Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu
02/06/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu
02/06/2023 05:30 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu to express condolences for the terrible loss of life from today’s earthquakes. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu discussed ways the United States and our partners could best assist. Secretary Blinken confirmed our initial assistance response was already underway and pledged to do all that we can in coordination with Türkiye to assist the victims of the earthquake in both Türkiye and Syria.
Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Moldova and France
02/07/2023
Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Moldova and France
02/07/2023 11:49 AM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Chisinau, Moldova, February 8-10, and Paris, France, February 12-15. During his visits, Under Secretary Fernandez will meet with government, business, and civil society, and other stakeholders to discuss cooperation on some of the most pressing global challenges, including supply chain resilience, the clean energy transition and climate change, and protecting and promoting critical and emerging technologies. In both Chisinau and Paris, the Under Secretary will advance cooperation on a positive economic agenda for the region and promote inclusive economic recovery. In Paris he will also focus on support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
In Chisinau, Under Secretary Fernandez will meet with senior government officials to discuss Moldova’s management of the energy crisis, rising inflation, and the negative economic impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as the future of trade and investment between our two countries, Moldova’s European integration, and energy security. He will also lead a roundtable for members of the Moldova Association of Women Entrepreneurs.
In Paris, Under Secretary Fernandez will lead the U.S. delegation to the Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) ministerial of the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD). He will meet with OECD Secretary General Matthias Corman and officials from OECD member countries and discuss the OECD’s key role in driving progress to meet shared challenges, including the climate crisis and building more secure and resilient supply-chains, worsened by Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified war on Ukraine, as well as have a bilateral consultation with his French counterpart in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
To stay updated, follow Under Secretary Fernandez on Twitter: @State_E, Facebook: @StateDeptE, and LinkedIn: @State-E.
For press inquiries, please contact: E_Communications@state.gov.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck Before Their Meeting
02/07/2023
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck Before Their Meeting
02/07/2023 03:52 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Treaty Room
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It’s a great pleasure to see my friend, the vice chancellor, here again at the State Department. I think it was almost exactly a year ago —
VICE CHANCELLOR HABECK: It’s – yeah, exactly.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: — we had an opportunity to meet. A few things have happened since then. But one thing that stands out above all others is the extraordinarily close partnership and collaboration between Germany and the United States, something that we’re grateful for every day.
We see that powerfully in Ukraine as both of our countries have worked closely together with other allies and partners to make sure that Ukraine has the security assistance it needs to defend itself, the economic assistance that it needs to keep its economy going, and of course the humanitarian support that its people need faced with the ongoing aggression from Russia. Of course, Germany has taken in hundreds of thousands, I think even a million, refugees from Ukraine and has been a leader in this effort over the last almost year now.
I also have to applaud the extraordinary work that Germany has done, particularly Vice Chancellor Habeck, in helping to move Europe off of dependence on Russian energy. And this is having the dual benefit not only of reducing and ultimately eliminating that dependence, but also speeding up the green energy transition and all the benefits that would bring to both of our countries. So we’re grateful for this partnership.
Let me just say one other thing that’s unrelated but I think important. I know we’re both incredibly moved by the images that we’re seeing coming from Türkiye and Syria with the horrific earthquake that these countries experienced over the last couple of days. We see the images of collapsed buildings. We see people – thankfully, some still being pulled alive from the wreckage, children, but incredible suffering. Both of our countries are working very hard to support Türkiye and the Syrian people in their hour of need. We’ve deployed more than 150 search and rescue personnel. The U.S. Agency for International Development has been leading in this effort. In addition, through the humanitarian partners that we fund in Syria, we’re providing assistance to people in Syria to try to recover from the earthquake. But I know both of our countries are focused on this human tragedy that’s taking place right now in Türkiye and Syria.
But, Robert.
VICE CHANCELLOR HABECK: Well, thank you very much, Antony. Thank you very much for having me once again here. Yes, let me start with the last remarks you gave. I discussed almost all day economic issues, debt reduction act, and the press attention was also focused on these issues. But thinking about the tragedy in Türkiye and Syria gives this a certain (inaudible). Of course, these are important issues, but thousands of people are losing their lives, have lost their lives, and this is the real tragedy and the real situation where we have to help now, and we will do that. I thank the U.S. and I’m proud for giving and supplying help, and I can say the same for Germany. Whatever is needed, and we can – we can give a supply is to be given.
Last year when I visited the Secretary, we discussed mainly two issues. The first one was the military situation in Ukraine due to the Russian aggression, and the second one was energy questions and energy issues. And the first one, I must honestly say is still there’s an ongoing war in Europe. Due to the bravery of the Ukraine army and the incredible willingness to stand together of the Ukraine people, there is a chance that Ukraine can be successful in this war, and I would like to thank the American partners especially that they are giving so much support.
This is a fight for freedom and democracy in Ukraine, and without the American help it would not be possible to achieve this situation as it is now, but of course it is a sheer catastrophe. Putin is slaughtering – is slaughtering so many men and life over there – of course mainly Ukraine people, but also he is fighting a war against his own countrymen. The soldiers dying there definitely had better in mind than dying for Putin in an unnecessary and unjustified war.
