Denmark’s Constitution Day
06/05/2022
Denmark’s Constitution Day
06/05/2022 08:52 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Denmark as you celebrate Constitution Day.
Denmark is a close friend and Ally of the United States, and our countries’ relationship spans over two centuries of close cooperation rooted in shared democratic values. Committed to freedom, collective security, and human rights, we are working together to defend against threats to democracy, address the climate crisis and other global challenges, and respond to the actions of regimes that seek to repress fundamental freedoms and undermine the international rules-based order. As NATO Allies, we are strengthening transatlantic security and coordinating closely to hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine. The United States looks forward to growing our strong partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands, and to strengthening our vibrant people-to-people ties in the years to come.
I join you in celebrating this anniversary of the signing of the Danish Constitution and send best wishes for health and prosperity to all people in Denmark.
Sweden National Day
06/06/2022
Sweden National Day
06/06/2022 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of the Kingdom of Sweden as you celebrate your National Day.
For the past two centuries, the United States and Sweden have shared a commitment to freedom, human rights, global security, and democracy. This year, we recognize the latest milestone in our partnership as we welcome Sweden’s request to join NATO, where we will work to further strengthen transatlantic security.
Together, we will continue to defend against threats from authoritarian regimes that repress human rights and fundamental freedoms and seek to undermine the international rules-based order. Together, we will continue to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their country, their democracy, and their cultural heritage against Russia’s unprovoked war, and we will hold Putin accountable for his brutal aggression. I look forward to further strengthening the close cooperation between our governments and peoples in the advancement of peace and resiliency in the face of regional and global challenges, including the global pandemic and the climate crisis.
We join you in celebrating this anniversary and send best wishes for health and prosperity to all Swedes.
Designation of Officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina for Anti-Dayton Behavior
06/06/2022
Designation of Officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina for Anti-Dayton Behavior
06/06/2022 11:17 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States is designating Marinko Cavara and Alen Seranic, both of whom have obstructed or threatened the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and have undermined Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) democratic processes or institutions. They continue to pursue ethno-nationalist interests at the expense of the peace, stability, and prosperity of their country. These destabilizing activities undermine BiH’s chosen future within the Euro-Atlantic community and prevent the country and its citizens from realizing their full potential.
BiH is facing its most serious crisis since 1995, constrained by ethno-nationalist political parties sustained by patronage networks. The ruling coalition in the Republika Srpska (RS) entity is moving to establish parallel structures that undermine the authority of state-level institutions, and leaders of the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina are crippling the country’s democratic processes.
Marinko Cavara and Alen Seranic are being designated pursuant to Executive Order 14033 and for being responsible for, or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged in actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in the Western Balkans. Cavara’s refusal to nominate judges to fill vacancies on the Federation of BiH (FBiH) Constitutional Court has blocked the function of the Court’s Vital National Interest panel, a body of FBiH Constitutional Court judges created by 2002 amendments to the FBiH Constitution by the High Representative for BiH that is intended to address key issues raised by delegates in the FBiH House of Peoples. This has prevented key reforms and hindered democratic processes or institutions. Such failures in governance impact the well-being, prosperity, and rights of citizens across the FBiH. Seranic furthered efforts to create an RS entity-level agency for medicines and medical devices that will undermine the state-level Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices and is an attack on BiH’s constitutional order. The United States strongly urges RS leadership to respect the Dayton Peace Agreement and return to work within existing state institutions and to reverse efforts to create illegal parallel institutions in the RS.
The United States will continue to use all of its authorities to promote accountability for those who undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement and democracy in the Western Balkans.
For more information on today’s action, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release .
