Secretary Blinken’s Call with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister Konakovic
02/13/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister Konakovic
02/13/2023 12:13 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with the new Bosnia and Herzegovina Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic and congratulated him on his new role. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Konakovic discussed the importance of Euro-Atlantic integration for stability and security in the Western Balkans, how to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and the need to rise above party politics to restore efficient, transparent, and accountable governance. The Secretary also underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal war and assistance for Türkiye and the people of Syria in the wake of the devastating earthquakes.
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel to The Bahamas and Germany
02/13/2023
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel to The Bahamas and Germany
02/13/2023 04:39 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to Nassau, The Bahamas, from February 14-16 and Munich, Germany from February 17-18. In Nassau, Secretary Kerry will continue efforts to advance international cooperation among nations particularly vulnerable to the climate crisis at the 44th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In Munich, he’ll participate in the Munich Security Conference to engage in discussions on the nexus between the climate crisis and global security.
For media inquiries, please contact ClimateComms@state.gov.
Evidence of Russia’s War Crimes and Other Atrocities in Ukraine: Recent Reporting on Child Relocations
02/14/2023
Evidence of Russia’s War Crimes and Other Atrocities in Ukraine: Recent Reporting on Child Relocations
02/14/2023 01:35 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The Conflict Observatory, a program supported by the U.S. Department of State, released an independent report today detailing a vast network of Russia-run sites and processes used to relocate thousands of Ukraine’s children to areas under Russian government control. The unlawful transfer and deportation of protected persons is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians and constitutes a war crime. The fact that these are transfers and deportations of children is unconscionable by any standard. Russia must immediately halt forced transfers and deportations and return the children to their families or legal guardians. Russia must provide registration lists of Ukraine’s relocated and deported children and grant access for outside independent observers to related facilities within Russia-occupied areas of Ukraine and inside Russia itself.
This latest report, prepared by program partner Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, is available in its entirety on the Conflict Observatory’s website . It identifies 43 facilities to which the Russian government has relocated Ukraine’s children—for some, thousands of miles away from their homes. The report provides evidence of the Russian government’s systematic efforts to sever communication between the taken children and their relatives at home in Ukraine, prevent the children’s return to Ukraine, and “re-educate” them to become pro-Russia. It also describes the taking of children from Ukraine and placing them for adoption by families in Russia.
The Conflict Observatory is a program that independently compiles and documents evidence to support investigations of abuses during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Yale’s research identified several dozen Russian Federation officials and other individuals implicated in the relocation and deportation of Ukraine’s children. It makes clear that Russia’s systematic efforts reflect decisions made and actions taken at all levels of the Russian government. This report and others like it reinforce U.S. and international resolve to pursue accountability for all individuals involved in war crimes and other atrocities committed in Ukraine.
Mounting evidence of Russia’s actions lays bare the Kremlin’s aims to deny and suppress Ukraine’s identity, history, and culture. The devastating impacts of Putin’s war on Ukraine’s children will be felt for generations. The United States will stand with Ukraine and pursue accountability for Russia’s appalling abuses for as long as it takes.
Serbia National Day
02/15/2023
Serbia National Day
02/15/2023 12:01 AM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I want to congratulate the people of Serbia as you celebrate your Statehood Day.
The United States values the strategic partnership we enjoy with Serbia to advance a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for all citizens of the Western Balkans.
The United States is a strong supporter of Serbia’s EU ambitions. We are committed to working with you and our EU partners toward this important goal. I welcomed Serbia’s constructive engagement with U.S, EU, French, German, and Italian officials during a recent visit to Belgrade. I am confident that normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo will bring security and prosperity for Serbia and all citizens of the Western Balkans. Certainly, Serbian and Kosovan leaders will make difficult compromises to achieve these goals, but the rewards for the Serbian people – and the entire region – will be vast.
I also call on Serbia to support Ukraine against Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified, and brutal war. The United States welcomed Serbia’s messages of support for Ukraine at the United Nations – and we must be united in supporting the Ukrainian people’s right to choose their own future.
I am pleased our two countries recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create liaison positions for Serbian diplomats within the U.S. Department of State. This unique program will not only foster a better understanding of our respective foreign policy goals and objectives but will forge new channels of communication and build lasting partnerships.
I wish all the people of Serbia peace, prosperity, and happiness on your national day.
Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy Ambassador Nina Hachigian to Attend the Munich Security Conference
02/15/2023
Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy Ambassador Nina Hachigian to Attend the Munich Security Conference
02/15/2023 09:14 AM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy Ambassador Nina Hachigian will participate in the Munich Security Conference, February 17-19, in Munich, Germany. This annual conference on international security will bring together Heads of State, government officials, international organization representatives, mayors, local government leaders, and security experts to discuss key global security policy challenges.