The second issue we discussed last year was the threat of a lack of mainly natural gas supply of Russia to Germany and Central Europe, and the worries were that if that’s going to happen, then the European and German economy would collapse. And there is no Russian gas supply and the economy has not collapsed. We achieved security in the supply chain. We – we had – we rebuilt three new LNG terminals in a short amount of time. The storages are full, the prices are going down. They are still too high, but they are not in the mid of the winter where they were afraid or supposed to be. The inflation is broken.
So I think that Europe, and Germany and Europe, has shown what it can achieve if it wants to achieve something. And with this spirit we go on the talks. Thank you very much.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, everyone.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg
02/07/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg
02/07/2023 06:59 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Schallenberg discussed opportunities for continued bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including assistance for Ukraine and the need to hold Russia accountable for its brutal war. Secretary Blinken praised Austria’s positive role in the Western Balkans and discussed the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s importance as a forum for dialogue.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg Before Their Meeting
02/07/2023
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg Before Their Meeting
02/07/2023 06:53 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, DC
Thomas Jefferson Room
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good evening, everyone. It’s a great pleasure to welcome Foreign Minister Schallenberg here to the State Department, to Washington. And I want to come to the importance of his visit in a moment, but if you’ll just allow me – and I suspect, Alexander, you may have the same thoughts in mind – the horrific earthquake in Türkiye and Syria. I know it’s very much on both of our minds. We’ve seen the truly devastating pictures coming out of Türkiye and Syria today. We’ve seen the collapsed buildings. We see children being pulled out of the rubble. Thank God there’s still people being pulled out of the rubble. And I think we’re all profoundly touched by the images, the stories that we’re hearing.
Many of us have worked to swing into action to help our friends in Türkiye and also to help the Syrian people who are suffering from this. The United States Government has been in full motion. As I mentioned earlier today, we’ve deployed now more than 150 search and rescue personnel to Türkiye. USAID, the Agency for International Development, is in the lead of our efforts. We have U.S. helicopters that are supporting Turkish response efforts in very hard-to-reach areas. We’re in close contact with the Turkish Government. I spoke to my Turkish counterpart yesterday. Other colleagues have been speaking to their counterparts and the broader response team that’s on the ground to support efforts both in Türkiye and across the border in northwest Syria to do anything we possibly can to come to the assistance of people who are in need.
In Syria itself we have U.S.-funded humanitarian partners that are coordinating lifesaving assistance, and we’re committed to providing that assistance to help people in Syria recover from this disaster, just as we have been their leading humanitarian donor since the start of the war in Syria itself. I want to emphasize here that these funds of course go to the Syrian people, not to the regime. That won’t change. But as I said, we’re able to work through humanitarian partners on the ground in Syria.
We’ll have more to say in the coming days as these efforts continue, and as necessary expand or respond to the way the situation evolves. But just very important to say at the outset how much we’re focused on this, how much our hearts go out to people in Türkiye and in Syria, and how much our efforts are going out to try to help in this hour of need.
Having said that, Alexander, I’m so pleased to have you here in Washington at the State Department. Austria is a strong and deeply valued partner for the United States. It’s been a pivotal player in European security and European stability. We see that of course in the support that Austria is providing to Ukraine in its hour of need, but also critically in Austria’s leadership in the Western Balkans, where it really plays I think a unique leadership role – something that we’ll talk about – as well as now in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the OSCE.
So there is a lot happening in that space, a lot to talk about, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to do it.
FOREIGN MINISTER SCHALLENBERG: Dear Secretary of State, dear Tony, thank you for the very warm welcome. And I want to replicate we too were shocked by the news coming out of Türkiye. I had yesterday and today contact with our friend and colleague Mevlut Cavusoglu. We are offering up to 80 – above 80 search and rescue experts with dogs and doctors which should be on the way right now. And obviously funds, but this can be only the first step. I believe what they need most now is our solidarity and active engagement, and our deep feelings and condolences go out to our Turkish friends.
On – thank you for receiving me. I had a very good and intensive day today, very good talks in Virginia, and I believe there’s a lot on our agenda. My basic point is I believe in times of crisis you need to know who are your partners, and my aim is really to strengthen this also bilateral relationship – to have the strategic partnership we have as strong as possible, irreversible as possible. For too long we have taken each other for granted, maybe, the European Union and the United States. For too long we have stood back to back instead of shoulder to shoulder. And I believe, if anything, the last 11 months have shown if we stand together, if we are united, we are a formidable force. And that is, I believe, the biggest task of the coming year.
That is part of my message from my side, that yes, we want to stand together. We have to. There’s simply no alternative. Trying times ahead of us, and you mentioned some of the regions where we or some of the organizations where we are asked to act, and I believe it’s the decisions which will be taken this year will be – will have long-term repercussions. It’s still foggy, and we count also on your leadership, and I’m very thankful of everything you have done the last 11 months – you personally, the National Security Advisor and others, and the President, obviously, who will have – and I’m thankful for receiving me today, because you have the State of the Union address in the evening. (Laughter.) So a very special day.