Secretary Blinken’s Phone Call with Holy See Secretary of State Parolin
06/06/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Phone Call with Holy See Secretary of State Parolin
06/06/2022 12:31 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with the Holy See Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The two discussed Venezuela and the importance of the negotiations between the regime and the Unitary Platform as the best path toward resolving the crisis. They also discussed the continued global consequences of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, including ways to address the global food security crisis, and affirmed their commitment to supporting those suffering from its terrible effects. They further raised bilateral cooperation on other global issues of mutual concern.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Al Thani
06/07/2022
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Al Thani
06/07/2022 08:20 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met yesterday with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. They discussed issues of regional and mutual concern, including Afghanistan, the challenges posed by Iran, and the importance of international support for Ukraine. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed the importance of advancing towards a reality where Israelis and Palestinians alike can enjoy equal measures of security, freedom, and prosperity. In addition, they discussed the importance of human rights and continuing labor reforms.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Park
06/07/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Park
06/07/2022 08:37 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today with Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Minister Park Jin to affirm the ironclad Alliance between the United States and the ROK. They discussed the importance of continued efforts to hold Putin to account for his unprovoked and unconscionable war against Ukraine. Deputy Secretary Sherman and Foreign Minister Park discussed the importance of increasing trilateral cooperation with Japan on issues of regional and global security and prosperity.
Deputy Secretary Sherman and Foreign Minister Park also condemned the DPRK’s recent unlawful ballistic missile launches and urged the DPRK to return to negotiations and positively respond to international offers of COVID-19 assistance. They also called on the international community to hold the DPRK accountable for its provocative actions, particularly at the United Nations. The Deputy Secretary and Foreign Minister reaffirmed our shared commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Republic of Korea First Vice Foreign Minister Cho
06/07/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Republic of Korea First Vice Foreign Minister Cho
06/07/2022 09:01 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today with Republic of Korea (ROK) First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyundong to discuss opportunities to build on the momentum from the May 21 Summit between President Biden and President Yoon. They discussed the importance of strengthening trilateral ties with Japan, including through their June 8 trilateral meeting with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori Takeo, to uphold the rules-based international order and to achieve the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The Deputy Secretary and First Vice Foreign Minister condemned recent unlawful ballistic missile launches by the DPRK and expressed concern over Pyongyang’s increasingly provocative behavior.
Deputy Secretary Sherman and First Vice Foreign Minister Cho also discussed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as international efforts to hold Putin to account for his unprovoked, unjustified, and unconscionable war against Ukraine. The Deputy Secretary and Vice Foreign Minister also spoke about cooperating to address climate change, promoting resilient supply chains, and working together to increase gender equity and equality.
Joint Statement of the United States of America and Denmark on Cooperation in Quantum Information Science and Technology
06/07/2022
Joint Statement of the United States of America and Denmark on Cooperation in Quantum Information Science and Technology
06/07/2022 07:45 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The text of the following joint statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Denmark.
Begin Text:
The United States of America and Denmark,Recognizing that science, technology, and innovation have enabled transformative capabilities across multiple sectors, from energy to health and communications to transportation, and that the foundation of this progress is the global research enterprise, and its constant creation of new knowledge, understanding, and insights;
Appreciating that quantum information science and technology (QIST) revolutionizes both our understanding of fundamental phenomena as well as the development of powerful computers, secure and rapid communication, and sensors with unprecedented precision, accuracy, and modalities;
Understanding that the emergence of such robust technologies depends on an intensive effort to expand theoretical and practical understandings of QIST and to develop new tools for characterization, validation, and verification purposes; and
Acknowledging that international partnerships are key to combine the expertise, ingenuity, and creativity of our countries to expand our fundamental understanding of QIST and thereby accelerate the realization of new technologies for the benefit of humanity.
The United States and Denmark intend to harness the spirit of science, technology, and innovation to pursue cooperation and the mutual respect it confers, and to promote QIST including but not limited to quantum computing, quantum networking, and quantum sensing, which underpins the development of society and industry.
We intend to advance this agenda using the following approach:
Creating a vibrant ecosystem for QIST Research and Development by:Embarking on good-faith cooperation that is underpinned by our shared principles, including freedom of inquiry, openness, transparency, honesty, equity, fair competition, objectivity, protection and enforcement of intellectual property, and democratic values.
Committing to create inclusive scientific research communities and tackle cross-cutting issues of common interest such as equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, so that every person is able to fully participate and have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Collaborating in venues such as workshops, seminars, and conferences to convene stakeholders across government, academia, and industry to discuss and understand the progress of QIST research and identify concrete areas of mutual interest for present and future scientific cooperation.
