Speeches Shim
We are here to witness the signing of the Development Objective Agreement, or the DOAG, between USAID and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
On September 23, U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo announced nearly $119 million in additional U.S. Government (USG) humanitarian funding to support efforts to respond to the Venezuela regional crisis, including inside of Venezuela. The funding—comprising more than $78.8 million from State/PRM, nearly $21.3 million from USAID/FFP, and more than $18.6 million from USAID/OFDA—will enable non-governmental organization (NGO), public international organization (PIO), and UN partners to continue providing critical multi-sector support to vulnerable populations.
On September 25, Secretary Pompeo announced in New York nearly $119 million in additional humanitarian assistance to further demonstrate the United States’ commitment and solidarity with the Venezuelan people and the region in response to the Maduro-made Venezuela crisis. This amount includes nearly $36 million for life-saving aid inside Venezuela.
So I thought I would take a few moments to update you on some of the highlights from USAID meetings this week. As you know, at USAID we believe the purpose of foreign assistance is to end the need for its existence. And we believe that our job is to work with countries on their journey to self-reliance. There is plenty of work to do all around as we support the world’s most vulnerable populations that are affected by humanitarian crises, promote human rights, democracy, citizen-responsive governance, and improve development outcomes in the areas of economic growth, education, and environment, and health worldwide.
We've just had a wonderful conversation; Ambassador Vecchio, myself, and the rest of the delegation. I've been impressed with their leadership since we first met back in January. In the meeting today, I was able to give them the great news that I'm announcing $52 million in new funding from USAID to support the interim government and the people of Venezuela as they seek to restore citizen responsive, democratic governance and repair the provision of health services in their country. USAID, and the Trump Administration more largely, fully support the interim government of Juan Guaidó to democratically elected National Assembly and the Venezuelan people as they work to end the illegitimate Maduro regime. The people of Venezuela have suffered enough in these long years and it is time for the country to enjoy peace and prosperity under a democratically elected government.
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