And rest assured that Austria will do its share. We have taken in 90,000 Ukrainians. We have – I believe even some say number one in comparison to GDP as far as humanitarian aid is concerned. And we know exactly that in this crisis, our unity, our strategic patience is the most – are the most necessary assets, and you can count on us. Thank you very much.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, everyone.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
02/07/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
02/07/2023 08:16 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. The two discussed continued strong security and economic cooperation as Russia’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine nears the one-year mark. The Secretary underscored the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine, including recent provisions of additional security assistance to help Ukraine continue to defend itself against Russia’s aggression.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with German Vice Chancellor Habeck
02/07/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with German Vice Chancellor Habeck
02/07/2023 08:26 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck. The Secretary thanked him for Germany’s strong contributions to Ukraine, including financial, security, and humanitarian assistance. They discussed the U.S.-Germany economic partnership, including how to move forward on trade, energy, and climate.
Under Secretary Jenkins Travels to Brussels, The Hague, and Munich, February 9-19, 2023
02/08/2023
Under Secretary Jenkins Travels to Brussels, The Hague, and Munich, February 9-19, 2023
02/08/2023 05:30 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins will travel to Brussels, Belgium; The Hague, the Netherlands; and Munich, Germany, from February 9-19, 2023 to promote the United States’ continued commitment to Ukraine, discuss U.S. priorities on arms control and nonproliferation, and engage with civil society.
While in Brussels from February 9-13, the Under Secretary will hold meetings at NATO Headquarters, co-lead the NATO Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation Committee, and meet with the EU Political and Security Committee. She will also speak to members of the press during a media hub call on February 10.
From February 14-16, the Under Secretary will travel to The Hague to hold bilateral discussions with the Government of the Netherlands, meet with leadership of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and represent the United States at the first global Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM 2023). At REAIM, co-sponsored by the Governments of the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea, the Under Secretary will present the U.S. position on the key opportunities, challenges, and risks associated with military applications of AI. The Under Secretary will also be part of a panel dedicated to recruiting and retaining women in international and national security.
In Munich, from February 17-19, the Under Secretary will participate in the 59th Munich Security Conference. At the conference, the Under Secretary will hold bilateral meetings, attend side events, and engage with members of civil society and media. The Under Secretary will also serve as a panelist, speaking on issues related to the future of arms control, feminist foreign policy in international security, and our enduring commitment to Ukraine.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg At a Joint Press Availability
02/08/2023
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg At a Joint Press Availability
02/08/2023 05:55 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Benjamin Franklin Room
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon, everyone. It is as always a great pleasure to welcome the secretary general back to Washington, back to the State Department. Jens, so good to be with you.
Before I begin and with your permission, I just want to briefly update everyone on our efforts to assist Türkiye and Syria in the aftermath of Monday’s earthquakes. The loss of life has been truly staggering, shocking. We, I think along with people around the world, are mourning those who have been lost, and also our thoughts are so with those who have lost loved ones.
So far, we have deployed more than 150 search and rescue personnel to Türkiye. We have U.S. helicopters that are helping to reach areas that would otherwise be difficult to access. In Syria, we have NGO partners that we’ve funded over the years that are providing life-saving assistance to those in need. Across both countries, we’ve deployed experienced emergency managers, hazardous materials technicians, engineers, logisticians, paramedics, planners, others, along with about 170,000 pounds of specialized tools and equipment.
So, that’s been the initial response. In the days ahead, we’ll have more to say about how we’ll continue to support both the Turkish and Syrian people as they work to recover from this devastation.
Turning back to today, the secretary general and I were last together in November for the NATO foreign ministers meeting. The members of our Alliance left that meeting in Bucharest even more unified, more resolute and more committed in our support for Ukraine; which is in large part due to the remarkable leadership that Secretary General Stoltenberg has engaged in over the last year. During what has been a decisive time for NATO and for the world, his strong and steady hand has helped steer our Alliance in the right direction.
Now, as we approach the one-year mark since President Putin launched his brutal war against Ukraine, it’s critical that we maintain and increase that support. President Putin’s war continues to be a strategic failure. He’s failed to overthrow the democratically elected government of Ukraine, to subsume Ukraine into Russia, or to break the will of its people. He’s lost the battles for Kyiv, for Kharkiv, for Kherson. His military is suffering staggering losses on the battlefield, and he’s failed to weaken our Alliance and what it stands for. In fact, that alliance – NATO – is stronger and more united than it’s ever been.
Today, we focused on steps that we can take to ensure that Ukraine has the security assistance that it needs to defend its territory against Russian aggression. And we’ll continue that conversation this afternoon when we’re joined by the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, and the National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, here at the State Department.
We’ve calibrated our assistance to meet Ukraine’s changing needs from the outset of the Russian invasion, and that’s exactly what we’ll continue to do. Two weeks ago, President Biden announced that the United States would send Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Germany committed to send its Leopard tanks and authorized other partners to do the same. This followed the earlier announcement by the United Kingdom that it would be sending Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine’s defenders.
Last week, we also announced two new assistance packages which will provide critical air defense and counter-drone capabilities to help Ukraine defend its people, including against the threat posed by UAVs supplied by Iran, which shares Russia’s authoritarian vision and is increasingly aiding and abetting its aggression. We’re also providing armored infantry vehicles and more of the equipment that Ukraine is using so effectively, like Javelin anti-tank missiles, artillery ammunition, and rockets for U.S.-provided HIMARS.
In total, the United States has committed nearly $30 billion since the beginning of Russia’s invasion. And our allies and partners have provided more than $13 billion in military assistance over the past year and tens of billions more in humanitarian and economic support. The contributions that Europe writ large has made to this effort are very significant, and making a profound difference.
As President Zelenskyy has said, diplomacy is the only way to definitively end Russia’s war of aggression and to create a path to peace that is both just and durable. Clearly, President Putin has no genuine interest in diplomacy right now. Here’s what he said just a few weeks ago: Unless and until Ukraine accepts “the new territorial realities” – in quotation marks – there is nothing to even talk about. In other words, Ukraine and the world must somehow acquiesce to President Putin’s land grab. That should be a non-starter for every country in the world that cares about the UN charter, and preserving international peace and security.
The best way to hasten prospects for real diplomacy is to keep tilting the battlefield in Ukraine’s favor. This will help ensure that Ukraine has the strongest possible hand to play at a negotiating table when one emerges.
We also discussed the systemic and tactical challenges that China presents to the Alliance and the broader international system. Last week, Beijing violated international law and U.S. sovereignty with the presence of a Chinese surveillance balloon in U.S. airspace. This was an irresponsible act, in response to which we acted responsibly and prudently to protect our interests.
There is an ongoing operation to recover the balloon’s components. We’re analyzing them to learn more about the surveillance program. We will pair that with what we learn from the balloon – what we learn from the balloon itself with what we’ve gleaned based on our careful observation of the system when it was in our airspace, as the President directed his team to do.
We’ll also share relevant findings with Congress as well as with our allies and partners around the world. Senior administration officials are on the Hill this week, and we’ve already shared information with dozens of countries around the world both from Washington and through our embassies. We’re doing so because the United States was not the only target of this broader program which has violated the sovereignty of countries across five continents. In our engagements, we are again hearing from our partners that the world expects China and the United States to manage our relationship responsibly. That’s precisely what we’ve set out to do. We continue to urge China to do the same.
We’re also continuing to strengthen and broaden NATO’s partnerships, and weave them together in new ways. The United States welcomed the Secretary General’s visit to South Korea and Japan last week as an extension of those efforts, demonstrating the growing synergy between our Atlantic and Pacific alliances. And of course, we’re very focused on the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO. These countries are ready to bring their strengths to bear on our Alliance. They’re capable, they’re trusted partners, they’re strong democracies that are dedicated to the values that underpin the Alliance. We’ll continue to push for the completion of this process as we head towards the Vilnius Summit in July.
And as we look to Vilnius, our Alliance is working to operationalize the strategic concept to make sure that NATO is fit for the future, including on challenges like emerging technologies, cyber defense, climate, and energy security. These were all significant achievements under the leadership of Secretary General Stoltenberg in bringing forward and having approved a new strategic concept for the Alliance to reflect the realities of the moment we’re living in and to project what we need to do into the future.
So, it’s a busy time, but we’re confident about what our Alliance could achieve – confident because of the great unity that we’ve shown again and again over the last year, and confident because of the shared purpose we bring to the year and the years ahead.
With that, Jens, over to you.
SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: Secretary Blinken, dear Tony, it’s great to be back in Washington and to be together with you again. I would like to start by commending President Biden and the United States for providing such a strong leadership at a time when we face the most serious security crisis in a generation. And thank you, Tony, for your personal commitment and your leadership on every issue related to NATO and the vital bond between America and Europe. Unwavering American leadership and bipartisan support have ensured that NATO Allies are united like never before. And our unity makes a real difference.
President Putin launched his illegal war of aggression almost a year ago. Since then, NATO Allies have provided unprecedented support for Ukraine – around $120 billion in military, humanitarian and financial assistance. As the biggest Ally, the United States is playing an indispensable role in supporting Ukraine. European NATO Allies and Canada have stepped up as well, contributing over half of the overall assistance, including tanks, advanced air defense systems, and other military equipment. Europeans have also welcomed almost 5 million refugees from Ukraine, applied unprecedented sanctions, and decoupled from Russian gas and Russian oil. This shows how much we can do when Europe and North American stand together.
Today, we discussed the situation in Ukraine. Putin started this war of aggression, and he can end this war today by withdrawing his troops from Ukraine and coming to the negotiating table. But regrettably, we see no sign that Russia is preparing for peace. On the contrary, Moscow is preparing for new military offensives, so we must continue to provide Ukraine with the weapons it needs to retake territory and prevail as a sovereign, independent nation.
If Putin wins, it will be a tragedy for Ukraine, but it will also be dangerous for all of us. It will send a clear message not just to Putin but also to other authoritarian regimes that when they use force, they can achieve their goals. That will make the world more dangerous, and all of us more vulnerable.
Beijing is watching closely and learning lessons that may influence its future decisions. So, what happens in Europe today could happen in Asia tomorrow. China is substantially building up its military forces, including nuclear weapons without any transparency. It is attempting to assert control over the South China Sea and threatening Taiwan, trying to take control of critical infrastructure, including in NATO countries, repressing its own citizens and tramping on human rights, and deepening its strategic partnership with Moscow. So, NATO Allies had real concerns which we discussed today.
In this more dangerous and more competitive world, we must continue to strengthen our deterrence and defense, and further increase defense spending; and that is what we are doing. In 2014, under the Obama-Biden administration, all NATO Allies agreed the Defense Investment Pledge. Since then, we have seen eight consecutive years of increased defense spending across Europe and Canada – with an additional 350 million extra U.S. dollars spent. More countries are now spending at least 2 percent of GDP on defense, and I expect that trend to continue.