Leveraging existing platforms for collaboration that create opportunities for academic institutions, industry consortia, major laboratories, and stakeholders in our global science and innovation community.
Promoting dialogue to encourage the formation of collaborative networks and the sharing of QIST related methodologies, infrastructure, and data, on voluntary and mutually agreed terms, for education, training, research, development, and fundamental science.
Supporting the development of respectful and inclusive research environments and the next generation of scientists and engineers necessary to expand the field through skill-building and relationship-building for students and professionals via exchange opportunities, and other potential mechanisms.
Exploring possibilities for other activities to be considered by participating countries
Supporting pathways to cultivate QIST for commercial and societal impact by:Recognizing the capacity of industry to innovate and accelerate quantum information science and technology breakthroughs via commercialization and investments that foster deployment of quantum technologies for shared economic prosperity and security.
Enabling opportunities to build a trusted global market and supply chain for QIST R&D, and supporting economic growth, by engaging stakeholders including industry consortia, research leaders, policy makers, and business security stakeholders to grow the future QIST marketplace based on shared engagement principles.
Facilitating continued dialogue with relevant stakeholders across academic, private sector, and government offices regarding the responsible development and implementation of quantum technologies to provide practical benefits for our citizens, economies, and security.
Leveraging multilateral opportunities to promote policy dialogues and discuss QIST matters of international importance, including, but not limited to, building safe and inclusive research environments, and pursuing ways to address regulatory, standardization, and certification needs in areas where quantum technologies can be applied such as energy, health, and cybersecurity.
Taking into account that QIST ecosystems will rely on close international connections and collaboration with partners, since the solutions that need to be developed are at a scale where no company, nor nation, can develop all components alone.
Valuing cooperation in quantum scientific research, technology development, and innovation to deepen our bonds of friendship and understanding, strengthen our economies, and contribute to global science and technology knowledge.
We confirm our understanding that cooperation enabled by this Statement is pursuant to the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark for Scientific and Technological Cooperation signed at Copenhagen on September 15, 2009, and that the terms of the S&T Agreement and related agreements govern such cooperation.
End text
For more information, please visit: https://www.quantum.gov/the-united-states-and-denmark-take-steps-to-strengthen-quantum-cooperation
Deputy Secretary McKeon’s Travel to Paris and Frankfurt
06/07/2022
Deputy Secretary McKeon’s Travel to Paris and Frankfurt
06/07/2022 09:25 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Brian P. McKeon will travel to Paris, France, from June 8 to 10 to lead the U.S. delegation to the 61st annual Ministerial Council Meeting of the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD). While in Paris, Deputy Secretary McKeon will meet with OECD Secretary General Matthias Corman and officials from OECD member countries. The Deputy Secretary and the Secretary General will discuss the OECD’s key role in driving progress to meet shared challenges, including the climate crisis, inclusive economic recovery, and support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. He will participate in Ministerial Council Meeting working sessions, including on Africa and on the economic and other consequences of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Deputy Secretary McKeon will also visit Frankfurt, Germany, for internal meetings at the U.S. Consulate General.
The Deputy Secretary’s participation in the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting will underscore our support for the OECD as the premiere venue for market-oriented democracies to come together to develop solutions for economic challenges.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Senik
06/07/2022
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Senik
06/07/2022 09:17 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today with Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmytro Senik in Seoul. The Deputy Secretary emphasized the United States’ robust, continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s unprovoked aggression. The Deputy Secretary provided an update on U.S. assistance to Ukraine, including security, humanitarian, and economic assistance, as well as budgetary support and aid for long-term efforts. Deputy Secretary Sherman and Deputy Foreign Minister Senik also discussed the impact of Russia’s brutal war of aggression on global food security and our commitment to getting Ukraine’s grain to international markets.
