to deliver results – these are the people who will find that Americans are their friends, not adversaries." -Full Text |
 | North American Trilateral Secretary Clinton: "The partnership between our nations and our entire North American region has such enormous potential to enhance safety and opportunity for our citizens as well as health and prosperity. And we are focused upon our shared assets and values, particularly our dynamic economies and our creative hardworking citizens, to make North America the most prosperous, safest, and competitive region in the world." -Full Text |
 | Travel in the Region Secretary Clinton traveled to El Salvador and Honduras where she moderated a roundtable discussion to discuss women's essential role in recovering from the economic crisis and methods to combat the scourge of poverty and insecurity in the region. |
 | Pathways to Prosperity Secretary Clinton gave remarks at the 39th Washington Conference of the Council of Americas. -Pathways to Prosperity website -Deputy Secretary Steinberg's Remarks -Assistant Secretary Shannon's Remarks |
 | Summit of the Americas Secretary Clinton conducted a digital Town Hall, in the Dominican Republic on the eve of the Summit of the Americas. -Secretary's Trip Page -Photo Galleries: Haiti | Dominican Republic |
U.S.-Colombia Defense Cooperation Agreement
On Aug. 14, the U.S. and Colombian governments reached provisional agreement ad referendum on a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA). The anticipated signing of the DCA will deepen bilateral cooperation on security issues. The DCA will facilitate effective bilateral cooperation on security matters in Colombia, including narcotics production and trafficking, terrorism, illicit smuggling of all types, and humanitarian and natural disasters. -Fact Sheet -Secretary Clinton's Remarks
North American Leaders Summit
Continuing his efforts to strengthen partnerships with North American leaders, President Obama has been in Guadalajara, Mexico at the North American Leaders Summit. Joined by Mexican President Felipe Calderón and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, President Obama described the spirit of the summit, "Indeed, in the 21st century, North America is defined not simply by our borders, but by our bonds." -White House Blog
Positive Vision for Hemisphere
Deputy Spokesman Wood (Aug. 10): "There have been many summits and other vehicles for communication that we have used to communicate what we are trying to do in the hemisphere. We have a very positive plan for the hemisphere. We’re working to try to bring prosperity, to try to fight narcotics trafficking, to try to bring about justice, equal opportunity." Full Text
Travel Alert
The Department of State alerts American citizens to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice. -Full Text
Visit travel.state.gov for country specific travel information and travel announcements. -Hurricane Season Travel Alert
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