Today, we also discussed the importance of completing Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO. At the Madrid Summit, last July, all Allies made the historic decision to invite both countries to join NATO. All Allies have signed the accession protocols, and 28 Allies have already ratified the agreement. Finland and Sweden are now being integrated into the civilian and military structures of our Alliance. This has only strengthened their security, and it is inconceivable that Allies would not act should Finland or Sweden come under pressure. It is important that we conclude this membership process as soon as possible. This will strengthen the security of all Allies.
So Secretary Blinken, dear Tony, thank you again for your strong personal commitment and for the extraordinary leadership of the United States as we face global challenges together. Thank you.
MR PRICE: We’ll now turn to questions. We will start with Leon Bruneau of the AFP.
QUESTION: Hi there, Mr. Secretary and Secretary General. Thanks for doing this. Mr. Secretary, you started the press conference speaking about the tragic earthquake in Türkiye and Syria, and actually that’s – my question is relevant to that. Specifically, as you know, there’s – in one border crossing in the northwest of Syria, which is damaged by the earthquake and there are no other crossings, and so obviously it’s going to be difficult to get the aid there. And you also said that – you were adamant in saying that all U.S. aid would go through local NGOs, U.S.-funded local NGOs.
And so, my question is this, is I was wondering if the administration has had any contact at any level with the Syrian Government? And if there were a request through the Syrian Government, would the U.S., the administration, accede to that request to coordinate aid for the Syrian people?
And a question for the secretary general. Since Türkiye is obviously a NATO member, could you provide us some detail on what NATO is actually doing to help the recovery efforts in Türkiye? And also, tragically, would this tragedy in any way help to ease tensions with Türkiye on relevant issues that you mentioned on your agenda? Thank you very much.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Leon, thank you very much. With regard to Syria, I’m not aware of any contacts between the United States Government and the Syrian Government in recent days since the earthquake. But here’s what we’ve been doing. If you go back to 2011, we provided more than $15 billion in assistance to the Syrian people through NGO partners – international NGO partners, partners on the ground in Syria. We’re a leading provider of humanitarian assistance to Syria, to the Syrian people, not to the government. And working through these partners, we’ve tried to make sure that the assistance gets to where it’s needed, and that’s the people who are affected by the horrific war that Assad has waged on his own people, since 2011 – and now, in the case of the earthquake, to people affected by the earthquake.
You’re exactly right that there is one crossing that allows assistance to get into Syria from the outside, and that was disrupted by the earthquake. It’s exactly why we have been fighting every single year not only to preserve that crossing at the – it’s authorized, as you know, by the United Nations – but to get additional ones so that if a crossing was taken out of action, there would be other places that people could get humanitarian assistance in. And of course, year after year, Russia has sought to block those crossings or to limit them, and that only compounds the tragedy that people in Syria are now experiencing.
SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: Just a couple of hours after the earthquake, we sent out a call from the NATO headquarters to all NATO Allies to provide immediate support, to help Türkiye with the consequence of a devastating earthquake. And I welcome that Allies have stepped up and are now providing different types of support. Of course, the U.S., Secretary Blinken mentioned, has already provided lot of support, but also other Allies are stepping up. And that’s the continued message from NATO, is that we should support Türkiye, a valued and important NATO Ally, where we see human suffering and the devastating consequences of the earthquake.
And of course, Allies have also expressed their deepest condolences, and it is heartbreaking to see all the suffering, but also to see how people and Allies are now stepping up to provide as much help as possible.
MR PRICE: Tove Bjørgaas, NRK.
QUESTION: Question for Secretary Blinken. How important is it for the Biden administration that Sweden is also allowed to join NATO, not just Finland? And what is the U.S. doing to solve this argument with Erdogan and Türkiye? What – how can the U.S. influence that Türkiye changes its position?
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Well, first, this is not a bilateral issue between the United States and any other country. This is an Alliance matter, and our view is very clear: Both Finland and Sweden are ready to be NATO Allies, and the Alliance should welcome them as quickly as possible. Their militaries already work seamlessly with Alliance forces. As I said earlier, they’re strong, vibrant democracies. We’re confident that NATO will formally welcome both countries, and that that will happen soon – and this will in turn enhance security across the entire Euro-Atlantic region.
As this process continues, we are fully committed to Finland and Sweden’s accession to the Alliance. And again, I think you can see the strength of that support across the Alliance. Nearly all countries took swift action. Our Senate overwhelmingly, and on a bipartisan basis, voted for their membership, and the time is right now to finalize that accession process and to welcome as full members of NATO.
We support the work that both countries have been doing with Türkiye to address legitimate concerns that Türkiye has brought to the table about its security. There’s an ongoing process there, but – as you know, both countries, Finland and Sweden, took significant steps to address concerns that Türkiye raised. They made commitments under a memorandum of agreement that was signed in Madrid, and they are making good on the commitments that they’ve made. Again, we acknowledge Türkiye’s longtime security concerns. We appreciate the tangible actions that both countries, Finland and Sweden, have taken to address them.
MR PRICE: Nick Schifrin of PBS.
QUESTION: Thank you very much. Mr. Secretary, forgive me, two questions for you, and then I’ll turn to the secretary general.
Today the British prime minister announced that the UK would provide fighter jet training, Western fighter jet training, to Ukrainian pilots and would examine the possibility of providing Western jets to Ukraine. Why does the U.S. continue to oppose a step that the British Government now believes would be helpful to Ukraine long-term?
And on the balloon, you’ve described now the network of aerial surveillance conducted by China in five continents. Do you believe that that network is run by the PLA air force, and do you believe Xi Jinping himself was aware of the balloon last week?
And Mr. Secretary General, U.S. officials have described that Chinese surveillance balloons have flown over at least one European country. Is that something that NATO is aware of and are you concerned about? Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, Nick, very much. So first of all, with regard to the balloon, we will have more to say about that in the days ahead. We are getting more information almost by the hour as we continue to work to salvage the balloon. We’re learning from that, and, as well, we’re learning from what we saw and picked up as the balloon traversed the United States.
As to who’s responsible for that, China is, and it doesn’t matter on one level which individuals may or may not have been responsible. The fact is China engaged in this irresponsible action, a violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity and international law. And as we’ve noted as well, we’re not alone in this. Countries across five continents have also had surveillance balloons overfly their territory, which is why we’re sharing this information with others. We continue to look to China to act responsibly; and as well to help us in managing this relationship responsibly. That’s what we continue to look for.
And I’m sorry, the first part of your question —
QUESTION: Fighter jets.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Oh, the fighter jets. As we’ve said throughout this process, at every single turn, we will – working very closely with the Ukrainians as well as working with other partners and allies – work to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs when it needs it to effectively defend itself and to continue to take back the territory that’s been seized from it by Russian forces. As the nature of the conflict, of the aggression has evolved, so too has the support that we’ve provided.
And what we did initially – in fact, before the Russian aggression itself, as we saw it coming and wanted to make sure that Ukraine had in its hands what it would need to defend itself – we did these very significant drawdowns a year – more – well more than a year – a year and a half ago, back in September before the aggression – Christmas before the aggression. And as a result, they had things like Stingers and Javelins on hand when Russia went at Kyiv, and they were able to repel the attack and push it back. At every step along the way, as needs have evolved, so too has what we have provided Ukraine; and that most recently took place with the decision to provide the Abrams tanks and – of course, Germany providing the Leopard tanks and other Europeans doing the same.
We’ve also been very clear all along that what’s vital is not just a particular weapon system or piece of equipment. Equally important is the ability of Ukrainians to use it effectively, and that requires in some cases significant training. Equally important is the ability to maintain it. And then finally all of that has to be brought together in an actually – in a coherent strategy. All of those elements are important.
It’s a long way of saying this is an evolving process, and we will continue to make judgments about what we think Ukraine needs and what it can be most effective in using. We’ll do that in very close consultation with the Ukrainians and, of course, in consultation with our partners.
SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: The Chinese balloon over United States confirms a pattern of Chinese behavior, where we see that China over the last years has invested heavily in new military capabilities, including different types of surveillance and intelligence platforms. And we’ve also seen increased Chinese intelligence activities in Europe – again, different platforms. They use satellites, they use cyber, and as we’ve seen over the United States, also balloons.
So, we just have to be vigilant. We need to be aware of the constant risk of Chinese intelligence, and then step up what we do to protect ourself. And we need also to react in a prudent, responsible, and vigilant way, as we have seen the United States has reacted to this specific balloon over North America and United States.
I think it also highlights that security is not regional; security is global. What happens in Asia matters for Europe, and what happens in Europe matters for Asia and also, of course, for North America. This was a message that was very much confirmed during my visit to Japan and South Korea – East Asia – last week, where those close partners of NATO very much highlighted the importance of strengthening the cooperation between NATO and our partners in the Indo-Pacific to address the challenges that China poses to our security, to our values, and to our interests. And I think that is – the balloon over North America just confirms that pattern.
MR PRICE: We’ll take a final question from Karin Eriksson of ND.
QUESTION: Thank you very much. So back to Türkiye, then, because Türkiye is now sending the signal that it might accept Finland but not Sweden into NATO, separating the processes. I wanted to ask you both: To what extent do you see this as a possible or viable path forward? Thank you.
SECRETARY GENERAL STOLTENBERG: First of all, I think we have to remember that all Allies, also Türkiye, made an historic decision in July last year when all Allies at the NATO summit in Madrid invited both Finland and Sweden to become members of the Alliance. Then all Allies – all 30 Allies – signed the Accession Protocols. And so far – already, 28 out of 30 Allies have ratified the Accession Protocols.
These are historic decisions. And so far, this has been one of the quickest accessions processes in NATO’s history and the quickest in NATO’s modern history, because we have to remember that Finland and Sweden applied in May last year, and only in July they were invited, and now 28 out of 30 have ratified the protocols. They applied together, they were invited together, and 28 Allies have already signed both protocols.
I think it’s important that we recognize the importance both for Finland and Sweden, but also for the whole Alliance, that they become a member – that they will become members as quickly as possible. As part of the decision in Madrid, Finland, Sweden, and Türkiye signed a joint memorandum on how to step up cooperation – not least in the fight against terrorism. Finland and Sweden have delivered on their commitments under that memorandum. I also expressed that view in my meetings with the Turkish leadership. So, I’m confident that both will become a member, but I’m not ready to go into exactly when that will happen.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: What he said.
