U.S. Department of State,update {part 1)

Bulgaria National Day
03/03/2024

Bulgaria National Day
03/03/2024 12:01 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, please accept my best wishes to the people of Bulgaria on the 146th anniversary of the Day of Liberation of Bulgaria.

The United States deeply values our more than 120 years of diplomatic relations with Bulgaria. Our partnership, based on shared democratic ideals, fosters peace and prosperity for both our nations and contributes to the unity and security of Europe and the transatlantic community.

We recognize Bulgaria’s commitment to deepening its integration into European institutions, ensuring its energy security and economic vitality, and enhancing its partnership with NATO Allies. We are united in our efforts to support Ukraine and its people as they fight to defend their country and their freedom from the Kremlin’s war of aggression.

I look forward to further partnership in promoting a more secure, prosperous, and equitable future for our two freedom-loving nations.




Bulgaria National Day
03/03/2024



Bulgaria National Day
03/03/2024 12:01 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, please accept my best wishes to the people of Bulgaria on the 146th anniversary of the Day of Liberation of Bulgaria.

The United States deeply values our more than 120 years of diplomatic relations with Bulgaria. Our partnership, based on shared democratic ideals, fosters peace and prosperity for both our nations and contributes to the unity and security of Europe and the transatlantic community.

We recognize Bulgaria’s commitment to deepening its integration into European institutions, ensuring its energy security and economic vitality, and enhancing its partnership with NATO Allies. We are united in our efforts to support Ukraine and its people as they fight to defend their country and their freedom from the Kremlin’s war of aggression.

I look forward to further partnership in promoting a more secure, prosperous, and equitable future for our two freedom-loving nations.




Bulgaria National Day
03/03/2024


Bulgaria National Day
03/03/2024 12:01 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, please accept my best wishes to the people of Bulgaria on the 146th anniversary of the Day of Liberation of Bulgaria.

The United States deeply values our more than 120 years of diplomatic relations with Bulgaria. Our partnership, based on shared democratic ideals, fosters peace and prosperity for both our nations and contributes to the unity and security of Europe and the transatlantic community.

We recognize Bulgaria’s commitment to deepening its integration into European institutions, ensuring its energy security and economic vitality, and enhancing its partnership with NATO Allies. We are united in our efforts to support Ukraine and its people as they fight to defend their country and their freedom from the Kremlin’s war of aggression.

I look forward to further partnership in promoting a more secure, prosperous, and equitable future for our two freedom-loving nations.




APEC Senior Official Murray’s Participation in Senior Official Meetings in Lima, Peru
03/03/2024


APEC Senior Official Murray’s Participation in Senior Official Meetings in Lima, Peru
03/03/2024 10:57 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

U.S. Senior Official for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ambassador Matt Murray will travel to Lima, Peru from March 4 to 8 for the First Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) and Related Meetings of the APEC Peru 2024 host year to discuss initiatives and work plans for the year. During this meeting cluster, the United States will share outcomes from its 2023 APEC host year and reaffirm its commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region.

In Lima, Ambassador Murray will engage in a series of meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements. He will collaborate with senior government officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders from across the APEC region to discuss U.S. priorities for APEC and explore alignment with Peru’s objectives as host of APEC 2024.

For further information, please contact the U.S. APEC Team at DOSAPEC@state.gov.





Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Canada
03/03/2024

Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Canada
03/03/2024 11:06 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Toronto, Canada, March 3-4. Under Secretary Fernandez will lead a third consecutive annual delegation of U.S. government officials who will participate in the “Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC)” and related side-events to advance the Biden Administration’s international efforts to increase the security of critical minerals supply chains.

On March 4th, the Under Secretary will deliver remarks during Greenland Day, hosted by the Government of Greenland and the Greenland Business Association. The Under Secretary will then co-host a high-level roundtable discussion for officials from countries that are part of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and the private sector, alongside our Minerals Investment Network for Vital Energy Security and Transition (MINVEST) partner, SAFE.

During his time in Toronto, he will also conduct bilateral discussions with Canadian and third country government and industry officials, and with MSP representatives. The Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) aims to accelerate the development of diverse and sustainable critical energy minerals supply chains through working with host governments and industry to facilitate targeted financial and diplomatic support for strategic projects along the value chain. MSP partners include Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union (represented by the European Commission).

Learn more about the MSP at the webpage: https://www.state.gov/minerals-security-partnership/, and our MINVEST partnership at: https://www.state.gov/minvest.

To stay up to date, follow Under Secretary Fernandez on X: @State_E , LinkedIn: @State-E , and Facebook: @StateDeptE .

For further media information, please contact E_Communications@state.gov.




Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Canada
03/03/2024
Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Canada
03/03/2024 11:06 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Toronto, Canada, March 3-4. Under Secretary Fernandez will lead a third consecutive annual delegation of U.S. government officials who will participate in the “Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC)” and related side-events to advance the Biden Administration’s international efforts to increase the security of critical minerals supply chains.

On March 4th, the Under Secretary will deliver remarks during Greenland Day, hosted by the Government of Greenland and the Greenland Business Association. The Under Secretary will then co-host a high-level roundtable discussion for officials from countries that are part of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and the private sector, alongside our Minerals Investment Network for Vital Energy Security and Transition (MINVEST) partner, SAFE.