Ambassador Hachigian will participate in the Munich Security Conference Townhall on the Role of Substate Actors and a panel on Cities as Guardians of Democracy? Challenges and Opportunities, hosted by the BMW Foundation. She will also meet with government officials, mayors, and governors to discuss ways the new Subnational Diplomacy team can coordinate the Department’s engagement with cities and states in the United States and around the world on security issues, climate change, and democracy renewal.
To stay updated, follow Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy Nina Hachigian on Twitter: @SubnationalDip.
For media inquiries and questions, please contact: Subnational@state.gov.
Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Germany, Türkiye, and Greece
02/15/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Germany, Türkiye, and Greece
02/15/2023 02:18 PM EST
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Germany, Türkiye, and Greece February 16-22, 2023. On February 16, he will travel to Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference, where he will participate in a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings to discuss continued support for Ukraine, assistance to Türkiye and the Syrian people, and our commitment to transatlantic security and a rules-based international order.
Secretary Blinken will visit Incirlik Air Base in Türkiye on February 19 to see firsthand U.S. efforts to assist the Turkish authorities responding to the devastation caused by the February 6 earthquakes. He will then travel to Ankara, where he will meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and other senior Turkish officials to discuss continued U.S. support to Türkiye and the Turkish people after the devastating earthquakes, as well as ways to further strengthen our partnership with Türkiye as a valued NATO Ally. Secretary Blinken will also thank the Government of Türkiye for its support for cross-border aid to affected areas of Syria.
In Athens, Greece, Secretary Blinken will meet with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis, Foreign Minister Dendias, and Leader of the Opposition Alexis Tsipras to discuss defense cooperation, energy security, and our shared commitment to defend democracy. Secretary Blinken will launch the fourth round of the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue on February 21.
Special Envoy Medina’s Travel to London
02/15/2023
Special Envoy Medina’s Travel to London
02/15/2023 03:32 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Special Envoy for Biodiversity and Water Resources Monica Medina will travel to London, United Kingdom, February 16-17 to participate in the Nature Action: Private Sector Mobilisation Event sponsored by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
While in London Special Envoy Medina, who also serves as Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental Affairs, will engage with counterparts and private sector representatives to strengthen support for implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework, advance nature finance efforts, and champion action to conserve and protect nature.
For media inquiries, please contact OES-PA-DG@state.gov.
Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried On Secretary Blinken’s Upcoming Travel to Germany, Türkiye, and Greece
02/15/2023
Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried On Secretary Blinken’s Upcoming Travel to Germany, Türkiye, and Greece
02/15/2023 07:26 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Via Teleconference
MR PATEL: Hi there, everybody. Good afternoon and thanks so much for joining us today for this preview call to preview Secretary Blinken’s trip to Germany, Türkiye, and Greece. This call will be on the record but embargoed until the call’s conclusion. Joining us today we have our Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Dr. Karen Donfried. We of course will have some time for Q&A towards the end, but first I will turn it over to Assistant Secretary Donfried for some opening thoughts.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY DONFRIED: Well, good afternoon to everybody. Thanks, Vedant, and thanks to all of you who are taking the time to join us today. I was thinking back at this time last year, and we were then on the cusp of the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite our efforts and international efforts to urge Moscow to de-escalate and choose diplomacy then, as we all know, Putin rejected that approach and instead deliberately chose to once again invade Ukraine’s sovereign territory.
Putin expected a quick victory, but he underestimated the resolve, capability, and bravery of the people of Ukraine. Putin also underestimated U.S. resolve and the unwavering unity of our allies and partners to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. The United States rallied the world to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and democracy against Russia’s brutal war.
One year later, the United States and our allies and partners remain in lockstep to support Ukraine, to hold Russia accountable, and to deter Russian aggression against NATO Allies. Putin thought he would break the West and roll over Ukraine. He was wrong. One year on, our commitment has not waned.
Secretary Blinken will travel to Germany, Türkiye, and Greece from February 16 to 22nd. On February 16, he will travel to Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference, where he will participate in a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings. Secretary Blinken will emphasize the United States commitment to transatlantic security and a rules-based international order.
On February 19, Secretary Blinken will visit Incirlik Air Base in Türkiye to see firsthand U.S. efforts to assist the Turkish authorities in responding to the devastation caused by the February 6th earthquakes. He will then travel to Ankara to further our dialogue and cooperation with senior Turkish officials. The Secretary will express our sincerest condolences to Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu for the victims of the earthquakes and discuss how the United States can strengthen our ongoing effort to provide assistance in coordination with the Turkish Government. Secretary Blinken will express our gratitude to the Government of Türkiye for reopening the border so aid can flow into northwest Syria.