MR PRICE: Thank you, gentlemen.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you.
Acting Deputy Secretary Bass’ Meeting with UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Rutley
02/08/2023
Acting Deputy Secretary Bass’ Meeting with UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Rutley
02/08/2023 06:13 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Acting Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources John R. Bass met with UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Americas and Caribbean) David Rutley, MP today in Washington, D.C. The Acting Deputy Secretary and the Under Secretary exchanged views on modernizing diplomacy for the 21st century to ensure both the United States and United Kingdom field the world’s premier diplomatic services to serve our respective countries’ interests and to support peace, security, and economic prosperity around the world.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Irish Tánaiste/Minister for Foreign Affairs Martin
02/08/2023
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with Irish Tánaiste/Minister for Foreign Affairs Martin
02/08/2023 08:37 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met today in Washington, D.C. with Ireland’s Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin. The Deputy Secretary thanked the Tánaiste for Ireland’s support to Ukraine, including hosting over 70,000 Ukrainians displaced by Putin’s unjustified war. The two agreed on the importance of continued U.S.-EU cooperation on matters of global importance, like Iran, efforts to de-escalate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and prevent further loss of life, and challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China.
The Deputy Secretary and the Tánaiste reaffirmed their commitment to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary in April. Both agreed on the importance of the EU and UK resolving outstanding issues over the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol as soon as possible.
The Deputy Secretary and the Tánaiste also celebrated the five-year extension of the Ireland Work and Travel program between the United States and Ireland, noting that these exchange opportunities have enriched and strengthened the ties and shared values that bind our countries.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Rutley
02/08/2023
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Meeting with UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Rutley
02/08/2023 08:52 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Americas and Caribbean) David Rutley today in Washington, D.C. The Deputy Secretary and Minister Rutley affirmed their countries’ enduring commitment to Ukraine’s defense. They also discussed the importance of the UK and the EU reaching a resolution on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The Deputy Secretary welcomed the UK government’s commitment to resolving this issue and protecting the gains of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. The Deputy Secretary and Minister Rutley also affirmed their continued cooperation in the face of challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China.
Taking Joint Action Against Cybercriminals
02/09/2023
Taking Joint Action Against Cybercriminals
02/09/2023 09:02 AM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States and the United Kingdom are taking coordinated action today targeting cybercriminals who launched assaults against our critical infrastructure. We will continue to work with the United Kingdom and with other international partners to expose and disrupt cybercrime emanating from Russia.
The United States is designating seven individuals who are part of the Russia-based cybercrime gang Trickbot. We are taking this action pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, as amended by E.O. 13757, for the individuals’ involvement in a cyber-enabled activity that poses a significant threat to the national security, foreign policy, or economic health or financial stability of the United States.
Russia is a safe haven for cybercriminals, where groups such as Trickbot freely perpetrate malicious cyber activities against the United States, the United Kingdom, and our allies and partners. These activities have targeted critical infrastructure, including hospitals and medical facilities.
The United States and the United Kingdom are leaders in the global fight against cybercrime and are committed to using all available authorities to defend against cyber threats. Today’s action, the first under the UK’s new cyber sanctions authority, demonstrates our continued commitment to collaborating with partners and allies to address Russia-based cybercrime, and to countering ransomware attacks and their perpetrators. As Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine continues, cooperation with our allies and partners is more critical than ever to protect our national security.
For more information about these designations, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.
U.S. Assistance to Emergency Earthquake Response Efforts in Türkiye and Syria
02/09/2023
U.S. Assistance to Emergency Earthquake Response Efforts in Türkiye and Syria
02/09/2023 08:58 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The February 6th earthquakes that struck southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria have devastated millions. Within hours of the first quake, the United States, at the direction of President Biden, quickly mobilized federal agencies and partners to urgently provide life-saving assistance in close coordination with our Turkish Allies and partner organizations in Syria.
Since Monday, supplementing the excellent work of our Embassy and Consulate teams, hundreds of additional U.S. personnel have arrived in the region to help save lives and assist those in need. Today we announced $85 million in urgent humanitarian assistance to support these efforts. USAID’s Disaster Assistance and Response Team is already hard at work in southern Türkiye. Two of our most highly trained Urban Search and Rescue Teams are conducting operations in support of Turkish rescue efforts in Adiyaman, one of the hardest hit areas. These teams have specialized equipment and canines for search and rescue operations. Joining them are emergency managers, hazardous materials technicians, engineers, logisticians, paramedics, and planners.
Our existing humanitarian partners in both Türkiye and Syria are providing critical emergency relief, including food, water, shelter, medical care, and support staff for search and rescue efforts. U.S. helicopters are conducting airlift operations, transporting rescue personnel to sites where they are needed most.
We are grateful to the Government of Türkiye for re-opening the border so aid can flow into northwest Syria, and we welcome news today of the first UN aid convoy arriving via the Bab al-Hawa crossing. We call on the Assad regime to immediately allow aid in through all border crossings; allow the distribution of aid to all affected areas; and to let humanitarians access all people in Syria who are in need, without exception.
In both Türkiye and Syria, the United States will remain committed to doing whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to provide necessary assistance to those impacted by these earthquakes. The United States will continue to support the people of Türkiye and Syria, and we welcome and encourage support from our international partners in this time of great need.
Countering Systemic Corruption in Defense of Bulgarian Democratic Institutions
02/10/2023
Countering Systemic Corruption in Defense of Bulgarian Democratic Institutions
02/10/2023 10:50 AM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
The United States, in coordination with the United Kingdom, is taking action to counter systemic corruption in Bulgaria by designating five former Bulgarian government officials as well as five entities for corrupt acts that resulted in illicit personal gain, undermined the country’s democratic institutions, and perpetuated its corrosive dependence on Russian energy sources.
The Department of the Treasury undertook several designations today pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world:Rumen Ovcharov, a former Bulgarian member of parliament (MP) and minister responsible for energy; Aleksandar Hristov Nikolov, a former CEO and deputy director of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP); and Ivan Genov, former CEO of KNPP and former MP were designated for a series of illicit dealings and the exchange of bribes related to energy contracts that robbed the Government and people of Bulgaria of hundreds of millions of dollars;
Nikolay Malinov, a former MP and leader of the Russophiles National Movement and chairman of the Russophiles for Revival of the Fatherland Political Party, was designated for bribing a judge to permit him to travel to Russia, even though he had been indicted for espionage on behalf of Russian-backed interests and had been placed under a travel ban;
Vladislav Goranov, a former MP and former Minister of Finance, was designated for using his position to facilitate bribery in exchange for favorable legislation, depriving the government of tax revenues;
Inter Trade 2021 EOOD, MS Konsult 2016 EOOD, the Russophiles National Movement, and Russophiles for the Revival of the Fatherland, were designated for being owned or controlled by Malinov;
Trilemma Consulting Ltd EOOD was designated for being owned or controlled by Goranov.
The Department of State also imposed visa restrictions on Ovcharov, Nikolov, and Goranov for involvement in significant corruption under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. As a result of these actions, those individuals and their immediate family members are generally ineligible for entry into the United States.
The United Kingdom also designated three corrupt actors in Bulgaria for serious corruption and abuse of public institution funds: Vassil Kroumov Bojkov, a prominent Bulgarian businessman and oligarch; Delyan Slavchev Peevski, an oligarch and former MP; and Ilko Dimitrov Zhelyazkov, the former Deputy Chief of the Bulgarian State Agency for Technical Operations, under the UK Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regime. These actions reinforce prior U.S. designations of these individuals under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program and the Department of State’s public designation of Peevski and Zhelyazkov under Section 7031(c) in June 2021.
These coordinated actions support the U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption and demonstrate the commitment of the United States and the United Kingdom to promoting accountability for corruption, and to helping Bulgaria, a NATO Ally, institute critical rule of law reforms.
The corruption perpetuated by those designated today reflects a systemic pattern of personal enrichment at the expense of the Bulgarian people, government, and democratic institutions. The United States and the United Kingdom stand steadfast in solidarity with those in Bulgaria who seek to tackle corruption and strengthen the rule of law.
For more information about Treasury designations, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with French Foreign Minister Colonna
02/10/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Call with French Foreign Minister Colonna
02/10/2023 03:27 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke yesterday with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. They discussed ongoing support to the people and government of Ukraine as they fight back against Russia’s brutal war. They also discussed mutual concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and ongoing human rights violations. Secretary Blinken emphasized deep concern over the escalation of Israeli-Palestinian tensions, reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to a two-state solution, and briefed Foreign Minister Colonna on his recent visit to Israel and the West Bank. The two also discussed ongoing negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Foreign Service Institute Director Polaschik Travels to France and Jordan
02/10/2023
Foreign Service Institute Director Polaschik Travels to France and Jordan
02/10/2023 04:37 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Director of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Joan Polaschik will travel to Paris, France and Amman, Jordan February 12-17 to advance FSI’s efforts to ready the Department’s workforce for the mission demands of today and tomorrow through training and career-long learning opportunities.
In Paris, Ambassador Polaschik will attend a meeting of the Strategic Advisory Council of the French Diplomatic School, FSI’s counterpart in France. In Amman, she will engage with Jordanian government counterparts and FSI’s training partners to discuss best practices for diplomatic training. In both cities, she also will meet with constituencies from U.S. missions to discuss emerging learning needs and how best FSI can meet them. For more information, please contact FSI-SCPU_Mailbox@state.gov.
Calling for the Release of Bakhtiyar Hajiyev
02/11/2023
Calling for the Release of Bakhtiyar Hajiyev
02/11/2023 09:54 AM EST
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
We are deeply troubled that Azerbaijani activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev has remained in detention since the eve of International Human Rights Day, last December, and that he continues to face charges widely understood as politically motivated. Mr. Hajiyev, who is on a hunger strike, is suffering from a severe deterioration in his health and risks going into a coma, according to an independent physician. The United States calls for Mr. Hajiyev’s expeditious release and for the release of all persons incarcerated for exercising their fundamental freedoms.
The United States is strongly committed to advancing respect for human rights, supporting human rights defenders, and holding accountable those who commit human rights abuses. We encourage all steps toward systemic reforms, especially those regarding the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in Azerbaijan and around the world.
