Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Robinson Travels to Tbilisi, Rome, Vatican City, and Vienna
03/06/2023
Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Robinson Travels to Tbilisi, Rome, Vatican City, and Vienna
03/06/2023 08:53 AM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Todd D. Robinson will travel to Tbilisi, Georgia from March 6-8 where he will attend the Women in Policing Conference and meet with INL’s partners in justice and law enforcement.
From March 9-10, Assistant Secretary Robinson will travel to Rome, Italy for meetings with the Government of Italy and to Vatican City for meetings with the Holy See. He will also meet with the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) to discuss efforts on countering corruption and transnational organized crime.
Assistant Secretary Robinson then travels to Vienna, Austria from March 13-17 as co-Head of the U.S. Delegation to the 66th United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) – the premier multilateral counternarcotics forum. In this leading role, Assistant Secretary Robinson will spearhead U.S. efforts to drive intensified international cooperation to counter the health and security threats posed by illicit synthetic drugs.
For more information, please contact INL-PAPD@state.gov and follow INL on Twitter at @StateINL .
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis Before Their Meeting
03/06/2023
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis Before Their Meeting
03/06/2023 04:39 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, D.C.
Thomas Jefferson Room
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon, everyone. It’s a great pleasure to welcome my friend, the foreign minister of Lithuania, here today. Gabrielius, welcome back to the State Department, to Washington. I think we – we met almost exactly a year ago today in Vilnius, but it’s really great to have you here.
And this is a momentous period in a number of ways. We, of course, have the work that we are doing together with the great leadership of Lithuania in helping Ukraine continue to defend itself against the aggression from Russia; work that is now being done to prepare for what will be a very important NATO summit in Vilnius in just a few months’ time, so I look forward to comparing notes on that as we head to the summit, as well as the ongoing support for Ukraine.
And I must say as well that Lithuania has done an extraordinary job standing up to and resisting economic coercion coming from China because of its relationship with Taiwan. We strongly supported Lithuania in those efforts. I think your leadership in effectively resisting that economic coercion is a model for other countries, and we continue to stand with you in dealing with that.
So it’s very good to have you here today, and look forward to a good conversation.
FOREIGN MINISTER LANDSBERGIS: Well, thank you. And it is a great pleasure, an honor, to be back here and to have a chance to thank you and your country for the support that you provided to Ukraine throughout the last year. And I wish we had been meeting in calmer, more boring times; unfortunately, we’re living in historic times, and therefore it shows that we are having in three – in two years what is our third meeting, if I’m not mistaken.
And I will use this chance also to thank for standing up with Lithuania when it comes to China’s coercion. I think truly we developed a success story. And unfortunately, most likely it won’t be the last time when countries are coerced, and I’m happy to provide all the information from Lithuania how did we manage that.
But I will also use this opportunity to thank in a bit historic matter for U.S. being not afraid, 30 years ago, to see the Soviet Union losing a standoff of decades-long. And out of that standoff, out of that victory, and out of that loss, came Lithuanian independence. And me sitting here is the evidence of that victory 30 years ago. You were not afraid then, and I think we need to reassure ourselves and our partners in Ukraine that we won’t be afraid of their victory again today. Because out of their victory a independent, sovereign, democratic, free Ukraine will be reborn out of this unjust war that is happening in Ukraine.
So once again, I’m very grateful for the chance to meet and talk, and hopefully we’re preparing for better times to come. Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, everyone.
Joint Statement by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis
03/06/2023
Joint Statement by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis
03/06/2023 06:27 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is the text of a Joint Statement following a meeting between Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis and Secretary Blinken in Washington, D.C.
Begin Text
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis met on March 6, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Their meeting underscored the strength of the U.S.-Lithuania relationship as NATO Allies and close partners as well as deep cooperation on a broad range of topics. They reaffirmed the shared commitment to the values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights that have underpinned our partnership for more than a century.
Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Landsbergis confirmed the unwavering support of the United States and Lithuania for Ukraine as it defends its territory and democracy from Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion. The two leaders committed to continue imposing strong economic costs on Russia through sanctions and pursuing accountability for those responsible for Russia’s attacks. They also pledged to continue to provide the support Ukraine needs to alleviate the suffering of its people and to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders until Ukraine prevails while encouraging Allies and partners to do the same. They reiterated their call for Russia to immediately stop its war of aggression against Ukraine and withdraw all its forces and military equipment from Ukraine’s territory. They looked forward to achieving a successful NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania in July 2023. They also committed to work together to enhance NATO’s deterrence and defense and to strengthen NATO’s partnership with Ukraine to advance its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Foreign Minister Landsbergis and Secretary Blinken also reaffirmed their strong concerns about the PRC’s recent and ongoing economic coercion of partner economies and provocative actions that undermine the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. They underscored the need for continued U.S. engagement in the face of economic coercion. Secretary Blinken expressed appreciation for Lithuania’s resolve in withstanding the PRC’s unjustified political and economic coercion. Foreign Minister Landsbergis expressed appreciation for the many actions the United States has taken to support Lithuania in withstanding PRC coercion and turning it into an economic opportunity. They further reiterated the importance of close cooperation to uphold the rules-based international order, including recognizing the importance of the United States joining as a third party in the WTO case brought against China for discriminatory trade practices in Lithuania. They welcomed the development of joint projects between Lithuania and Taiwan in semiconductors, lasers and other areas. The leaders also seek to strengthen Lithuania’s robust economic partnership with Taiwan, support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international fora, and deepen people-to-people ties with Taiwan.