Deputy Secretary McKeon’s Meeting with German State Secretary Brantner
06/09/2022
Deputy Secretary McKeon’s Meeting with German State Secretary Brantner
06/09/2022 11:28 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Brian P. McKeon met with German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action State Secretary Franziska Brantner today in Paris. Deputy Secretary McKeon emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Germany relationship in coordinating on global supply chains, energy, and climate issues. The two also discussed shared objectives at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Greece to Host Our Ocean Conference 2024
06/09/2022
Greece to Host Our Ocean Conference 2024
06/09/2022 02:35 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The United States welcomes Greece’s announcement that it will host the ninth Our Ocean Conference in 2024.
A healthy ocean is essential for the health and prosperity of human civilization. The ocean regulates our climate and weather, generates approximately half of the planet’s oxygen, and provides food and livelihoods for billions of people. Yet the ocean is under threat. Greenhouse gas emissions are changing ocean chemistry, undermining ecosystems, and impairing the ocean’s regulatory functions. Meanwhile, other human activities, such as overfishing and plastic pollution, are causing potentially irrevocable harm to the ocean’s flora and fauna.
Our Ocean Conferences bring together governments and non-state actors – including private-sector, philanthropic, academic, and non-governmental representatives – to make concrete commitments to protect ocean health and security. Since the Our Ocean Conferences began in 2014, they have resulted in more than 1,800 commitments worth nearly $108 billion.
The seventh Our Ocean Conference, hosted by Palau and the United States, was the first Our Ocean Conference to be hosted by and held in a Small Island Developing State. It closed with more than 410 commitments worth approximately $16.35 billion across the six issue areas of the conference, which included climate change, sustainable fisheries, sustainable blue economies, marine protected areas, maritime security, and marine pollution.
Panama will host the eighth Our Ocean Conference in 2023.
For media inquiries, please contact OES-PA-DG@state.gov.
The Anniversary of the Day of Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities
06/10/2022
The Anniversary of the Day of Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities
06/10/2022 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Portugal on their celebration of this year’s National Day.
The United States cherishes our enduring relationship with Portugal which is based on deeply shared values. We celebrate the enriching cultural, educational and professional exchanges between our people. Our valued partnership encompasses critical collaboration on a range of issues including defense, mutual economic prosperity, and the challenges of climate change. As longtime NATO Allies, we work together to protect our shared vision of a free Europe.
The United States will always remember that Portugal was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of our Republic. Our relationship has been strong and unwavering ever since, and we are confident the friendship between our two nations will continue to flourish.
We extend best wishes to the people of Portugal on this important day. We celebrate with you in confidence that our countries will remain, as they have long been, side by side.
Deputy Secretary McKeon’s Meeting with OECD Secretary General Cormann
06/10/2022
Deputy Secretary McKeon’s Meeting with OECD Secretary General Cormann
06/10/2022 12:40 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Brian P. McKeon met yesterday with Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD) Mathias Cormann, at the OECD’s 61st Annual Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, France. Deputy Secretary McKeon emphasized the OECD’s role as the premiere venue for market-oriented democracies to coordinate on economic policies rooted in shared values. They discussed the economic consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine as well as Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. They also focused on the OECD’s role in supporting development of policy solutions and data-driven recommendations to respond to the climate crisis. Deputy Secretary McKeon emphasized the importance of the OECD international tax deal to the United States and highlighted the U.S. commitment to its timely implementation.
For further information, please visit https://usoecd.usmission.gov/
Assistant Secretary Donfried’s Travel to Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia
06/10/2022
Assistant Secretary Donfried’s Travel to Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia
06/10/2022 07:21 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Dr. Karen Donfried will travel to Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia June 14 to 19 to emphasize the U.S. commitment to peace, democracy, and prosperity in the South Caucasus region. Marking the 30th anniversaries of diplomatic relations with all three countries, Assistant Secretary Donfried will emphasize U.S. support for their sovereignty and independence, underscoring the right of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia to chart their own paths. She also will highlight the readiness of the United States to help build a lasting peace in the South Caucasus, including by supporting the development of political, economic, and people-to-people connections across the entire region.
