# US diplomatic efforts on security and critical minerals > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-diplomatic-efforts-on-security-and-critical-minerals > Updated: 2026-09-21T15:28:15.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has engaged in a series of diplomatic efforts focused on security cooperation and the securing of critical mineral supply chains. Initial efforts included a $10 million anti-gang initiative for Ecuador and discussions with Colombia regarding the ‘Shield of the Americas’ coalition. Simultaneously, the United States established a Critical Minerals Framework with Lithuania to secure materials for national defense and economic growth. During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Rubio expanded these efforts through bilateral and trilateral meetings with leaders from Bolivia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. He also pursued a Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals with Italy. Furthermore, Rubio scheduled meetings with several NATO members with Arctic interests to address security and resource competition in the Arctic region. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-21: Marco Rubio begins UN General Assembly week with NYSE bell ringing Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off the UN General Assembly week by ringing the NYSE opening bell and meeting with global leaders to discuss critical minerals, Arctic security, and international diplomacy 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marco-rubio-begins-un-general-assembly-week-with-nyse-bell-ringing ### 2026-09-17: Secretary of State Marco Rubio advances security and mineral deals Secretary of State Marco Rubio is advancing U.S. interests through a $10 million anti-gang deal for Ecuador, mineral discussions with Colombia, and a new critical minerals supply chain agreement with Lithuania. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-advances-security-and-mineral-deals --- Cite as: US diplomatic efforts on security and critical minerals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-diplomatic-efforts-on-security-and-critical-minerals