Drawing on the principles outlined in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy in February 2022, Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Landsbergis reaffirmed their commitment to advance a common vision for an Indo-Pacific region that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. They expressed their support for the mutual goal of closer cooperation between NATO and its Asia-Pacific Partners, and underlined the need to create secure and resilient supply chains and to collaborate on critical and emerging technologies and countering cyber threats. They also look forward to Lithuania’s development of an Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Finally, Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Landsbergis underscored the importance of the Summit for Democracy process as a means to strengthen democratic governance and protect human rights. In this regard, Secretary Blinken expressed appreciation for Lithuania’s ongoing leadership on building resilience to authoritarian coercion. The Secretary and Foreign Minister endorsed efforts by academia and civil society to increase resilience in the face of propaganda and false narratives.
End Text
State Department and European Commission Engage Diamond Industry to Discuss Next Steps on Russian Diamonds
03/06/2023
State Department and European Commission Engage Diamond Industry to Discuss Next Steps on Russian Diamonds
03/06/2023 08:13 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Today, Ambassador James O’Brien joined Deputy Director General and Chief Trade Enforcement Officer Denis Redonnet of the European Commission to discuss with the U.S. and European offices of leading diamond retailers, manufacturers, laboratories, and industry trade associations the importance of the diamond industry’s engagement on future Russia-related import measures, including on polished diamonds, as noted in the recent G7 Leaders’ Statement. Russia continues to earn billions of dollars from the diamond trade, and the discussion centered on the most effective and impactful ways to disrupt that revenue stream. The United States and European Union remain committed to imposing economic consequences on Russia for its unprovoked war in Ukraine.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Romanian Foreign Minister Aurescu
03/07/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Romanian Foreign Minister Aurescu
03/07/2023 01:04 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke yesterday with Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Aurescu discussed opportunities for continued bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including collective security, support for Moldova’s reform agenda and energy security, assistance for Ukraine, and the need to hold Russia accountable for its brutal war.
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter Travels to Tirana and Lisbon
03/07/2023
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter Travels to Tirana and Lisbon
03/07/2023 07:13 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter will travel March 8-15 to Tirana, Albania, and Lisbon, Portugal. The Assistant Secretary will meet with embassy staff and observe consular operations in both cities. While in Tirana, she will meet with government officials to reaffirm our commitment to providing visa services for Albanians. While in Lisbon, she will meet with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss bilateral visa matters and meet with U.S. embassy personnel to review consular support to U.S. citizens and visa applicants in Portugal. Her trip underscores our deep and sustained commitment to the protection of U.S. citizens overseas and the facilitation of legitimate travel and immigration to the United States.
For updates on Assistant Secretary Bitter’s travel follow @TravelGov on Twitter and Facebook .
For press inquiries, please contact CAPRESSREQUESTS@state.gov.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with French Foreign Minister Colonna
03/09/2023
Secretary Blinken’s Call with French Foreign Minister Colonna
03/09/2023 02:33 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed their support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked and brutal war. The Secretary also noted the importance of continued close cooperation to advance our shared objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, in line with the rules-based international order.
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with European External Action Service Secretary-General Sannino
03/09/2023
Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with European External Action Service Secretary-General Sannino
03/09/2023 06:06 PM EST
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with European External Action Service Secretary-General Stefano Sannino. They discussed our strong, shared commitment to support Ukraine. Deputy Secretary Sherman and Secretary-General Sannino highlighted the importance of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific and their deep commitment to working closely together in the region. They also discussed shared concerns over the continuing violence in Israel and the West Bank and the need for all parties to take steps to restore calm and de-escalate tensions.
The Shooting in Hamburg
03/10/2023
The Shooting in Hamburg
03/10/2023 08:55 AM EST
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
The United States government strongly condemns the senseless act of violence that occurred at a Jehovah’s Witnesses hall in Hamburg, Germany, which resulted in several fatalities and injuries. Our condolences are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.
No one should have to fear for their safety while attending a place of worship. Such acts of violence have no place in any society. We stand in solidarity with the people of Germany and pledge our support to assist as needed.
Rejecting Irresponsible Comments by BiH’s Milorad Dodik
03/10/2023
Rejecting Irresponsible Comments by BiH’s Milorad Dodik
03/10/2023 02:33 PM EST
Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
The United States rejects Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik’s March 9 comments, in which he sought to undermine the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court and made repeated threats about the Republika Srpska’s secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Article III (3) of the Dayton Constitution clearly states that the Republika Srpska must fully comply with the decisions of the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the final and binding rulings of the BiH Constitutional Court.
The United States is proud to stand with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as they build a future in the Euro-Atlantic community of nations and strengthen the state institutions needed to take them there. Separatist rhetoric and threats to the Dayton Peace Agreement are irresponsible, dangerous, and detrimental to BiH’s progress towards further Euro-Atlantic integration.
The United States has been and will remain the strongest supporter of and partner to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its people. We pledge to continue to uphold BiH’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multiethnic character, and to hold responsible those who seek to undermine BiH’s institutions and the Dayton Peace Agreement. Our commitment is rock solid, and the United States of America is not going to give up on the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina
