On the President’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget
03/28/2022
On the President’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget
03/28/2022 01:57 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
President Biden believes deeply in the ability of U.S. global leadership to solve challenges, and the Administration recognizes that diplomacy and development are vital tools for advancing U.S. interests and values. That is why the Fiscal Year 2023 President’s Budget requests $60.4 billion for the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), $1.9 billion, or 3 percent, above the Fiscal Year 2022 Request, and $7.4 billion, or 14 percent, above FY 2021 enacted levels. With these resources, we can advance our foreign policy agenda and deliver for the American people.
The Budget will fund a range of Department of State and USAID priorities, including:
Support for Ukraine and Our Allies and Partners in the Region: The Request includes $1.6 billion to support Ukraine against Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified invasion and assist other countries across Europe and Central Asia threatened by regional insecurity. The Request provides significant assistance to our allies and partners while building their capacity to counter actions from malign actors.
Affirming U.S. Alliances and Renewing U.S. International Leadership: The Request maintains longstanding commitments to key partners; advances peace, prosperity, and security across the Indo-Pacific and Europe; expands diplomatic and development initiatives in Africa and Asia; and positions us to effectively compete with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia. This Request includes $4 billion to support U.S. commitments to international organizations and affirms U.S. leadership at a moment when our competitors are seeking to expand their influence.
Addressing the Climate Crisis: The Request has $2.3 billion to support U.S. leadership in addressing the existential climate crisis through diplomacy; scaled-up international climate programs that accelerate the global energy transition to net zero by 2050; support to developing countries to enhance climate resilience; and the prioritization of climate adaptation and sustainability principles in Department and USAID domestic and overseas facilities.
Strengthening Global Health Systems: The United States is the international leader in advancing global health outcomes that benefit the American people and millions of others around the world. The Budget requests $10.6 billion in Department and USAID funding to continue to collaborate with international partners to invest in cross-cutting health systems to prevent child and maternal deaths, combat infectious diseases, and control HIV/AIDS.
Revitalizing Alliances and Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific: To strengthen and modernize America’s alliances and partnerships in a vital global region and affirm U.S. leadership in strategic competition, the Request includes $1.8 billion to implement the Indo-Pacific Strategy to support a free, open, connected, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific Region, and an additional $400 million for the Countering PRC Malign Influence Fund (CPMIF).
Defending Democracy Globally: In response to increasing authoritarianism around the world, the Request has more than $3.2 billion to advance democratization, protect universal human rights, bolster anti-corruption work, and increase programming that builds inclusive, legitimate, and effective governance – consistent with the commitments made during the President’s Summit for Democracy.
Promoting Gender Equity and Equality Worldwide: The Request includes $2.6 billion to advance gender equity and equality across a broad range of sectors, more than doubling such funding over the FY 2022 Budget. This entails $200 million for the Gender Equity and Equality Action (GEEA) Fund to advance the economic security of women and girls.
Revitalizing and Expanding the Diplomatic and Development Workforce: This Request would equip the Department and USAID to continue to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse, dynamic, and highly capable workforce to tackle 21st century challenges. It advances diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; supports professional development opportunities; and builds capacity in critical new areas such as cyberspace and emerging technology.
The Budget Request makes these smart investments while also reducing deficits and improving our country’s long-term fiscal outlook.
The State Department and USAID are also releasing today the new 2022-2026 Joint Strategic Plan (JSP), a four-year joint plan that serves as the primary State and USAID strategy for advancing our foreign policy and development priorities in both organizations. The JSP is organized around five goals, as reflected in the Request as well: renewing U.S. leadership and mobilizing coalitions to address the global challenges that have the greatest impact on Americans’ security and well-being; promoting global prosperity and shaping an international environment in which the United States can thrive; strengthening democratic institutions, upholding universal values, and promoting human dignity; revitalizing the diplomatic and development workforce and institutions, and serving U.S. citizens around the world and facilitating secure international travel.
Concurrent with the publication of the Joint Strategic Plan and in support of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, the Department will release the 2022 Capacity Assessment for Research, Evaluation, Statistics and Other Analysis, and the Annual Evaluation Plan. The Department’s first enterprise–wide Learning Agenda will be released in April. Together these three documents will promote building evidence and learning in pursuit of the objectives detailed in the Joint Strategic Plan.
U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development FY 2023 Budget Request
03/28/2022
U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development FY 2023 Budget Request
03/28/2022 02:37 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The President’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request includes $60.4 billion for the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), $1.9 billion or 3 percent above the Fiscal Year 2022 Request, and $7.4 billion or 14 percent above FY 2021 enacted levels. Reflecting the priority that the Biden-Harris Administration places on global leadership, as well as the President’s belief that diplomacy and development are vital tools for advancing U.S. interests at home and abroad, the resources included in this Budget Request will advance the foreign policy agenda of the United States and deliver results for the American people.
At the Department of State and USAID, the Budget would:
Support Ukraine and Our Allies and Partners in the Region: The Request includes $1.6 billion to support Ukraine against Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified invasion and assist other countries across Europe and Central Asia threatened by regional insecurity. The Request provides significant assistance to our allies and partners while building their capacity to counter actions from malign actors.
Affirm U.S. Alliances and Renew U.S. International Leadership: The Request maintains longstanding commitments to key partners; advances peace, prosperity, and security across the Indo-Pacific and Europe; expands diplomatic and development initiatives in Africa and Asia; and positions us to effectively compete with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia. The Request includes $4 billion to support U.S. commitments to international organizations and affirms U.S. leadership at a moment when our competitors are seeking to expand their influence.
Address the Climate Crisis: The Request has $2.3 billion to support U.S. leadership in addressing the existential climate crisis through diplomacy; scaled-up international climate programs that accelerate the global energy transition to net zero by 2050; support to developing countries to enhance climate resilience; and the prioritization of climate adaptation and sustainability principles in Department and USAID domestic and overseas facilities. This total includes over $1.6 billion for direct programming for climate mitigation and adaptation and over $650 million for the mainstreaming of climate considerations across development programs. Our goal is to deliver climate co-benefits and outcomes in sectors such as agriculture and food security, water and sanitation, and global health.
Advance American Leadership in Global Health, Including Global Health Security and Infectious Disease Response and Preparedness: The Budget Request includes $10.6 billion to bolster U.S. leadership in the face of an enduring COVID-19 pandemic and other global health challenges, $525 million above the FY 2022 Request. U.S. leadership is critical to the Global Fund’s seventh replenishment, and we are supporting a $2 billion contribution this year with an intended pledge of $6 billion over three years, to save lives and continue the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and to support the Global Fund’s expanded response to COVID-19 and global health strengthening. This total also includes $1 billion to prevent, prepare for, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, including the continued expansion of Global Health Security Agenda capacity-building programs and contributions for a multilateral financial intermediary fund for health security and pandemic preparedness.
The Budget also invests in the global health workforce and systems to enhance countries’ abilities to provide core health services, improve health systems resiliency, and respond to crises. In addition to Request for $60.4 billion in annual discretionary appropriations, the Budget includes $6.5 billion in mandatory funding for State and USAID over five years to make transformative investments in pandemic and other biological threat preparedness globally in support of U.S. biodefense and pandemic preparedness strategies and plans. The pandemic preparedness funding will strengthen the global health workforce, support pandemic preparedness research and development, advance global research and development capacity, and support health security financing to strengthen global capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to future COVID variants and other infectious disease outbreaks.
Address Food Insecurity and Foster Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture-led Economic Growth: The conflict in Ukraine is exacerbating food insecurity around the world. In support of the President’s pledge to alleviate global food insecurity, we are providing over $1 billion in bilateral agriculture and food security programming. These investments are key to increasing access for communities, including those across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, to nutritious food, strengthening their resilience to shocks and stresses, and lifting them from entrenched poverty.
Champion an Open and Secure Digital and Technological Ecosystem: The Budget invests more than $350 million to expand reliable and affordable internet access through the development and deployment of secure digital and technological infrastructure. The Budget will improve international cybersecurity practices and promote the adoption of policies that support an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable internet. These resources will further develop programming across sectors, in support of the State Department’s new Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, and USAID’s digital development strategy. State and USAID will also seek to close the digital gender gap in low- and middle-income countries by increasing women and girls’ access to information communication technologies and address online harassment and abuse globally.
Reinvigorate U.S. Leadership in International Institutions: The Budget requests $4 billion, including an increase of nearly $400 million, to reduce peacekeeping arrears, continue the Administration’s efforts to lead through international organizations by meeting commitments to international organizations and pay contributions United Nations peacekeeping missions on time and in full. Strengthening international partnerships is critical to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, including global education, ending hunger and malnutrition, building more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems, and addressing other global challenges.
Defend Democracy Globally: In response to increasing authoritarianism around the world, the Request has more than $3.2 billion to advance democratization, protect universal human rights, bolster anti-corruption work, and increase programming that builds inclusive, legitimate, and effective governance – consistent with the commitments made during the President’s Summit for Democracy.
Revitalize Alliances and Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific: To strengthen and modernize America’s alliances and partnerships in a vital global region and affirm U.S. leadership in strategic competition, the Request includes $1.8 billion to implement the Indo-Pacific Strategy to support a free, open, connected, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific Region, and an additional $400 million for the Countering PRC Malign Influence Fund (CPMIF).
Continue Collaborative U.S. Leadership in Central America and Haiti: As part of a comprehensive strategy to advance systemic reform while addressing the root causes of irregular migration from Central America to the United States, the Budget invests $986.8 million in the region towards the President’s commitment to provide $4 billion in assistance for Central America over four years. Also, in response to deteriorating conditions and widespread violence in Haiti, the Budget invests $274.8 million to support Haiti’s recovery from political and economic shocks, such as increasing the capacity of the Haitian National Police, combating corruption, strengthening the capacity of civil society, and supporting services for marginalized populations. These investments will ensure that the U.S. is able to revitalize partnerships that build economic resilience, democratic stability, and citizen security in the region.
Support America’s Allies in the Middle East: The Budget fully supports the U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding for $3.3 billion in military assistance, provides up to $1.45 billion in economic and security assistance for Jordan, and includes $1.4 billion to support the U.S. diplomatic and security partnership with Egypt. As part of the Administration’s commitment to advancing security, prosperity, and freedom for both Israelis and Palestinians, the Budget includes $219 million for critical assistance to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza.
Strengthen African Engagement: The Budget provides $7.8 billion for sub-Saharan Africa, including more than $250 million in support of the second U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit to strengthen ties with African partners based on principles of mutual respect and shared interests and values. These investments will strengthen collaboration, trade and investment, electrification, ecosystems for mutual growth and prosperity, and promote digital transformation in Africa.
Strengthen U.S. Leadership on Refugee and Humanitarian Issues: The Budget provides $10.45 billion in State and USAID resources to respond to the unprecedented humanitarian need arising from conflict and natural disasters around the world to serve over 70 countries and approximately 240 million people. The Budget continues to rebuild and strengthen the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Advance Equity and Equality Globally: The Budget provides $2.6 billion to advance gender equity and equality and to support underserved communities across a broad range of sectors. This includes $200 million for the Gender Equity and Equality Action (GEEA) Fund to advance the economic security of women and girls. This total also includes funding to strengthen the participation of women in conflict prevention, resolution, and recovery through the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security Act. To further implement the President’s Executive Order advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities, the Budget will better integrate equity through more inclusive policies, strategies, and practice including enhancing the ability of potential non-traditional partners to pursue federal opportunities and address the barriers they face in the federal award process, and new efforts to identify spaces to support and advance underserved population appropriate to the country context.
Invest in and Expand the Diplomatic and Development Workforce: The Budget will revitalize and expand the diplomatic and development workforce by providing $7.6 billion to recruit, retain, and develop the diverse, highly capable workforce needed to support efforts around the world and manage complex national security issues. It advances diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across both agencies through increasing investment in diversifying the foreign affairs workforce to reflect and draw on the richness and diversity of the United States, including through targeted fellowship programs. It also strengthens the Department’s cybersecurity posture and secure communications capability.
Sustain Diplomatic and Embassy Security: The Budget will sustain Diplomatic and Embassy Security funding at $5.8 billion to keep our people, buildings, and information around the globe safe and secure. This includes funding for Anomalous Health Incident (AHI) monitoring and research, countering the emerging threat of drones to diplomatic facilities, and strengthening our cybersecurity against malign actors.
For more information, please visit www.state.gov/cj
U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Lenderking’s Travel to the Gulf
03/29/2022
U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Lenderking’s Travel to the Gulf
03/29/2022 07:48 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking will travel to the Gulf starting March 28 to continue leading U.S. diplomatic efforts to advance a durable, inclusive resolution to the conflict in Yemen and bring immediate relief to the people of Yemen. Yemenis deserve a more peaceful, prosperous country where they can live in safety and dignity.
Special Envoy Lenderking will prioritize his engagements in the region on mobilizing additional life-saving humanitarian assistance for Yemen. The people of the United States provided Yemenis an additional nearly $585 million this month, but Yemen’s humanitarian response remains just 30 percent funded. Funding gaps are forcing humanitarians to cut assistance for millions of Yemenis.
As the world rallies to respond to the humanitarian catastrophe caused by the Kremlin’s unprovoked and devastating war in Ukraine, the world must not forget the millions of Yemenis suffering from the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Like many countries around the world, Yemen is also directly impacted by disruptions to the supply of wheat from Ukraine, which has accounted for more than 30 percent of Yemen’s wheat imports, as a result of Putin’s invasion. The international community cannot let the Yemeni people down when they need us the most. We urge donors, especially those in the region, to contribute generously to help address urgent humanitarian needs in the region, including the suffering of Yemenis.
In Riyadh, Special Envoy Lenderking will also participate in the opening of the Gulf Cooperation Council-led Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue and engage with Yemeni participants. The United States welcomes opportunities for Yemenis to come together, to represent their diverse experiences and perspectives, and to identify solutions and reforms that can improve the lives of citizens.
For any questions, please contact Vanessa Vidal at NEA-Press@state.gov and follow us on Twitter @StateDept_NEA .
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Rwandan Foreign Minister Biruta
03/29/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Rwandan Foreign Minister Biruta
03/29/2022 08:07 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Vincent Biruta yesterday in Washington, D.C. They noted the strength of the bilateral partnership, which encompasses cooperation on public health, education, international governance, environment and climate, economic growth, and more. They also discussed regional security issues of mutual interest. The Deputy Secretary also raised human rights concerns. Deputy Secretary Sherman noted Rwanda’s support for the UNGA resolution condemning the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine and the Ukraine-supported humanitarian resolution. She also expressed strong concern over the conviction of U.S. lawful permanent resident Paul Rusesabagina.
Remarks by Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in Response to Russia at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Humanitarian Impact of Russia’s War Against Ukraine
03/29/2022
Remarks by Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in Response to Russia at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Humanitarian Impact of Russia’s War Against Ukraine
03/29/2022 06:49 PM EDT
Wendy R. Sherman, Deputy Secretary of State
Thank you very much and thank you for giving me this opportunity today. Much appreciated, Madam President. I feel that I must make four critical points.
First, I want to be clear that the conflict that is being suffered by the Ukrainian people is not about the Russian Federation versus the West. One hundred and forty countries, just last week, spoke in support of ending this conflict and the need to end this humanitarian crisis. A hundred and forty-one countries supported the initial resolution in the UN General Assembly, to say that this invasion by Russia should stop.
So, with all due respect, Mr. Ambassador, this is not about Russia versus the West. This is about the support of the UN Charter and the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of all countries – all countries – to choose their political orientation and their foreign policy.
Second, I myself was engaged directly with Russian counterparts to find a peaceful way forward to meet the concerns of the Russian Federation. I sat opposite Russian counterparts and put on the table many options to address the concerns. We provided, as does NATO, a paper of very specific ways in which we could address, reciprocally and mutually, security concerns. President Putin chose an invasion, not diplomacy.
Third, with all due respect, Mr. Ambassador, as a Jewish American, I cannot help but say this is not about Nazis in Ukraine. Last week, former U.S. Secretary of State, and former Permanent Representative to this Council, and one of my most cherished personal friends, Madeleine Albright died. She loved representing the United States here. She would have been outraged by the words of the Russian Federation today.
Later in her life, she learned that her parents raised her as Catholic to protect her from the Nazis because her family was Jewish. She learned that three of her grandparents died at the hands of the Nazis, while in concentration camps. She knew that the Jewish President of Ukraine was certainly not a Nazi. And that the citizens of Ukraine being slaughtered and starving, and without food and medicine, and the subject of this humanitarian dialogue today, are not and never were Nazis.
And finally, this dialogue today is about the humanitarian needs of Ukrainian civilians and humanitarian needs of people around the world, who as David Beasley said so eloquently, “feeding hungry children, to feeding starving children.” It’s about, as he said, “going from a breadbasket to a breadline.”
We must all do whatever we can, of course, to stop war. But there is an easy choice here. And it is a choice that can be made today in Istanbul, by President Putin, and that is to stop the war. So let us all, over 140 countries around the world, continue to stand with Ukraine.
Thank you.
Joint Statement from the U.S.-Czech Republic Strategic Dialogue
03/30/2022
Joint Statement from the U.S.-Czech Republic Strategic Dialogue
03/30/2022 10:20 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of the United States of America and of the Czech Republic.
Begin Text:
The Governments of the Czech Republic and the United States renewed the U.S.-Czech Republic Strategic Dialogue in Prague on March 30, 2022, with delegations led by Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Martin Povejsil and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried. In conjunction with the Strategic Dialogue, Assistant Secretary Donfried also met with Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky.
The United States and the Czech Republic have a historic friendship based on common democratic values and an appreciation of our shared responsibility to uphold the rules-based international order in cooperation with our Allies and partners. This Strategic Dialogue comes at a critical time. It demonstrates the strength and importance of the bilateral relationship as the United States and the Czech Republic focus on the security challenges on the Eastern Flank of NATO due to the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We underline our commitment to protect and defend every inch of NATO territory. The Czech Republic has renewed its commitment to increase its defense spending to two percent of GDP. A faster pace of modernization of the Czech armed forces is a priority, gaining new capabilities in cooperation with the United States and other Allies.
We stand strong and united in support of the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian government against Russia’s unprovoked war, which is causing immense human suffering and destruction of civilian infrastructure. We call on Russia to cease its military offensive and completely withdraw its armed forces from the territories of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia and to respect their sovereignty and internationally recognized borders. Beijing’s position on Russia’s war also remains under our close scrutiny. The United States and the Czech Republic agree that the international community must deepen Russia’s political and economic isolation and apply tougher sanctions against enablers of Russia’s aggression. The discussion of Ukraine’s post-war recovery must begin now. We must endeavor to provide Ukraine the political and practical assistance to support and realize its sovereign choice of full integration with Europe and the world’s democracies.
The United States and the Czech Republic emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Czech partnership in addressing common threats and challenges, including in the area of cyber security and resilience to hybrid threats. The Strategic Dialogue focused on reaffirming the strong, steady, and deepening bilateral cooperation between the United States and the Czech Republic and our joint commitment to enhance cooperation on a broad range of topics, including closer cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. We also affirm our commitment to deepen support and cooperation with democratic partners in the region and around the world, such as Taiwan.
We agree current geopolitical developments make enhancing energy security more urgent than ever. The United States and the Czech Republic are taking steps to reduce reliance on Russian oil, natural gas, and nuclear fuel by diversifying sources of energy, expanding our already strong cooperation on nuclear power, and reducing consumption in line with our shared climate goals.
The United States and the Czech Republic consulted on the importance of strengthening Transatlantic relations, including cooperation between the United States and the EU, during the Czech Republic’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2022. Both sides expressed a strong interest in deepening the bilateral strategic partnership in the year ahead and through future strategic dialogues. The parties plan to hold the next annual meeting in Washington in 2023.
End Text.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with North Macedonia Prime Minister Kovachevski
03/30/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with North Macedonia Prime Minister Kovachevski
03/30/2022 01:55 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with North Macedonia Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski. Secretary Blinken congratulated Prime Minister Kovachevski on his new position and on the formation of the new cabinet. The Secretary thanked North Macedonia for its unwavering and steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of President Putin’s continued brutal war of aggression. The Secretary also underscored strong U.S. support for North Macedonia’s expeditious European Union accession. The Secretary personally thanked the Prime Minister for North Macedonia’s commitment to the NATO Alliance as its newest member, as well as for hosting Afghan evacuees. The Secretary expressed that the United States looks forward to further close cooperation on a range of regional, security, and defense issues to promote democracy and stability in the region.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Press Availability
03/30/2022
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Press Availability
03/30/2022 02:51 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Algiers, Algeria
U.S. Embassy Algiers
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon, everyone. I’d like to begin by announcing another five stops on this trip. (Laughter.)
QUESTION: Not funny.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yeah. (Laughter.) In all seriousness, I am very glad to be back in Algeria. I visited in 2016 when I was the deputy secretary, but this is the first trip that I’m making here as Secretary. If you’ve noticed over the last weeks, every country in the Maghreb has hosted at least one high-ranking American official, and I think that is a signal, among others, of the importance that we place on these relationships and on the region.
Let me just take a moment as I start to recognize our relatively new ambassador here, Elizabeth Aubin, who arrived last month. Ambassador Aubin is very uniquely suited for this role. She previously served as the deputy chief of mission here, and three decades of experience in the Foreign Service. She is truly the best of our department. We’re grateful to have you here.
So over the course of this trip, we have visited Israel, the West Bank, Morocco, now Algeria. And at every stop, we dealt with critical security issues, urgent regional and global challenges, and a shared desire to create more opportunities for our people.
Here in Algeria, the ties between our countries go back a long time – 1795, at a time when most of the world still didn’t recognize our then-young country. And Hassan Bashaw Dey, who ruled what was then called the Deylik of Algiers, signed a treaty of peace with our first president, George Washington. Since then, Algerians and Americans have developed our economic, educational, cultural connections, and our countries work closely together on issues that matter to the security and well-being of our people, and many others.
As I said today to President Tebboune and Foreign Minister Lamamra, Algeria’s efforts are critical to improving regional security and stability. That includes its counterterrorism expertise, the humanitarian and security assistance that it provides to neighbors in the Sahel, its demonstrated leadership in finding regional and African-led solutions to challenges.
On Libya, Algeria has been a critical voice in international efforts to advance the UN political process and promote Libyan elections as quickly as possible. And as the broker of the Algiers Accords, Algeria continues to play an important role in Mali, where we both support a return to democratic rule.
Algeria has also emerged in the region as a leader in preserving cultural heritage sites, which terrorists and organized crime groups have increasingly looted to finance their illicit activities. Last year we joined Algeria in bringing together government officials, archaeologists, cultural site managers from Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt, to discuss how to keep these sites secure and successfully prosecute looters of cultural property.
On the matter of Western Sahara, the United States supports the work of the UN personal envoy of the secretary general, Staffan de Mistura, in leading the political process under the auspices of the United Nations to promote a peaceful and prosperous future for the people living there.
I also reaffirmed to the president and the foreign minister the importance of concrete progress on human rights, including freedom of religion for all faiths, freedom of expression, especially political speech.
And we talked about ways to build on our robust trade and investment ties. American companies here are helping to diversify Algeria’s economy – training local employees, sharing knowledge, building long-term partnerships that are of benefit to both of our countries. I spoke to a number of those businesses today – I think some of you were there – in advance of the Algiers International Trade Fair that’ll take place this summer, the largest in Africa, where the United States is proud to be the country of honor.
Algeria and the United States have worked together to beat back the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve donated more than 600,000 vaccine doses to Algeria as well as a 35-bed state-of-the-art field hospital, and a second donated field hospital will be up and running in the coming months.
Likewise, Algeria has been there for its neighbors. When COVID disrupted tourism and other vital trades in Tunisia, Algeria provided critical financial support and donated more than 250,000 vaccine doses.
Now, as you all know, I came on here to this region after a trip to Brussels with – and Poland with President Biden, where we saw the extraordinary unity and determination among allies and partners to stand with the Ukrainian people and bring an end to Russia’s unjust and brutal war in Ukraine. The countries of North Africa and the Middle East have experienced themselves the consequences of Russian military campaigns before – for example, in Syria and Libya, where Russian military and paramilitary forces exploited conflicts for Moscow’s gain, with deadly consequences for citizens and communities.
Now, many in this region are feeling the pain of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in another way, with rising food prices, especially wheat. Farmers in Ukraine, instead of tending to their crops, have been forced to either fight for their country’s future and independence, or to flee. Ships with grain are not getting out from Black Sea ports because they’re blocked by Russia’s aggression. Countries around the world, including North Africa and the Middle East, import significant amounts of wheat from Ukraine, and of course, when food prices rise, so do the numbers of people suffering from hunger. This is just one more reason why the international community must increase the pressure on Russia to end this unprovoked and unjustified war.
So let me conclude simply by saying thank you to our colleagues in Algeria for hosting us today, and Ramadan Kareem to all of those who will soon celebrate the Ramadan.
With that, I will happily take some questions.
MR PRICE: We’ll start with Matt Lee of the AP, please.
QUESTION: Hi, (inaudible). Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Matt.
QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, how are you? Hi. Thank you. Are you at all concerned with Algeria’s relationship – Algeria in particular and its relationship with Russia? And should – do you think that it should be doing more to re-evaluate its ties with the Russians?
And also, given where you’ve been so far on this portion of the trip, the Middle East and North Africa, and what you attended, what you participated in on Monday, are you concerned at all, especially given the president’s comments to you a little bit earlier, that Algeria is in danger of missing out on the kind of benefits, the kind of changes that you’ve talked – you and others have talked about in terms of the region?
And then if I could just ask one last thing on Ukraine and Russia, and that is there are officials in Washington who are saying that the U.S. believes that President Putin has been misled by his top military advisors. Is this something that is shared administration-wide, or at least by you? Do you believe that to be the case? Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, Matt. So on the first part of the question, look, I think it’s a reality that different countries have different historical relationships with Russia. But there are times when one issue emerges that is so clearly black and white, and in this case of Ukraine a clear aggressor and a clear victim, that it’s important to stand with the victim and to stand for the principles that have also been violated, principles that should matter to countries around the world, principles about sovereignty, about independence. And I know that that’s something that Algerians feel strongly about, given their own history.
And I think countries in the region as well have seen the damaging effects of Russia’s military campaigns before. I alluded to that a moment ago. In Syria and Libya, as I mentioned, the Russian military and paramilitary forces have exploited conflicts for Moscow’s gain. And that in turn has actually posed great threats to security in the region and stability and commerce. And as I mentioned as well, these actions have had deadly consequences for citizens in the region. They’ve disrupted the peace and prosperity of communities. They’ve intruded into the lives of families and individuals who are simply trying to live peacefully in their own countries.
And then again, I think the impact that’s being felt, even if what seems very distant as a conflict to people in this region because it is half a world away or almost half a world away in Europe, it’s having a direct impact on their lives right now, particularly with regard to rising food prices, something that everyone is feeling, especially wheat. So my sense from having talked to a lot of colleagues over the last days is that a lot of this pain is keenly felt in this region. Most of the countries import half their wheat or more. And so we see them taking stock of that, and that’s factoring into their thinking.
But mostly, I think you’re seeing that countries understand that what’s happening in Ukraine matters, of course, first and foremost to the people in Ukraine. But it also matters to them because, as I said, principles that matter to them – the UN charter, sovereignty, independence – are also the victims of aggression.
With regard to the Negev and the countries participating in the normalization process with Israel, look, these are decisions for countries to make. They have to decide what’s in the best interests of their own people. I think what we’re trying to show through the countries that are participating in the Negev process, since we’re now giving it that name, is that this is going to have real, practical benefits for the people in the countries participating in that effort who have normalized their relations with Israel.
And we’re seeing that take life in terms of connections that have grown very rapidly between people, between businesses, between students, tourists; all of that, even with COVID, has gone up dramatically. At the same time, what we’re doing as governments is looking at how we can work together to make the kinds of investments in infrastructure, in global health, in science, in dealing with climate, that are going to have real benefits for people. My bet is that as other countries that are not part of that process see this take shape, they will conclude that this is something they want to be a part of. And that’ll happen at different paces for different countries. But, of course, it’s on us to demonstrate that it really works and that it produces results. I believe that it will.
And finally, with regard to President Putin, look, what I can tell you is this, and I said this before: One of the Achilles heels of autocracies is that you don’t have people in those systems who speak truth to power or who have the ability to speak truth to power. And I think that is something that we’re seeing in Russia.
MR PRICE: We’ll turn to Abderrahim Kachour.
QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. Secretary of State. United States is adopting an advance position against Russian military aggression in Ukraine based on the principle of violence against international law. But the same thing is happening in Palestine, in (inaudible), as well in Western Sahara. But United States didn’t show the same fairness, the same resolve, as that one in Ukraine. And in the same context, is Biden administration still adopting the proclamation of the ex-President Donald Trump recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you very much. When President Biden took office, we and he made two principal commitments in terms of our foreign policy and how we would engage the world. We made a commitment to re-engage with partners – and international institutions and organizations – and we made a commitment to lead with diplomacy, and that’s what we’ve done. Part of that means that when the basic rules of diplomacy and the international system that are necessary to try to keep peace and security are being violated, we will stand up with other countries to defend them. And that’s what we’re doing. That’s what we’re doing in the case of this aggression. But the centrality of diplomacy to this effort is critical.
And so when it comes to Israel and the Palestinians, we have remained very engaged with our diplomacy to try and advance prospects for getting back to a two-state solution, to negotiating that, and in the meantime doing everything that we can to help the Palestinian people improve their lives. We’ve committed half a billion dollars in assistance to the Palestinians over the last year. We’ve re-engaged with UNRWA. And, of course, I was just up in Ramallah. And by the way, we were talking about the Negev Summit and the countries participating in that – one of the things that we spent some time talking about is how we could use that grouping of countries to focus on helping Palestinians improve their lives. And we also made clear – and I certainly made clear – that as committed as we are to supporting normalization and to having more countries join in, that is not a substitute for dealing with the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, and not a substitute for two states.
Similarly, with regard to Western Sahara, we’re very focused on diplomacy and on advancing a resolution through diplomacy, including through the efforts of Staffan de Mistura, the envoy from the United Nations.
So I think these things are very consistent. In each case, we are working through diplomacy, working with other countries to uphold the basic principles of the international system. And again, on Morocco, on Western Sahara, we are continuing to support the efforts of the UN. There’s been no change in our position otherwise.
MR PRICE: Peter Martin of Bloomberg.
QUESTION: Hi, thank you. Yesterday you met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed. Did you ask him to increase oil production to help bring down gas prices? And did you offer any specific assurances about the UAE’s security?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks. Well, first, let me just say we had what I thought was an excellent and lengthy discussion. And we always benefit, and I certainly always benefit, from getting the crown prince’s perspective. And we had what I thought was a very meaningful, heartfelt exchange that covered really the breadth of our partnership and did it in a strategic way as well as a specific way.
One of the things I made very clear to him is the value that we attach to that partnership, and that we are a true partner for the UAE. The UAE has been with us around the world, including in Afghanistan, fighting side by side. In fact, the crown prince had some of his sons in attendance who had fought with us, and one indeed who was injured. That’s a very powerful thing. And we’ll continue to stand by them.
One of the things I told them was that the United States remains committed to helping the UAE defend itself against threats from Yemen, from the Houthis, even as we work to try to bring that conflict to a close. In fact, we have our Special Envoy Tim Lenderking in the region as we speak, and we very much welcome the UAE support for a truce that could lead to a ceasefire. I also took the opportunity to commend the crown prince for his vision, his courage, his leadership in normalizing ties with Israel, and we talked about the opportunities that can bring for all of our people.
We had a very constructive discussion as well about the war in Ukraine and the Russian aggression there. We talked about Syria, the status of our talks with Iran on the possible return of the JCPOA, and a number of other things. It was really a lengthy and detailed conversation as well as one that looked at the relationship from a strategic perspective. So we will continue to be in very close touch with our Emirati partners on all of these issues and more. Our teams are following up on many of the things that we discussed yesterday.
As to energy, we believe it’s critical that there be abundant supplies of energy on markets now and that there also be a steady supply. But as it happens, we didn’t focus on that issue specifically.
MR PRICE: We’ll take a final question from Amel Blidi, El Watan.
QUESTION: Thank you. We’d like to know: How do you perceive Algeria, and what’s your assessment towards the situation in North Africa, especially with deep crisis between Algeria and Morocco and the complex question in Libya? So do you feel (inaudible) —
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. As I said at the outset, we have a relationship that runs back a long way in our history and one that’s meaningful precisely because Algeria was among the first countries to recognize the United States. This goes back to our founding president, George Washington. And in ways over the years, we have tried to build on that founding moment with security ties, economic ties, cultural ties connecting our people. We are very grateful for Algeria’s important and ongoing diplomatic efforts to try to advance peace and security in the region. It’s playing an important role and one that we count on. We – as I mentioned, we talked a lot today about Libya and we are working very much in common to try to advance a truly democratic transition there through elections and a new government.
My sense is that building on this foundation of existing work together on security, deepening cooperation economically with trade and investment – I mentioned some of the numbers earlier today having increased significantly even during COVID. And I think particularly with President Tebboune’s economic plan, one that offers the prospect I think of creating an even more favorable investment climate here for American companies through clear rules and regulations and predictability, I think you’re going to see that grow. And as I mentioned, we have the international fair of which we’re the guest of honor this summer. That’s a good opportunity to continue to bring American companies and Algerian businesses and people together.
We’ve been working very closely on counterterrorism and regional security, and we’re learning from each other in that process and strengthening our respective defense capabilities. We were very proud – coming back to the connections between us in different ways, we just signed recently a three-year agreement with Columbia University, a university I happened to attend, and the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research that will help revamp Algeria’s curriculum for teaching English language in universities. And we, as I said, have been increasing these business and commercial ties in ways that will have very practical benefits to the lives of Algerians and Americans alike creating opportunity, creating jobs, advancing progress in everything from agriculture to IT to energy.
So what I’m seeing is a good foundation that we’re now building upon and that we’re very much looking forward to doing. At the same time, to further address the second part of your question, we share real concerns about security in the region, particularly in the Sahel. And we exchanged I think important, useful ideas about what we can do more effectively to deal with the challenges posed to security in the Sahel, but also to try to bring people there more opportunity, more hope, which is ultimately the best answer to dealing with security challenges.
So across the board, this was a very good day. It’s building on a number of days that other senior officials have had here. And of course, it’s building on the work that’s being done every day by our embassy and by private American citizens, businesses, students, et cetera. All of that I think will increase in the months and years ahead. Thank you.
MR PRICE: Thank you, Mr. Secretary.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: All right. Thank you all. See you at the next stop.
Secretary of State Blinken’s Call with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar
03/30/2022
Secretary of State Blinken’s Call with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar
03/30/2022 03:06 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar today to review regional priorities, including the worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine and our shared efforts to promote a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, in which the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states is respected.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with French, German, Italian, and UK Counterparts
03/30/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with French, German, Italian, and UK Counterparts
03/30/2022 07:47 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with French MFA Secretary General Francois Delattre, German MFA Political Director Tjorven Bellmann, Italian MFA Secretary General Ettore Sequi, and UK Minister of State for Europe and North America James Cleverly. The Deputy Secretary reiterated the United States’ support for Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire and underscored that we will continue to closely monitor Russian forces’ actions on the ground in Ukraine. The group discussed future measures to hold the Russian Federation and Belarus accountable for this war of choice, and the need for all countries – including the People’s Republic of China – to refrain from providing material support to Russia. They also discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ukraine and the impacts of Putin’s war on global food security. The participants agreed to continue coordinated efforts to isolate the Russian Federation on the international stage, given its flagrant violation of international law and principles.
U.S.-EU Joint Press Release by the EEAS and Department of State on the First U.S.-EU High-Level Dialogue on Russia
03/30/2022
U.S.-EU Joint Press Release by the EEAS and Department of State on the First U.S.-EU High-Level Dialogue on Russia
03/30/2022 07:41 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is the text of a joint press release by the U.S. Department of State and the European External Action Service.
Begin text:
The European Union and the United States held today in Washington, D.C., the first U.S.-EU High-Level Dialogue on Russia. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland represented the United States and European External Action Service Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs Enrique Mora represented the European Union. This high-level meeting follows the commitments taken at the June 2021 U.S.-EU Summit, where both sides resolved to coordinate U.S. and EU policies and actions related to Russia. This inaugural session focused on U.S. and EU strategic objectives and policy coordination aimed at ending Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Under Secretary Nuland and Deputy Secretary General Mora welcomed the exceptional unity shown at the recent European Council, extraordinary NATO Leaders’ Meeting, and G7 Leaders’ Meeting. They condemned the Kremlin’s unprovoked, unjustifiable, and barbaric war against Ukraine, also enabled by the Belarusian government. The Russian military attacks striking civilians are causing massive loss of life and injury to civilians and must stop immediately. They noted that the United States and the European Union will work to track reports of war crimes and will share information gathered with allies, partners, international institutions and organizations, as appropriate, and use every tool available to hold the perpetrators to account.
Under Secretary Nuland and Deputy Secretary General Mora welcomed the coordination between the United States and the European Union in implementing unprecedented sanctions and export control measures in response to Russia’s aggression and discussed continued close cooperation in coordination with the G7 to ensure stringent implementation of these measures. They also discussed additional steps to isolate Russia further from the U.S. and EU economies and the international financial system to impose severe costs on Russia for its actions.
The two sides emphasized the necessity of consolidating international support for the government and people of Ukraine and of holding the government of Russia to account. They welcomed the growing number of countries applying sanctions and export control measures since Russia’s invasion, including countries implementing them for the first time, and reiterated their commitment to further expanding the coalition and strengthening enforcement of these measures. They underlined the importance of insisting that China supports an immediate end to hostilities, the establishment of humanitarian corridors, and preventing any risks of further escalation. They also underscored that they will continue to urge China not to circumvent nor undermine sanctions against Russia, and not to provide any form of support to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Under Secretary Nuland and Deputy Secretary General Mora discussed U.S. and EU efforts to increase humanitarian support to all people who have been internally displaced or forced to flee as a result of Putin’s war. They briefed on U.S. and EU initiatives to provide coordinated political, financial, material and humanitarian support to the government and people of Ukraine. They recognized the need to maintain high-level attention and support to the Republic of Moldova and to work together to strengthen its resilience. They also discussed their ongoing efforts to support the democratic forces inside and outside of Belarus in defending and advancing human rights, including freedom of expression, and free and fair elections under international observation.
They took stock of U.S. and EU efforts to counter the Kremlin’s propaganda and disinformation and to reduce Europe’s reliance on Russian energy. They underscored that the United States and EU stand with Russian civil society, independent journalists, and youth whose future and voices are under increasing threat within Russia and with those who have been forced to flee the country. They also recognized continued U.S.-EU cooperation toward long-term peace, resilience, and stability in the wider region, including South Caucasus.
Under Secretary Nuland and Deputy Secretary General Mora decided to continue meetings in this dialogue, with the next high-level meeting to take place in late 2022.
Additional Sanctions on Russia’s Technology Companies and Cyber Actors
03/31/2022
Additional Sanctions on Russia’s Technology Companies and Cyber Actors
03/31/2022 11:33 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States will continue to impose severe costs on the Russian Federation in response to President Putin’s illegal war. Today, we are targeting entities and individuals in our efforts to shut down the Kremlin’s sanctions evasion networks, which play an important role in the Russian Federation’s ability to continue its unconscionable war on the citizens of Ukraine. This follows our March 15 and March 24 designations of individuals and companies in Russia’s defense-industrial base that are directly supporting Putin’s war machine.
Today, the United States is designating 21 entities and 13 individuals. Of those being designated, 10 of those individuals and 17 entities are involved in sanctions evasion networks to procure of western technology. These designations will further impede Russia’s access to western technology and the international financial system. We will continue to target President Putin’s war machine with sanctions from every angle, until this senseless war of choice is over. The Russian Federation not only continues to violate the sovereignty of Ukraine with its attacks, but it is escalating the devastation of population centers, including schools, hospitals, residential areas, and places where civilians are taking shelter from the Russian bombardment.
The United States is also designating three individuals for their involvement in malicious cyber activities, one of whom the Department of Justice indicted last week. The United States will continue to hold President Putin’s cyber actors to account for disruptive, destructive, or otherwise destabilizing cyber activity targeting the United States and its allies and partners.
In addition to the sanctions imposed today, the Department of the Treasury is also expanding its Russia sanctions authorities. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with me, identified the aerospace, marine, and electronics sectors of the Russian Federation economy pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of Executive Order 14024. This allows for sanctions to be imposed on any individual or entity determined to operate or have operated in any of those sectors and provides an expanded ability to swiftly impose additional economic costs on Russia for its war of choice in Ukraine.
These actions demonstrate our resolve to hold the Russian Federation accountable for its aggression against Ukraine and commitment to take further actions against persons supporting evasion of the sanctions that the United States and our allies and partners have put in place. We will use all authorities at our disposal to enforce sanctions, expose and identify malicious actors, and promote accountability for President Putin’s war of choice.
For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release .
Secretary Blinken’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Truss
04/01/2022
04/01/2022 01:03 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Secretary Truss emphasized the continued importance of Transatlantic unity to support Ukraine and coordinate further swift, consequential actions against those who support President Putin’s war of choice on Ukraine. The two discussed the upcoming NATO Foreign Ministerial meeting and developing additional possible actions to ratchet up our response to Putin’s continued assault on the Ukrainian people.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
04/01/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
04/01/2022 02:40 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to follow up on their recent meeting in Warsaw, Poland. The Secretary highlighted U.S. efforts to provide Ukraine the support it needs to defend against the Russian Federation’s unprovoked, unjustified, and brutal war. The Secretary emphasized the United States’ unyielding and steadfast support for Ukraine, and lauded Ukraine’s commitment to engaging in diplomacy. He stressed that the United States, Allies, and partners will continue to hold accountable those responsible for atrocities committed in Ukraine.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Safadi
04/01/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Safadi
04/01/2022 03:07 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman H. Safadi to reaffirm the deep strategic relationship between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the need for calm in Jerusalem during April as Muslims, Jews, and Christians celebrate Ramadan, Passover, and Easter. The Secretary also spoke of his recent participation in the Negev Summit and ways regional partners can work together to support the Palestinian people. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Jordan’s steadfast support for Ukraine, especially in the United Nations.
Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Robinson’s Travel to Poland, Latvia, and Germany
04/02/2022.
Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Robinson’s Travel to Poland, Latvia, and Germany
04/02/2022 04:14 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Todd D. Robinson traveled to Poland March 30 – April 2. While in Warsaw, Assistant Secretary Robinson met with Ukrainian civil society organizations. During his visit to Rzeszow, Assistant Secretary Robinson met with the Ukrainian Border Guard Service and National Police, as well as members of the Embassy Kyiv team who are on the frontlines of the response to the crisis caused by Putin’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine. He underscored the Department of State’s commitment to providing emergency medical and protective equipment to the Ukrainian Border Guard Service and National Police to support their efforts to rescue and protect civilians.
Assistant Secretary Robinson is traveling to Riga, Latvia April 3-5. While in Riga, the Assistant Secretary is meeting with Latvian government officials to discuss border security and efforts to further combat corruption and transnational organized crime.
Finally, Assistant Secretary Robinson will travel to Berlin, Germany April 5-6 where he will participate in a ministerial support conference on Moldova. The Assistant Secretary will co-chair a roundtable focused on effective border management and preventing trafficking in persons.
For further information, please contact INL-PAPD@state.gov or visit @StateINL on Twitter.