During his time in Toronto, he will also conduct bilateral discussions with Canadian and third country government and industry officials, and with MSP representatives. The Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) aims to accelerate the development of diverse and sustainable critical energy minerals supply chains through working with host governments and industry to facilitate targeted financial and diplomatic support for strategic projects along the value chain. MSP partners include Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union (represented by the European Commission).

Learn more about the MSP at the webpage: https://www.state.gov/minerals-security-partnership/, and our MINVEST partnership at: https://www.state.gov/minvest.

To stay up to date, follow Under Secretary Fernandez on X: @State_E , LinkedIn: @State-E , and Facebook: @StateDeptE .

For further media information, please contact E_Communications@state.gov.




Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Canada
03/03/2024



Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to Canada
03/03/2024 11:06 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Toronto, Canada, March 3-4. Under Secretary Fernandez will lead a third consecutive annual delegation of U.S. government officials who will participate in the “Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC)” and related side-events to advance the Biden Administration’s international efforts to increase the security of critical minerals supply chains.

On March 4th, the Under Secretary will deliver remarks during Greenland Day, hosted by the Government of Greenland and the Greenland Business Association. The Under Secretary will then co-host a high-level roundtable discussion for officials from countries that are part of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and the private sector, alongside our Minerals Investment Network for Vital Energy Security and Transition (MINVEST) partner, SAFE.

During his time in Toronto, he will also conduct bilateral discussions with Canadian and third country government and industry officials, and with MSP representatives. The Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) aims to accelerate the development of diverse and sustainable critical energy minerals supply chains through working with host governments and industry to facilitate targeted financial and diplomatic support for strategic projects along the value chain. MSP partners include Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union (represented by the European Commission).

Learn more about the MSP at the webpage: https://www.state.gov/minerals-security-partnership/, and our MINVEST partnership at: https://www.state.gov/minvest.

To stay up to date, follow Under Secretary Fernandez on X: @State_E , LinkedIn: @State-E , and Facebook: @StateDeptE .

For further media information, please contact E_Communications@state.gov.




Special Envoy Finkenauer’s Travel to Australia and Thailand
03/03/2024


Special Envoy Finkenauer’s Travel to Australia and Thailand
03/03/2024 04:39 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

U.S. Department of State Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues Abby Finkenauer will travel to Australia and Thailand from March 4-15, 2024. Special Envoy Finkenauer’s trip will focus on engaging with emerging leaders and advocates in the Indo-Pacific region, fostering dialogue on crucial issues such as civic engagement, women’s leadership, and social empowerment.

During her visit to Melbourne, Australia, Special Envoy Finkenauer will attend the Global Citizen NOW Summit, engaging with and elevating over 300 young innovators on important topics such as ending extreme poverty, addressing the climate crisis, fighting food insecurity, and combating gender inequity.

In Perth, Australia, the Special Envoy will mark International Women’s Day through engagements with the Western Australian Football League (WAFL) Women’s Competition and alum of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. She will also promote civic engagement through a dialogue with She Runs and an engagement with young Western Australian parliamentarians.

In Bangkok, Thailand, the Special Envoy will underscore the United States’ commitment to youth leadership and development globally. She will have discussions with students, young professionals, community leaders, and journalists, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the United States and Thailand on youth-focused initiatives.

For more information on the trip, follow along on Instagram , X , and Facebook .




Conflict Observatory Reporting: Bombardment of Ukraine’s Power Generation and Transmission Infrastructure
03/04/2024


Conflict Observatory Reporting: Bombardment of Ukraine’s Power Generation and Transmission Infrastructure
03/04/2024 10:41 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson


In its latest report as part of the Conflict Observatory, the Yale University Humanitarian Research Lab (Yale HRL) documented 223 incidents of damage to power generation and transmission infrastructure across 17 oblasts in Ukraine. In the majority of these incidents, the damaged infrastructure was far from the front lines of conflict, calling into question whether the strikes were directed at legitimate military objectives.


This pattern of attacks indicates widespread and targeted efforts to cripple vital power generation and transmission infrastructure across Ukraine during a time of increased need for heating, which is consistent with patterns documented in previous Conflict Observatory reporting. If an attack does not target a legitimate military objective, or if it inflicts harm on the civilian population that is excessive in relation to the military advantage gained, it is contrary to international law and may constitute a war crime.


The threat to civilian lives and livelihoods in Ukraine is entirely of Russia’s making. Vladimir Putin began this war, and he can end it by withdrawing Russian forces from Ukraine’s territory. Until then, the United States will continue supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s aggression and its pursuit of accountability for the atrocities Russian forces have committed against the people of Ukraine.


The Conflict Observatory is a consortium of researchers including Yale HRL documenting war crimes and atrocities in Ukraine, supported by the Department of State’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations. View the latest report at https://hub.conflictobservatory.org/portal/apps/sites/#/home/pages/power-1; for more information, contact CSOPublicAffairs1@state.gov or visit https://contactus.conflictobservatory.org/.