The Secretary will also discuss ways to further strengthen our partnership with Türkiye as a longstanding and valued NATO Ally. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Cavusoglu will hold a joint press availability together. On Monday, Secretary Blinken will visit Anitkabir to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
The Secretary will arrive in Athens, Greece the evening of February 20 and meet with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis. On Tuesday, Secretary Blinken will hold a bilateral meeting and joint press availability with Greek Foreign Minister Dendias. Together they will launch the Fourth U.S.-Greek Strategic Dialogue. Also on Tuesday, Secretary Blinken will meet with former Greek Prime Minister Tsipras. During his meetings in Athens, Secretary Blinken will discuss defense and security cooperation, energy security, and our countries’ shared commitment to defend democracy with our key NATO Ally.
Thanks so much, and I look forward to answering your questions.
MR PATEL: Thanks so much, Assistant Secretary. Operator, could you please remind our reporters on how they may ask a question in the queue?
OPERATOR: Yes, thank you. And ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to ask a question, please press 1 then 0 on your telephone keypad. You may withdraw your question at any time by repeating the 1, 0 command. If using a speakerphone, please pick up the handset before press the numbers. Once again, if you have a question, you may press 1 then 0 at this time.
MR PATEL: Thanks so much. Let’s start with Matt Lee from the Associated Press.
QUESTION: Hello?
MR PATEL: Go ahead.
QUESTION: Can you hear – yeah, you can all hear me? Ok. Thanks, Assistant Secretary. I was wondering two things briefly. One is that, unless I missed it and I got distracted for a second, but is there no confirmed meeting with Erdogan in Türkiye?
And secondly, does the Secretary have any stops before Munich? Thank you.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY DONFRIED: So, Matt, thanks for both those questions. Great to hear your voice. So on the Türkiye piece, I’m not giving you a full laydown of the schedule, but what I’ve shared with you is what we’re sharing at this point. And then the schedule as it stands today – as you know, schedules shift, but at present we are going to the Munich Security Conference as the first stop.
MR PATEL: Thanks so much. Let’s next go to the line of Will Mauldin with The Wall Street Journal.
QUESTION: Hi. Thank you so much, Assistant Secretary. I just wanted to ask at the Munich Security Conference if Secretary Blinken will sit down with Wang Yi from China or whether you or other members of the State Department are trying to set up such a meeting. And then also, just any clarity you have on Matt’s comments, whether it’s possible that Secretary Blinken will meet President Erdogan of Türkiye or whether that’s not in the cards. Thank you so much.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY DONFRIEND: Hey, Will, thanks for those questions. So to start on the Munich piece, so as you can imagine, there are going to be lots of opportunities for bilateral engagements at the Munich Security Conference. That agenda is still taking shape. So I don’t have specific announcements on that, but we’ll surely have more to say in the coming days.
And then just to give you a better sense of the Munich Security Conference piece, we do know the Secretary will be participating in a panel discussion. We feel that it’s probably for the Munich Security Conference to announce that schedule, so he will have a speaking role there. And then also he will be participating in a G7 meeting that will likely have a strong focus on Russia’s war against Ukraine, and then he’ll also have opportunity for a joint meeting with his British, French, and German colleagues there, just to give you more of a sense of the Munich piece.
And then on the Türkiye piece, it’s really what I shared with Matt, that there are other parts of the agenda when he’ll be in Türkiye. But what I shared with you at the outset is what we’re in a position to announce right now. So thanks.
MR PATEL: Thanks so much. We’ll next go to Leon Bruneau with AFP.
QUESTION: Yeah, hi. Thanks for doing this. Actually, my questions were raised by the previous – my previous colleagues. It was both on Wang Yi and what bilaterals are going to happen in Munich specifically, and also on the other one. So I heard your answers and I take it that you’re not in a position yet to confirm any of those bilaterals. Is that correct?
ASSISTANT SECRETARY DONFRIEND: Yeah. Thanks for reiterating the questions, but yes, that is correct.
QUESTION: Okay. Thanks.
MR PATEL: Let’s next go to Nike Ching with Voice of America.
QUESTION: Thank you so much for this call briefing. Can you hear me?
MR PATEL: Yes. Go ahead.
QUESTION: Great. First question: Should we expect a major announcement on the security assistance to Ukraine during or after the Munich Security Conference? And in Greece, will the Secretary speak about the role of Greece in supporting the EU integration process of North Macedonia around – and other Balkans countries, given the tensions in the region and the significant Russia propaganda? Thank you.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY DONFRIEND: Well, thanks for both those questions. On your first one about a major announcement of security assistance, what you’ve seen over the past year-plus is the Biden administration providing a very significant amount of security assistance to Ukraine. It’s now around $30 billion. Just yesterday we had the most recent meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, and that’s where you saw about 50 countries come together and coordinate their security assistance to Ukraine going forward. And of course the Ukrainians participate in that as well.
So no, I wouldn’t be anticipating any major announcement at the Munich Security Conference, but I do want to highlight the amount of aid that’s been given, not just by the U.S. but collectively to those countries that have been supporting Ukraine in defending itself against Russian aggression.
And then on your question about Greece and North Macedonia, of course Greece is a valued NATO Ally of ours. It also is a key member of the European Union. And we’ve seen Greece consistently play a role in supporting the European Union’s enlargement more broadly in the Balkans. And so on North Macedonia, certainly Greece has been a champion of North Macedonia and other Western Balkans countries in terms of their pursuing that Euro-Atlantic future and seeking membership in the European Union.
And I think – I can’t tell you exactly what the Secretary will discuss with his counterparts in Greece, but I could imagine that would be one topic. I do think that many of the issues on the broader agenda, such as Ukraine and Russia, will surely loom large as will, of course, the earthquakes that Greece’s neighbor, Türkiye, and Syria have experienced last week. So I think there are many issues that the Secretary will be discussing with our Greek Allies. Thanks so much.
MR PATEL: Thank you so much. Let’s next go to the line of John Hudson with The Washington Post.
QUESTION: Thanks, Dr. Donfried. I appreciate it. Can you talk a little bit about what the U.S. priorities are going to be should there be an opportunity to engage with the Chinese? I know that’s not – this is not a moment to confirm any bilateral meetings. And then more to – specifically to your portfolio, what will be the conversations that the U.S. will be having with European partners when it comes to a sort of cohesive strategy on China? Can you say a little bit about what will be on the agenda with the European partners in terms of getting on the same page?
ASSISTANT SECRETARY DONFRIED: So John, I’m happy to take the second question, which does, as you noted, really fall squarely into my responsibilities. The first question I’ll pass to Vedant because I think he may be better positioned to answer that about the broader U.S.-PRC relationship. But if we think about the transatlantic relationship and the role that the PRC plays today, as you know I’ve been someone who’s worked on Europe and on transatlantic relations for a long time, and I’m really struck by how close our views of the PRC are today compared to, let’s say, five years ago. And I think a lot of our European partners were seeing the PRC primarily as a place for the export of European products. And when China took on its Belt and Road Initiative and Europe suddenly realized that China was coming to Europe and buying up strategic critical infrastructure, it changed their perspective on China.
And there’s been a really important conversation happening across the Atlantic about how we see the relationship with the PRC. And most recently, what we’ve seen over the past year – actually, it was just about this time last year, a little earlier, that we saw China and Russia declare their no-limits partnership. And I do think we’ve seen that strategic alignment between Xi and Putin continue, and so we’re also focused on that relationship in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine. And as you know, we’ve been very clear, from President Biden to Secretary of Blinken to all officials who engage with their Chinese counterparts, to say that we understand that there’s this strategic alignment between the PRC and Russia, but if we were to see China providing material support to Russia in its war against Ukraine, that would fundamentally change our relationship with the PRC and have significant consequences for it.
So I think on these multiple levels, the relationship between the U.S. and Europe is a very different one than it was five years ago. And you have in the Biden administration certainly a President who believes deeply that the U.S. is stronger when it is meeting global challenges with its allies and partners. During the campaign and from day one in the White House, President Biden has given priority to revitalizing our alliances and partnerships. And I think you’ve seen that group of like-mindeds, of allies and partners coming together in terms of how to best meet the China challenge as well.
But Vedant, let me pass the baton to you because you may have some comments on that first question that John had. Thanks.
MR PATEL: Thanks so much, Assistant Secretary. John, you saw Ned speak to this at the briefing today, as well as Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in some of her engagements this week, including today. Our focus, even in light of the discovery of this high-altitude surveillant asset last week, has been to manage this relationship responsibly. That has continued to always be our focus, and Secretary Blinken’s intended visit to the PRC was always meant to be a follow-on to the meeting that President Biden and President Xi had on the margins of the G20 summit in Bali. And so we’ll continue to keep those lines of communications open and, as Secretary Blinken and others have said, we’ll be in a place to revisit a potential trip when the conditions allow.
We will now go to the line of Shannon Crawford with ABC News.