Dr. Donfried will visit Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 15 and 16, where she will meet with President Ilham Aliyev, other government officials, and civil society members. The Assistant Secretary will underscore U.S. support for the diplomatic efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia toward a lasting peace, thank Azerbaijan for humanitarian support to Ukraine, and highlight the partnership in promoting European energy security, combatting transnational threats, supporting fundamental freedoms, and advancing bilateral trade and investment.
On June 17, Assistant Secretary Donfried will visit Tbilisi, Georgia, where she will give remarks at the Tbilisi Women’s International Conference organized by President Salome Zourabichvili. Dr. Donfried will also meet with Prime Minister Garibashvili and other government officials, opposition representatives, and civil society representatives in Tbilisi to discuss the Kremlin’s unprovoked war against Ukraine, and steadfast U.S. support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The Assistant Secretary will also discuss how the United States can further support Georgia in advancing democratic development and rule of law, diversifying Georgia’s economy, and building a prosperous future.
Assistant Secretary Donfried will then travel to Yerevan, Armenia, on June 18, where she will meet Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and other government officials. The Assistant Secretary will express U.S. support for the diplomatic efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan towards a lasting peace. She will underscore our strong partnership, based on shared values, and our mutual commitment to Armenia’s democratic development.
Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis Travels to France, Belgium, and Latvia
06/11/2022
Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis Travels to France, Belgium, and Latvia
06/11/2022 09:28 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis travels to France, Belgium, and Latvia June 11-19, 2022, to meet with U.S. Allies and partners on military assistance for Ukraine as well as to expand security cooperation and defense trade that enhances Transatlantic and global security.
In Paris, France, June 12-13, Assistant Secretary Lewis will co-chair the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-France Defense Trade Strategic Dialogue, a new forum to strengthen bilateral defense trade with one of America’s oldest Allies. Assistant Secretary Lewis will also attend the Eurosatory 2022 international defense and security trade fair, where she will meet with senior civilian and military officials, as well as advocate for more than 140 U.S. manufacturers showcasing their latest products at the event.
In Brussels, Belgium, June 14-15, Assistant Secretary Lewis will meet with senior NATO and European Union officials to discuss continued close cooperation to support Ukraine and address shared global challenges. Assistant Secretary Lewis will also participate in the Ukraine Contact Group meeting.
In Riga, Latvia, June 16-18, Assistant Secretary Lewis will hold consultations with senior civilian and military officials in Riga on efforts to promote regional peace and stability and deepen defense cooperation. Assistant Secretary Lewis will also meet with visiting NATO forces, which reflects our ever-growing U.S. security partnerships with Latvia and our NATO Allies.
For further information, please contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at PM-CPA@state.gov and follow @StateDeptPM on Twitter.
Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis Travels to France, Belgium, and Latvia
06/11/2022
Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis Travels to France, Belgium, and Latvia
06/11/2022 10:06 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis travels to France, Belgium, and Latvia June 11-19, 2022, to meet with U.S. Allies and partners on military assistance for Ukraine as well as to expand security cooperation and defense trade that enhances Transatlantic and global security.
In Paris, France, June 12-13, Assistant Secretary Lewis will co-chair the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-France Defense Trade Strategic Dialogue, a new forum to strengthen bilateral defense trade with one of America’s oldest Allies. Assistant Secretary Lewis will also attend the Eurosatory 2022 international defense and security trade fair, where she will meet with senior civilian and military officials, as well as advocate for more than 140 U.S. manufacturers showcasing their latest products at the event.
In Brussels, Belgium, June 14-15, Assistant Secretary Lewis will meet with senior NATO and European Union officials to discuss continued close cooperation to support Ukraine and address shared global challenges. Assistant Secretary Lewis will also participate in the Ukraine Contact Group meeting.
In Riga, Latvia, June 16-18, Assistant Secretary Lewis will hold consultations with senior civilian and military officials in Riga on efforts to promote regional peace and stability and deepen defense cooperation. Assistant Secretary Lewis will also meet with visiting NATO forces, which reflects our ever-growing U.S. security partnerships with Latvia and our NATO Allies.
For further information, please contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at PM-CPA@state.gov and follow @StateDeptPM on Twitter.