QUESTION: Two questions. One, during the press briefing Ned pushed ahead a little bit and said that he anticipated that Secretary Blinken might be in a position to speak to what more the U.S. can do to help the people of Türkiye and Syria recover from the earthquake. I was wondering if you could share any details on that. And secondly, I was wondering if any of the countries that you do have bilateral or multilateral engagements scheduled with for the upcoming trip, if they’ve expressed interest in further discussing China’s surveillance program and the information you’ve shared. Thanks.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY DONFRIED: So, thanks, Shannon, for both those questions. And again, the second one I’ll probably turn over to Vedant. But on the first one, there’s no question in my mind that the destructive earthquakes that hit Türkiye last week will be uppermost on everyone’s minds when the Secretary is in Türkiye. And as you know, the United States immediately responded to that tragedy in both Türkiye and Syria. We deployed the Disaster Assistance Response Teams within hours, and as you know, we’ve also provided 85 million in our initial response. We’ve deployed USAID’s urban search and rescue team that has almost 200 members, 12 dogs, 170,000 pounds of specialized equipment, and this new funding will support USAID’s broader response efforts. So that is an operation that is taking place out of Incirlik, and that is why the Secretary thought that it would be useful to make that stop in Incirlik. And I will say it was welcomed by our Turkish allies, to bring attention to the enormity of the tragedy that we see playing out in Türkiye today. And I know we’re now over 40,000 who have lost their lives in both countries. And certainly in the case of Türkiye, this is the worst earthquake that Türkiye has ever experienced. So I think all of our hearts go out to our friends and allies in Türkiye who are trying to manage a really tragic situation.
So let me stop there and I’ll pass the baton to Vedant. Thanks.
MR PATEL: Thanks so much, Shannon. Your second question’s a little bit out of the – outside of the scope of this preview call, but I will just reiterate what many have said from across this administration in the past week, that we of course remain in close touch with our allies and partners on the PRC surveillance program, and have of course – will continue to remain in touch on that matter.
Let’s next go to the line of Michail Ignatiou from Hellas.
QUESTION: Yes, hello. My question is this: Is the Secretary going to try to fix a dialogue between Athens and Ankara after the extraordinary move by Greece to help Türkiye after the earthquake and, of course, after the visit of the Greek Prime Minister Dendias to Türkiye? As you maybe know, after the earthquake, Türkiye stopped all the threats against Greece, and it’s an important move. And also, if you can’t make a comment, because as you know, Greece and the Greek people rush to help Türkiye after the earthquakes. Thank you.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY DONFRIED: Well, thanks so much for your questions. First, just let me step back and say of course Türkiye and Greece are both very much valued allies of the United States. As you know, the United States also has a presence in the Aegean, and so we are always interested in ensuring that relations between our two allies are as strong as they can be. And I think both countries have played important roles in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, which has been so much of the focus of the past year.
You referenced Foreign Minister Dendias’s visit to Türkiye, and I will say it was moving to see Foreign Minister Dendias and Foreign Minister Cavusoglu together be looking at the horrible destruction that the earthquake wreaked in Türkiye. And I think, frankly, it reminded all of us of our shared humanity. And I think that really is what is called for at this moment. That’s what allies are for, that’s what friends are for. When one of us is in trouble, the rest of us go and do our best to help.
So let me stop with that. Thanks so much.
MR PATEL: Thank you so much. I think we’ve got time for one final question. So let’s go to the line of Nadia Bilbassy with Al Arabiya.
QUESTION: Thank you so much. Actually, my question was about whether the Secretary was going to meet with partners of the U.S. who are delivering aid to the earthquake victims in Türkiye, and whether will you announce a new assistant to Syrians on this trip. But I think the assistant secretary mentioned part of it in my – in the previous question.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY DONFRIED: Yeah. Thanks for that question. And yes, the stop in Incirlik is very much focused on the relief that we are providing to Türkiye, and really to help draw attention to the enormity of the tragedy that Türkiye has suffered in the wake of the February 6th earthquakes. So that visit will be focused on, of course, expressing sincere condolences to our Turkish friends who have suffered these losses, and really to put a spotlight on the assistance efforts. And yes, we’re focusing on U.S. efforts, but of course we want to applaud everyone around the world who has stepped in at this critical moment to provide that support to Türkiye as well as to those living in Syria. So that will very much be a focus of the Sunday agenda in Türkiye.
So thanks very much.
MR PATEL: Thanks so much again, everybody, for joining today’s preview call. As a reminder, this call was on the record but embargoed until the call’s conclusion, which will be momentarily. Thank you again, and we’ll talk to you all very soon.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY DONFRIED: Thanks, all, for joining. Thanks, Vedant. Bye-bye.
Lithuania National Day
02/16/2023
Lithuania National Day
02/16/2023 12:01 AM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Lithuania as you celebrate your independence.
Lithuania has been a valued partner since our diplomatic relations began more than a century ago. Over the past year, Lithuania has shown through its strong support for the people of Ukraine an unwavering commitment to helping other countries defend their freedom and sovereignty against Russia’s brutal aggression. Lithuania has also demonstrated its commitment to upholding democratic principles and human rights through its support of Belarusian exiles fleeing the Lukashenka regime’s brutal repression in Belarus, including through offering a safe haven to the leader of the democratic opposition Syvatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
I also commend Lithuania’s principled stance towards democracies and open societies, including Taiwan. This year Lithuania will host the NATO Summit, which reflects Lithuania’s key role in the Alliance.
The United States will continue to stand as an Ally with Lithuania in defending our collective security and championing the shared democratic values we cherish.
I send best wishes for health, prosperity, and security to all Lithuanians.
Joint Statement of the United States of America and the Netherlands on Cooperation in Quantum Information Science and Technology
02/16/2023
Joint Statement of the United States of America and the Netherlands on Cooperation in Quantum Information Science and Technology
02/16/2023 12:53 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The text of the following joint statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Netherlands.
Begin Text:
The United States of America and the Netherlands,
• 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;
• 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; and
• Mindful of the terms of research and innovation programs in which both nations actively participate, and within which both advocate for international cooperation to be as open as possible.
The United States of America and the Netherlands 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 by:
• Embarking on good-faith cooperation founded upon shared principles including openness, transparency, equity, fair competition, freedom of inquiry, protection and enforcement of intellectual property, and democratic values, thereby driving rigor and integrity in research.
• 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 discuss and recognize the progress of research in QIST, which in turn will lead to the identification of overlapping interests and opportunities for future scientific cooperation.
• Promoting avenues to encourage a respectful research environment, facilitate multidisciplinary research, and share, on a voluntary basis and on mutually agreed terms, research methodologies, infrastructure, and data.
• Utilizing existing mechanisms for collaboration that create opportunities for academic institutions, industry consortia, major laboratories, and stakeholders in our global science and innovation community.
• Enabling opportunities to build a trusted global market and supply chain for QIST research and development, and supporting economic growth, by engaging stakeholders including industry consortia, research leaders, policy makers, and business security stakeholders to grow the future QIST marketplace.
• Supporting the development of the next generation of scientists and engineers necessary to expand the field, which could include personnel exchanges.
• Respecting the importance of our QIST ecosystems and taking into account that these communities will rely on close international connections and collaborations, since the solutions that need to be developed are at a scale where no single entity can develop all components for the broader ecosystem alone.
• 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 potentially be applied, such as energy, health, and cybersecurity.
• Exploring other potential activities to be decided upon by participating countries.
We intend to promote cooperation in QIST as outlined in this vision for the mutual benefit of participating countries and continue to enhance scientific cooperation under our respective leaderships. This Joint Statement does not create any rights or obligations under international law.
End text
For more information, please visit: https://www.quantum.gov/the-united-states-and-the-netherlands-sign-joint-statement-to-enhance-cooperation-on-quantum/
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Descôtes
02/16/2023
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Descôtes
02/16/2023 04:24 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Anne-Marie Descôtes. The Deputy Secretary and the Secretary General reaffirmed their support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked and brutal war. They also discussed assistance to Türkiye and the people of Syria after the devastating earthquake on February 6. In addition, the Deputy Secretary and the Secretary General discussed the need for close cooperation to address the challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with German Foreign Minister Baerbock
02/17/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with German Foreign Minister Baerbock
02/17/2023 01:45 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today in Munich with German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock. The Secretary thanked Germany for its close collaboration and strong support for Ukraine, including military, financial, and humanitarian assistance. Secretary Blinken underscored the United States’ steadfast commitment to NATO and welcoming Sweden and Finland into the Alliance as swiftly as possible. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed cooperation on climate change, helping Moldova meet its energy needs, and managing the global challenges posed by the PRC.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Moldovan President Maia Sandu After Their Meeting
02/17/2023
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Moldovan President Maia Sandu After Their Meeting
02/17/2023 03:53 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Munich, Germany
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good evening, everyone. It’s a great pleasure and, I would say, actually an honor to be with President Sandu, someone whose leadership in an incredibly challenging time we greatly admire. And we stand strongly with Moldova in support of its security, its independence, its territorial integrity, the very important reform efforts that the president and the government are making. At the same time, we have deep concern about some of the plotting that we’ve seen coming from Russia to try to destabilize the government, but appreciate, of course, the efforts that – the good efforts being made by Moldova to protect against that.
We spent some time talking about the number one focus of the government and of the president, and that is on the economy and on helping to continue to improve the lives and the futures of Moldovans. I think Moldova has been, not of its own making, in a perfect storm of challenges coming from outside that have had a big impact inside Moldova. But the government has a strong reform program but also a strong economic program.
Energy is a big component of that. The United States remains a strong supporter of the efforts that Moldova’s making to diversify its energy supply so that it can have real resilience, and of course the prices will come down. And we will continue the work that we’re doing to support Moldova’s economy, the energy sector reform, and also of course its security. And we very much look forward to working with the very – the new government in the weeks and months ahead.
So Madam President, thank you. As always, very good to be with you.
PRESIDENT SANDU: Dear Secretary of State, as you know, 2022 has been an incredibly difficult year for Moldova. The United States have been by our sides at every step of us managing the difficult challenges in energy, economy, security. You have helped us provide compensations to people so that they could afford to buy – to pay for heating and gas and electricity. You also helped us diversify the energy resources. In the economic area, you helped us support the small and medium enterprises because they had to face a very high inflation. Some of them lost the markets because of the war in Ukraine.
And you’ve been helping us in strengthening our security. You have been helping us modernizing the army, dealing – fighting the cyber threats and disinformation. And on behalf of the Moldovan citizens, I would like to thank you, to thank the United States for the comprehensive assistance that we have been receiving.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Moldovan President Sandu
02/17/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Moldovan President Sandu
02/17/2023 04:38 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Munich, Germany. Secretary Blinken and President Sandu discussed Moldova’s efforts to advance its democratic reform agenda, strengthen its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and increase its energy security. The Secretary highlighted ongoing U.S. assistance to help Moldova increase its political and economic resilience and address the severe impacts of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Secretary Blinken and President Sandu discussed ways to continue deepening the U.S.-Moldova partnership and working with the new Moldovan Prime Minister and cabinet to promote peace, prosperity, and democracy.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev Before Their Meeting
02/18/2023
Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev Before Their Meeting
02/18/2023 08:51 AM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Munich, Germany
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. I want to thank President Aliyev, Prime Minister Pashinyan for being here today. We believe that Armenia and Azerbaijan have a genuinely historic opportunity to secure an enduring peace after more than 30 years of conflict. The parties themselves have renewed their focus on a peace process, including through direct conversation as well as with the EU and ourselves. The United States is committed to doing anything we can to support these efforts, whether it’s directly with our friends, whether it’s in a trilateral format such as this, or with other international partners.
But I’m very grateful for the presence of both the president and the prime minister today, and look forward to a good conversation. Thank you.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dymtro Kuleba Before Their Meeting
02/18/2023
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dymtro Kuleba Before Their Meeting
02/18/2023 03:06 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Munich, Germany
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
SECRETARY BLINKEN: (In progress.) Dmytro and I have basically been spending the day together in one way or another. We just came from the panel discussion. But what I can report is that from the meetings that we’ve had here over the last 24 hours with so many different countries, the solidarity with and support for Ukraine remains stronger than ever, and there is a great determination from virtually all of the countries represented here to continue that support for as long as it takes for Ukraine to succeed and to continue to stand against this Russian aggression. We have a big week, of course, coming up as well in New York, marking the first anniversary of the Russian aggression, and so we’ll be heading there later next week.
But meanwhile, we’ll continue to do what we’ve been doing all along virtually every day, which is coordinating as closely as possible in the support that we’re providing to Ukraine – security support, economic support, humanitarian support – and we’re doing it in close partnership. And so this is an opportunity for me – not that we need that opportunity because we’re constantly on the phone, we’re seeing each other – but another important opportunity to make sure that we are fully synced up about the way ahead.
Dmytro.
FOREIGN MINISTER KULEBA: Yes. There is, as always, a lot on our plate. And first of all, we – we’ve been talking about 2023. In 2022, many unbelievably important and unprecedented decisions were made, including on the – on providing Ukraine with necessary weapons. Now we are preparing to go into the battle with everything that we need to liberate our territory and prevail, and therefore, key words for this year, 2023, is speed and sustainability – speed of delivery and sustainability of supply.
These are the things where – these are the issues on which cooperation with the United States becomes absolutely indispensable. And Tony and I will work – we’ll coordinate these issues effectively. And also, as we’re heading towards the first sad, tragic anniversary of the large-scale invasion, we should never forget that the work began in 2014, but the full invasion in 2023.
We also – we will also be discussing our reach-out to countries of Global South and the mobilization of support for the United Nations and other multilateral formats.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, my friend. Thanks, everyone.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken With German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba At the Munich Security Conference
02/18/2023
Secretary Antony J. Blinken With German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba At the Munich Security Conference
02/18/2023 03:31 PM EST
Munich, Germany
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
MODERATOR: Good afternoon everyone. Please join me in welcoming three foreign ministers to talk about visions for Ukraine, the most important vision of which is peace. Annalena Baerbock – (applause) – Antony Blinken – (applause) – and of course, Mr. Kuleba – (applause) – wonderful to have you.
When we’re thinking about Ukraine, I think all of us want to think about a future Ukraine that is at peace, but how do we get there – and most importantly once we do get there – how do we ensure that Ukraine remains at peace because Russian aggression may return. So I’d like to start with you, Minister Baerbock, and ask you: How do you see the end of the war? What is – what are the steps that you think need to be achieved? And do you see this as potentially a negotiated solution at the end of the day, or will it – can it only be achieved through military victory by the Ukrainians?
FOREIGN MINISTER BAERBOCK: Well, in the end, there must be peace, and it has to be just and endurable, a peace. And there’s one easy way that this war will end and that we have peace again, and this is Russia stops bombing and just – Russia withdraws its troop. And we can do this tomorrow. If Russia decides to withdraw their own troops tomorrow, then we do have peace again, not only in Ukraine but peace around the whole world, because we see the negative effects.
And I think we have to be aware of three points on the path if Russia doesn’t take this decision. Russia – and we debated it within the last two days here also in Munich – is counting on that at some point we are too exhausted, and we as an international community – and would give in – and meaning that saying stop the fighting and stop the military support from other countries in the world. But what would that mean? Would that mean peace? No, because part of Ukraine, which is now still under the control of Russian would remain under the control of Russian. And those who are saying, “Just stop the hostilities right now and this is automatically peace,” this peace would mean that we would give those people of Ukraine towards Russia. And this would also mean that this is the end of the international order and the end of international law.
Because this is my second point – and I think the chancellor and also President Macron made that clear yesterday as well – if at this moment we would say Russia should just take part of Ukraine, then Russia would have won with a method that one aggressor can just conquer another country, and then it would be the end of the culture of the United Nation. And my third point I would like to make, because also in Germany, I think always around the world, people ask, “But if you wouldn’t have delivered weapons in the beginning, maybe there wouldn’t be so much fighting.”
I think we have to ask the question the opposite way around: If we wouldn’t have decided on the 27th of February in German parliament – or on the 24th around the world – to support Ukraine, there wouldn’t be 13 million refugees in Ukraine or outside of Ukraine – one million in Germany. The total population of Ukraine is 42 million people. If we wouldn’t have supported Ukraine since February 27th, then we would have seen Bucha, Mariupol, everywhere in the whole country.
So those of the people asking around the world: So what were the effects from the sanctions? What were the effects from the international support? The effect was that unfortunately we could not bring back peace to Ukraine because Russia still wants to destroy Ukraine, but we could save millions of people’s life, and that was worth every day. And we will save these life and protect these civilians every single day as long as Russia attacks Ukraine.
(Applause.)
Thank you.
MODERATOR: I want to bring you in, Mr. Blinken. Is – when we talk about peace, are we talking about Russia returning to February lines or are we talking about post-2014? Because Crimea is an issue that Ukrainians care a lot about. And I’m sure you’d like to comment on this, Minister Kuleba.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, first let me say how wonderful it is to be here in Munich again, but especially wonderful to be surrounded by my two good friends and colleagues. Germany has been absolutely extraordinary in its leadership over the last year: the third largest donor to Ukraine in total, taking steps that I think few of us in this room would have imagined possible before the Russian aggression, and that’s due to the leadership of the chancellor and it’s due to the leadership of my friend Annalena Baerbock, who has been extraordinary from day one. We have been shoulder-to-shoulder from day one. And of course, Dmytro Kuleba has been the voice and the face in many ways of Ukraine around the world, not just with us but literally around the world, building support on every continent. And his own personal courage and the way he does his work on behalf of his country is extraordinary, so I thought it was important to acknowledge that as well as all of you.
Look, simply put, fundamentally these are decisions for our Ukrainian friends to make. This is their country, their future, their decision. I am, as usual, in violent agreement with everything that Annalena said. And I think we have to be wary of two things. First, we have to be very wary of this somehow false equivalence – and never lose sight of the fact that there is an aggressor and there is a victim. And we – the world should not in any way expect of Ukraine things on parallel with what we need to expect of Russia. As Annalena said, if Russia withdraws its troops today, the war is over. Of course, if Ukraine stops fighting today, Ukraine is over. And it’s as simple and basic as that.
Where this goes – as Annalena said, we will support the decisions of our Ukrainian friends about the future of their country. But I think we all have a profound stake in, as Annalena said, a just and durable peace. And what do we mean by that? Just in that any peace has to be consistent with the principles of the United Nations Charter. It is fundamentally against the interests of every other country around the world to wind up with a result that somehow vindicates the seizure by force of territory, that validates that. Because if we do that, we will open a Pandora’s box around the world, and every would-be aggressor will conclude that: If
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
02/18/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba
02/18/2023 05:44 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba today in Munich, Germany, on the margins of the Munich Security Conference. The Secretary underscored enduring U.S. support for Ukraine as the one-year mark of Russia’s full-scale invasion draws near. The two discussed ongoing preparations for February 24, including planned engagements at the United Nations, OSCE, and other multilateral fora. The Secretary previewed upcoming security and economic assistance packages for Ukraine and reaffirmed President Biden’s statement that the United States stands united with Ukraine.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Aliyev
02/18/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Aliyev
02/18/2023 05:37 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met jointly with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today in Munich to advance the bilateral peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He took note of the significant progress the two sides have made over the last several months towards a peace agreement and the offer of EU President Charles Michel to host the parties in Brussels. During their discussion, the Secretary underscored the need for free and open commercial and private transit through the Lachin corridor. He also called on the parties to open other transportation routes.