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Russia Ukraine


Conflict Observatory Reporting: Bombardment of Ukraine’s Power Generation and Transmission Infrastructure
03/04/2024

rdment of Ukraine’s Power Generation and Transmission Infrastructure
03/04/2024 10:41

 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson


In its latest report as part of the Conflict Observatory, the Yale University Humanitarian Research Lab (Yale HRL) documented 223 incidents of damage to power generation and transmission infrastructure across 17 oblasts in Ukraine. In the majority of these incidents, the damaged infrastructure was far from the front lines of conflict, calling into question whether the strikes were directed at legitimate military objectives.


This pattern of attacks indicates widespread and targeted efforts to cripple vital power generation and transmission infrastructure across Ukraine during a time of increased need for heating, which is consistent with patterns documented in previous Conflict Observatory reporting. If an attack does not target a legitimate military objective, or if it inflicts harm on the civilian population that is excessive in relation to the military advantage gained, it is contrary to international law and may constitute a war crime.


The threat to civilian lives and livelihoods in Ukraine is entirely of Russia’s making. Vladimir Putin began this war, and he can end it by withdrawing Russian forces from Ukraine’s territory. Until then, the United States will continue supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s aggression and its pursuit of accountability for the atrocities Russian forces have committed against the people of Ukraine.


The Conflict Observatory is a consortium of researchers including Yale HRL documenting war crimes and atrocities in Ukraine, supported by the Department of State’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations. View the latest report at https://hub.conflictobservatory.org/portal/apps/sites/#/home/pages/power-1; for more information, contact CSOPublicAffairs1@state.gov or visit https://contactus.conflictobservatory.org/.



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Russia Ukraine


Sanctioning Human Rights Abusers and Corrupt Actors, and Termination of Zimbabwe Sanctions Authority
03/04/2024
Sanctioning Human Rights Abusers and Corrupt Actors, and Termination of Zimbabwe Sanctions Authority
03/04/2024 11:15 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State


The United States is today designating eleven Zimbabwean individuals and three entities, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa, under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program for their connection to corruption or serious human rights abuses. These designations are part of a stronger, more targeted sanctions policy towards Zimbabwe the United States is implementing following President Biden’s approval of a new Executive Order terminating the Zimbabwe sanctions program that had been in effect since 2003.


We continue to have concerns regarding serious cases of corruption and human rights abuse in Zimbabwe. Key individuals, including members of the Government of Zimbabwe, bear responsibility for these actions, including the looting of government coffers that robs Zimbabweans of public resources. Multiple cases of abductions, physical abuse, and unlawful killing have left citizens living in fear.


The United States is committed to ensuring our sanctions are relevant, timely, and targeted against those most closely connected to corruption and human rights abuses. We continue to urge the Government of Zimbabwe to move toward more open and democratic governance, including addressing corruption and protecting human rights, so all Zimbabweans can prosper.


The Department of the Treasury designations were taken 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. For more information on today’s actions, see the White House announcement and Treasury’s press release.



Tags
Bureau of African Affairs Corruption Office of the Spokesperson Sanctions The Secretary of State Zimbabwe


Sanctioning Human Rights Abusers and Corrupt Actors, and Termination of Zimbabwe Sanctions Authority
03/04/2024



Sanctioning Human Rights Abusers and Corrupt Actors, and Termination of Zimbabwe Sanctions Authority
03/04/2024 11:15 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State


The United States is today designating eleven Zimbabwean individuals and three entities, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa, under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program for their connection to corruption or serious human rights abuses. These designations are part of a stronger, more targeted sanctions policy towards Zimbabwe the United States is implementing following President Biden’s approval of a new Executive Order terminating the Zimbabwe sanctions program that had been in effect since 2003.


We continue to have concerns regarding serious cases of corruption and human rights abuse in Zimbabwe. Key individuals, including members of the Government of Zimbabwe, bear responsibility for these actions, including the looting of government coffers that robs Zimbabweans of public resources. Multiple cases of abductions, physical abuse, and unlawful killing have left citizens living in fear.


The United States is committed to ensuring our sanctions are relevant, timely, and targeted against those most closely connected to corruption and human rights abuses. We continue to urge the Government of Zimbabwe to move toward more open and democratic governance, including addressing corruption and protecting human rights, so all Zimbabweans can prosper.


The Department of the Treasury designations were taken 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. For more information on today’s actions, see the White House announcement and Treasury’s press release.



Tags
Bureau of African Affairs Corruption Office of the Spokesperson Sanctions The Secretary of State Zimbabwe


Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the 18th Annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony
03/04/2024


Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the 18th Annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony
03/04/2024 01:40 PM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

The White House


SECRETARY BLINKEN: Morning, everyone, and welcome – welcome to the White House.


To the First Lady, Dr. Biden, thank you for again opening this remarkable place for this particular celebration, but also for being such an extraordinary role model for women and girls here in our country but also around the world, and for your sustained efforts to advance the rights and dignity of all people.


So we’re joined today by officials from across the United States Government, each one of them a remarkable leader and role model in their own right: Samantha Power, USAID administrator. (Applause.) Jen Klein, the director of the White House Gender Policy Council. (Applause.) Someone who really needs no introduction, Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary. (Applause.) Emmy Ruiz, the White House political director. (Applause.) Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta, the ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues. (Applause.) Geeta has obviously stacked the deck here. (Laughter.) And Desiree Cormier Smith, the special representative for racial equity and justice, who I’m so proud to serve alongside of at the State Department. (Applause.)


I also want to acknowledge our team at the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, led by Assistant Secretary Lee Satterfield. (Applause.) They are doing so much every single day to build bridges of understanding between the United States and the world, including bringing together our awardees with U.S. public servants and advocates so that they can learn from each other and boost one another.


Now, this year’s International Women of Courage are simply extraordinary.


They’re advocating for domestic workers in Bangladesh and people with disabilities in Afghanistan. They’re exposing corruption in Uganda, combating sexual harassment in Japan, standing up for the children of war-torn – of wartime rape in Bosnia and Herzegovina, fighting for democracy in Belarus.


We’re honoring a dozen women. There’s one couldn’t join us today: Marta Beatriz Roque Cabello, an unyielding defender of human rights in Cuba.


Cuban authorities have subjected Marta to a long campaign of detention and abuse, including prohibiting her from traveling abroad. Marta may not be able to be with us today in person, but we want her to know all of us are with her every single day. (Applause.)


I think Marta would be the first to say that her struggle is not hers alone. Governments and societies around the world look to silence, to intimidate outspoken women through imprisonment, through harassment, through violence, through death threats, through the repression of their families and their colleagues.


For these women and so many activists like them around the world, courage is a deliberate and daily choice.


Women and girls demonstrate similar bravery in places that are wracked by conflict and insecurity even as they are disproportionately harmed by that violence.


We also witness the quiet daily strength of women who persist despite the obstacles to their rights, their participation, their basic chances in life, from unequal political and economic power to gender-based violence.


Whether on the front lines of war or the front lines of social change, women are often the most powerful engines for progress.


The United States stands with every woman of courage working to build greater stability, greater equality, and greater opportunity. And we are committed to knocking down the barriers that prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential alongside them.


That’s why championing the rights of women and girls in all of their diversity is a central part of our foreign policy.


Over the past three years, we’ve put forward concrete strategies, policies, programs to support women and girls around the world. It’s not simply rhetorical, it’s practical, from increasing their political participation to ensuring that they’re parts of things like the clean energy transition.


Last year, President Biden requested a doubling of foreign aid to promote gender equity abroad – an historic $2.6 billion.


Supporting women and girls is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart and necessary thing to do, and we know this in so many different ways.


We’ve seen this. The more women serve in legislatures, the less likely countries actually are to actually go to war. If we were able to close the gender gap around the world in the worldwide workforce, we would add an estimated $28 trillion to the global economy. Just imagine what we could do to better societies around the world with those kind of resources. Simply put, when women do better, we all do better.


As we advance the rights and dignity of women and – around the world and of all people around the world, we will continue to look to, to learn from, to be inspired by our partners in government, the private sector, and civil society – including the women that we’re celebrating here today.


Now, one of our honorees, Fariba Balouch, has been subjected to persistent threats from Iranian security forces. But that has not deterred her. She put it this way: “This is my path… responsibility. I refuse to be silenced.”


That insistence – (applause) – that insistence, that determination to speak up, to speak out, to take action, to refuse the status quo – that’s reflected in all the extraordinary women that we recognize today.


And it’s exhibited every day as well by the woman that I now have the great privilege to introduce – the First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden. (Applause.)



Tags
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Global Women's Issues International Women of Courage Office of Global Women’s Issues Office of the Spokesperson


Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the 18th Annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony
03/04/2024


Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the 18th Annual International Women of Courage Award Ceremony
03/04/2024 01:40 PM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

The White House


SECRETARY BLINKEN: Morning, everyone, and welcome – welcome to the White House.


To the First Lady, Dr. Biden, thank you for again opening this remarkable place for this particular celebration, but also for being such an extraordinary role model for women and girls here in our country but also around the world, and for your sustained efforts to advance the rights and dignity of all people.


So we’re joined today by officials from across the United States Government, each one of them a remarkable leader and role model in their own right: Samantha Power, USAID administrator. (Applause.) Jen Klein, the director of the White House Gender Policy Council. (Applause.) Someone who really needs no introduction, Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary. (Applause.) Emmy Ruiz, the White House political director. (Applause.) Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta, the ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues. (Applause.) Geeta has obviously stacked the deck here. (Laughter.) And Desiree Cormier Smith, the special representative for racial equity and justice, who I’m so proud to serve alongside of at the State Department. (Applause.)


I also want to acknowledge our team at the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, led by Assistant Secretary Lee Satterfield. (Applause.) They are doing so much every single day to build bridges of understanding between the United States and the world, including bringing together our awardees with U.S. public servants and advocates so that they can learn from each other and boost one another.


Now, this year’s International Women of Courage are simply extraordinary.


They’re advocating for domestic workers in Bangladesh and people with disabilities in Afghanistan. They’re exposing corruption in Uganda, combating sexual harassment in Japan, standing up for the children of war-torn – of wartime rape in Bosnia and Herzegovina, fighting for democracy in Belarus.


We’re honoring a dozen women. There’s one couldn’t join us today: Marta Beatriz Roque Cabello, an unyielding defender of human rights in Cuba.


Cuban authorities have subjected Marta to a long campaign of detention and abuse, including prohibiting her from traveling abroad. Marta may not be able to be with us today in person, but we want her to know all of us are with her every single day. (Applause.)


I think Marta would be the first to say that her struggle is not hers alone. Governments and societies around the world look to silence, to intimidate outspoken women through imprisonment, through harassment, through violence, through death threats, through the repression of their families and their colleagues.


For these women and so many activists like them around the world, courage is a deliberate and daily choice.


Women and girls demonstrate similar bravery in places that are wracked by conflict and insecurity even as they are disproportionately harmed by that violence.


We also witness the quiet daily strength of women who persist despite the obstacles to their rights, their participation, their basic chances in life, from unequal political and economic power to gender-based violence.


Whether on the front lines of war or the front lines of social change, women are often the most powerful engines for progress.


The United States stands with every woman of courage working to build greater stability, greater equality, and greater opportunity. And we are committed to knocking down the barriers that prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential alongside them.


That’s why championing the rights of women and girls in all of their diversity is a central part of our foreign policy.


Over the past three years, we’ve put forward concrete strategies, policies, programs to support women and girls around the world. It’s not simply rhetorical, it’s practical, from increasing their political participation to ensuring that they’re parts of things like the clean energy transition.


Last year, President Biden requested a doubling of foreign aid to promote gender equity abroad – an historic $2.6 billion.


Supporting women and girls is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart and necessary thing to do, and we know this in so many different ways.


We’ve seen this. The more women serve in legislatures, the less likely countries actually are to actually go to war. If we were able to close the gender gap around the world in the worldwide workforce, we would add an estimated $28 trillion to the global economy. Just imagine what we could do to better societies around the world with those kind of resources. Simply put, when women do better, we all do better.


As we advance the rights and dignity of women and – around the world and of all people around the world, we will continue to look to, to learn from, to be inspired by our partners in government, the private sector, and civil society – including the women that we’re celebrating here today.


Now, one of our honorees, Fariba Balouch, has been subjected to persistent threats from Iranian security forces. But that has not deterred her. She put it this way: “This is my path… responsibility. I refuse to be silenced.”


That insistence – (applause) – that insistence, that determination to speak up, to speak out, to take action, to refuse the status quo – that’s reflected in all the extraordinary women that we recognize today.


And it’s exhibited every day as well by the woman that I now have the great privilege to introduce – the First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden. (Applause.)



Tags
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Global Women's Issues International Women of Courage Office of Global Women’s Issues Office of the Spokesperson


Secretary Blinken Discusses Migration with Guatemala and Mexico, Attends Afghan Women’s Summit
03/04/2024
View as a webpage / Share








The Week at State | February 26-March 3



In “The Week at State,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with leaders of Guatemala and Mexico to discuss irregular migration. He also spoke at the inaugural Afghan Women’s Economic Resilience Summit about the contributions that women can make to Afghan society.



Addressing Migration With Mexico and Guatemala

Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with the foreign ministers of Guatemala and Mexico to develop a new path to address migration. The Secretary spoke with Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez of Guatemala and Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena Ibarra of Mexico.

The three nations agreed to address the root causes of irregular migration and displacement. Participants discussed efforts to combat human trafficking, strengthen joint law enforcement efforts, and prosecute human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks.

They also emphasized the need to foster economic productivity, foster supply chains between our countries, and create jobs in the region.

“By creating jobs, promoting democratic governance, protecting human rights, and improving security, we can help people build better lives at home,” the Secretary said on Twitter/X.


Advancing Economic Resilience of Afghan Women and Girls

Secretary Blinken spoke at the first Afghan Women’s Economic Resilience Summit to talk about new partnerships to advance entrepreneurship, employment, and education for Afghan women and girls. The initiative, launched in 2022, is a public-private partnership between the State Department and Boston University.

“Afghan women and girls are resilient and adaptive in the face of relentless barriers,” the Secretary said on Twitter/X.

The Taliban denies women and girls access to education and blocks their participation in entire sectors of the economy. The initiative invests in training and job opportunities.


U.S. Embassy Salutes Ukrainians for their Resilience

U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink reflected on her tenure in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022. In a DipNote, she described her experiences inside a nation fighting to maintain its identity and sovereignty.

“Amid hundreds of headlines, one can lose track of what Ukrainians are fighting for, which is Ukraine’s very existence in the largest war in Europe since World War II,” Brink wrote.


Restoring Haiti's Water Sources

Caribbean nations are facing climate and biodiversity threats that affect basic necessities such as drinking water.

The U.S. will provide $10 million through USAID to help institutions in Haiti deliver safe and reliable drinking water services. With the aid, one million Haitians will have access to climate-resilient sources of safe water.

“This is key. We cannot just send assistance to Haiti after disaster strikes, we need to ensure Haiti has resilient infrastructure in place before disaster strikes,” said Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Twitter/X.


U.S. Embassy Portugal Celebrates the Power of Music

Music gives voice to democratic ideals, to the powerful and the powerless, across borders and beyond barriers, and to generations of citizens – from all walks of life – worldwide. As Secretary Blinken has said, “Music has the potential to connect cultures and tell our story, the American story, around the world.”

The U.S. Embassy in Portugal recently hosted a concert to salute Black History Month. Ambassador Randi Charno Levine said, “February is dedicated to the annual commemoration of the achievements of African Americans and a time to recognize their central role in U.S. history. African-American music has always been a means to address difficult truths.”



This WeekMarch 7: State of the Union address
March 8: International Women’s Day
Looking AheadMarch 10: Ramadan begins
March 18-20: Summit for Democracy
March 22: World Water Day
March 31: Easter




Useful linksTravel advisories and updates on international travel for U.S. Citizens from the Department of State
Did you know that you can invite a representative from the Department of State to speak at your school, business, agency or organization? Learn about what we do through the firsthand experience of one of our representatives.

Read More at State.gov



Manage Subscriptions | Unsubscribe All | Help
Privacy Policy




Joint Statement of the Minerals Security Partnership
03/04/2024

Joint Statement of the Minerals Security Partnership
03/04/2024 02:43 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson


The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the European Union following the conclusion of the Minerals Security Partnership Principals’ meeting in Toronto.


Begin Text


On Sunday, March 3, the partners of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) held a principals’ meeting in Toronto during the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada annual convention (PDAC), the largest mining event in the world. The theme of the principals’ meeting was responsible investment in critical minerals, with the key objective to strengthen collaboration between the MSP and like-minded partners. The MSP aims to accelerate the development of diverse and sustainable critical minerals supply chains through working with host governments and industry to facilitate targeted financial and diplomatic support for strategic projects along the value chain. MSP partners strive to elevate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and labor standards across the global minerals sector. The MSP commits to support only those projects that follow high ESG standards, promote local value addition, and uplift workers and communities, in recognition that all countries can benefit from the global clean energy transition. Jose W. Fernandez, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment chaired the meeting.


MSP partners also held a meeting with several countries from the Western Hemisphere, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Jamaica, Mexico, and Peru, to discuss critical mineral supply chains, project development, and opportunities and challenges in mining, as well as in midstream and downstream processing.


The MSP welcomed Estonia as the newest MSP partner. Estonia is an important stakeholder in the production and processing of rare earth elements and will be a valuable partner in the MSP. The MSP partners announced the establishment of the MSP Forum to formalize and expand their existing engagements with minerals producing countries, with a particular focus on advancing and accelerating individual projects with high ESG and labor standards and promoting discussion of policies that contribute to diverse and resilient supply chains. The policy dialogue between critical minerals producing and consuming countries will focus on key policy challenges such as sustainable production and local value addition, regulatory cooperation to foster fair competition and protect workers, transparency and predictability and pricing challenges related to ESG standards. The MSP Forum will seek to achieve a broad and balanced membership of critical minerals producing and consuming countries.


At the meeting, the MSP partners confirmed they are working to advance the following projects that have a high potential to contribute to the development of responsible critical mineral supply chains, demonstrate high ESG standards, facilitate the global energy transition, and are collaborating with relevant governmental or financial agencies of MSP partners:
Across the 23 MSP projects.
16 projects involve upstream mining and mineral extraction, 7 involve midstream processing, and 7 involve recycling and recovery.
The projects cover cobalt, copper, gallium, germanium, graphite, lithium, manganese, nickel, and rare earth elements.
6 project sites in the Americas, 5 project sites in Europe, 13 project sites in Africa, 3 project sites in the Asia-Pacific region.


Notable milestones were achieved for the following projects:
EcoGraf Epanko Graphite Project: Australian-based EcoGraf has authorized German-based KfW IPEX-Bank to arrange a senior debt facility of up to USD 105 million for the development of the Epanko Graphite Project in Tanzania. The German government has confirmed, in principle, the eligibility of the Epanko project for the Untied Loan Guarantee (UFK) scheme, which is contingent on the support of German off-takers for the initial phase of the project, which is expected to produce 73,000 tons per year of graphite. The loan from KfW IPEX-Bank, subject to satisfactory due diligence and credit approvals, offers favorable terms and reflects the strategic importance of the project. EcoGraf is building a vertically integrated battery anode materials business to produce high-purity graphite products for the lithium-ion battery and advanced manufacturing markets. EcoGraf’s commitment to high ESG standards, in compliance with the Equator Principles, has been a key factor in securing this financing.
Gecamines-JOGMEC MOU: This February at Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, the United States, as Chair of the MSP, and MSP partners announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between LA GENERALE DES CARRIERES ET DES MINES (GECAMINES) and the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). This milestone collaboration, forged through dialogue among MSP partners, creates a framework for coordination in mineral exploration, production, and processing in alignment with our shared commitment to the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI)’s development of the Lobito Corridor. The MOU also creates a framework for cooperation in the areas of mining and mineral resources with the intention of expanding business opportunities for the parties.


This list will be updated periodically.


In addition to the above projects, the MSP is continually assessing potential investment opportunities across all eligible markets that would support diversification of critical mineral supply chains and development of the associated infrastructure.


The MSP remains committed to leveraging the collective financial and diplomatic resources of its 15 partners to provide support for strategic projects and project developers that exemplify the partners’ principles. MSP partners will work together with a wide range of MSP Forum members and private sector entities to catalyze support for these projects and shape the global discussion around critical minerals supply chains. Membership in the MSP Forum will be open to partners who are ready to commit to the key MSP principles, such as transparency, good governance, and fair working conditions.


Building upon the MSP’s commitment to high ESG standards in the global minerals sector, as expressed in the Principles for Responsible Critical Minerals Supply Chains, the MSP also published an October 2023 statement co-signed with private sector financiers which confirms the parties’ intention to deepen collaboration to drive responsible investment in critical minerals projects. Governments, project developers, and investors all have an important role to play in de-risking and financing critical minerals projects that increase global production while promoting supply chain diversification, protecting the environment, and uplifting local communities.


End Text


Visit the State Department’s MSP webpage to learn more: https://www.state.gov/minerals-security-partnership/.


For press inquiries, please contact: ENR-PD-Clearances@state.gov.



Tags
Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau of Energy Resources Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Energy Office of the Spokesperson


Joint Statement of the Minerals Security Partnership
03/04/2024


Joint Statement of the Minerals Security Partnership
03/04/2024 02:43 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson


The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the European Union following the conclusion of the Minerals Security Partnership Principals’ meeting in Toronto.


Begin Text


On Sunday, March 3, the partners of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) held a principals’ meeting in Toronto during the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada annual convention (PDAC), the largest mining event in the world. The theme of the principals’ meeting was responsible investment in critical minerals, with the key objective to strengthen collaboration between the MSP and like-minded partners. The MSP aims to accelerate the development of diverse and sustainable critical minerals supply chains through working with host governments and industry to facilitate targeted financial and diplomatic support for strategic projects along the value chain. MSP partners strive to elevate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and labor standards across the global minerals sector. The MSP commits to support only those projects that follow high ESG standards, promote local value addition, and uplift workers and communities, in recognition that all countries can benefit from the global clean energy transition. Jose W. Fernandez, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment chaired the meeting.


MSP partners also held a meeting with several countries from the Western Hemisphere, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Jamaica, Mexico, and Peru, to discuss critical mineral supply chains, project development, and opportunities and challenges in mining, as well as in midstream and downstream processing.


The MSP welcomed Estonia as the newest MSP partner. Estonia is an important stakeholder in the production and processing of rare earth elements and will be a valuable partner in the MSP. The MSP partners announced the establishment of the MSP Forum to formalize and expand their existing engagements with minerals producing countries, with a particular focus on advancing and accelerating individual projects with high ESG and labor standards and promoting discussion of policies that contribute to diverse and resilient supply chains. The policy dialogue between critical minerals producing and consuming countries will focus on key policy challenges such as sustainable production and local value addition, regulatory cooperation to foster fair competition and protect workers, transparency and predictability and pricing challenges related to ESG standards. The MSP Forum will seek to achieve a broad and balanced membership of critical minerals producing and consuming countries.


At the meeting, the MSP partners confirmed they are working to advance the following projects that have a high potential to contribute to the development of responsible critical mineral supply chains, demonstrate high ESG standards, facilitate the global energy transition, and are collaborating with relevant governmental or financial agencies of MSP partners:
Across the 23 MSP projects.
16 projects involve upstream mining and mineral extraction, 7 involve midstream processing, and 7 involve recycling and recovery.
The projects cover cobalt, copper, gallium, germanium, graphite, lithium, manganese, nickel, and rare earth elements.
6 project sites in the Americas, 5 project sites in Europe, 13 project sites in Africa, 3 project sites in the Asia-Pacific region.


Notable milestones were achieved for the following projects:
EcoGraf Epanko Graphite Project: Australian-based EcoGraf has authorized German-based KfW IPEX-Bank to arrange a senior debt facility of up to USD 105 million for the development of the Epanko Graphite Project in Tanzania. The German government has confirmed, in principle, the eligibility of the Epanko project for the Untied Loan Guarantee (UFK) scheme, which is contingent on the support of German off-takers for the initial phase of the project, which is expected to produce 73,000 tons per year of graphite. The loan from KfW IPEX-Bank, subject to satisfactory due diligence and credit approvals, offers favorable terms and reflects the strategic importance of the project. EcoGraf is building a vertically integrated battery anode materials business to produce high-purity graphite products for the lithium-ion battery and advanced manufacturing markets. EcoGraf’s commitment to high ESG standards, in compliance with the Equator Principles, has been a key factor in securing this financing.
Gecamines-JOGMEC MOU: This February at Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, the United States, as Chair of the MSP, and MSP partners announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between LA GENERALE DES CARRIERES ET DES MINES (GECAMINES) and the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). This milestone collaboration, forged through dialogue among MSP partners, creates a framework for coordination in mineral exploration, production, and processing in alignment with our shared commitment to the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI)’s development of the Lobito Corridor. The MOU also creates a framework for cooperation in the areas of mining and mineral resources with the intention of expanding business opportunities for the parties.


This list will be updated periodically.


In addition to the above projects, the MSP is continually assessing potential investment opportunities across all eligible markets that would support diversification of critical mineral supply chains and development of the associated infrastructure.


The MSP remains committed to leveraging the collective financial and diplomatic resources of its 15 partners to provide support for strategic projects and project developers that exemplify the partners’ principles. MSP partners will work together with a wide range of MSP Forum members and private sector entities to catalyze support for these projects and shape the global discussion around critical minerals supply chains. Membership in the MSP Forum will be open to partners who are ready to commit to the key MSP principles, such as transparency, good governance, and fair working conditions.


Building upon the MSP’s commitment to high ESG standards in the global minerals sector, as expressed in the Principles for Responsible Critical Minerals Supply Chains, the MSP also published an October 2023 statement co-signed with private sector financiers which confirms the parties’ intention to deepen collaboration to drive responsible investment in critical minerals projects. Governments, project developers, and investors all have an important role to play in de-risking and financing critical minerals projects that increase global production while promoting supply chain diversification, protecting the environment, and uplifting local communities.


End Text


Visit the State Department’s MSP webpage to learn more: https://www.state.gov/minerals-security-partnership/.


For press inquiries, please contact: ENR-PD-Clearances@state.gov.



Tags
Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau of Energy Resources Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Energy Office of the Spokesperson


Coordinator on Global Anti-Corruption Richard Nephew’s Travel to Panama
03/04/2024

Coordinator on Global Anti-Corruption Richard Nephew’s Travel to Panama
03/04/2024 02:32 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson


Coordinator on Global Anti-Corruption Richard Nephew will travel to Panama from March 5-6. During his visit, he will discuss current anti-corruption efforts and challenges and identify areas for further cooperation. Coordinator Nephew will meet with government officials, including justice sector, law enforcement, and legislative representatives, as well as civil society and the private sector. His travel will highlight the United States’ ongoing commitment to combatting corruption and strengthening the rule of law.


Follow @StateCGAC on Twitter to learn more.



Tags
Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Office of the Coordinator on Global Anti-Corruption Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Panama


Under Secretary Fernandez Welcomes the Addition of Estonia to the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and MSP Partners Announce the Creation of the Minerals Security Partnership Forum
03/04/2024


Under Secretary Fernandez Welcomes the Addition of Estonia to the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and MSP Partners Announce the Creation of the Minerals Security Partnership Forum
03/04/2024 03:01 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson


Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez is attending the “Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC)” in Toronto, Canada. As Chair of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), he welcomed Estonia as the newest member of the MSP. With the addition of Estonia, the MSP now counts 14 countries and the EU as partners. Estonia is a key stakeholder and contributor in the production and processing of rare earths and is a welcome addition to the MSP.


During the MSP high level principles meeting on March 3, MSP Partners announced the creation of the MSP Forum, which cements our partnership with select minerals producing countries committed to advancing and accelerating individual projects with high environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. The Forum will promote diverse and resilient supply chains, local value-addition and beneficiation.


The MSP Forum provides a platform for Partners and Forum Members to discuss and advance both projects and policies that provide a more secure and sustainable supply of critical minerals with local beneficiation. The Project component of the MSP Forum may include, for example: project information sharing among MSP partners, Forum members, and the private sector, presentations on critical minerals opportunities, or geological survey and mapping requests, among other topics.


The Policy Dialogue component of the MSP Forum will include topics such as policies to boost sustainable production and local capacities; discussions on regulatory cooperation to foster fair competition, transparency, and local value addition; policies to foster application of high ESG standards; and policies to promote and facilitate effective recycling. Learn more about the MSP at the webpage: https://www.state.gov/minerals-security-partnership/.


To stay up to date, follow Under Secretary Fernandez on X: @State_E, LinkedIn: @State-E, and Facebook: @StateDeptE.


For further media information, please contact E_Communications@state.gov.



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Energy Estonia Office of the Spokesperson Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment


Under Secretary Fernandez Welcomes the Addition of Estonia to the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and MSP Partners Announce the Creation of the Minerals Security Partnership Forum
03/04/2024

Under Secretary Fernandez Welcomes the Addition of Estonia to the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and MSP Partners Announce the Creation of the Minerals Security Partnership Forum
03/04/2024 03:01 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson


Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez is attending the “Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC)” in Toronto, Canada. As Chair of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), he welcomed Estonia as the newest member of the MSP. With the addition of Estonia, the MSP now counts 14 countries and the EU as partners. Estonia is a key stakeholder and contributor in the production and processing of rare earths and is a welcome addition to the MSP.


During the MSP high level principles meeting on March 3, MSP Partners announced the creation of the MSP Forum, which cements our partnership with select minerals producing countries committed to advancing and accelerating individual projects with high environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. The Forum will promote diverse and resilient supply chains, local value-addition and beneficiation.


The MSP Forum provides a platform for Partners and Forum Members to discuss and advance both projects and policies that provide a more secure and sustainable supply of critical minerals with local beneficiation. The Project component of the MSP Forum may include, for example: project information sharing among MSP partners, Forum members, and the private sector, presentations on critical minerals opportunities, or geological survey and mapping requests, among other topics.


The Policy Dialogue component of the MSP Forum will include topics such as policies to boost sustainable production and local capacities; discussions on regulatory cooperation to foster fair competition, transparency, and local value addition; policies to foster application of high ESG standards; and policies to promote and facilitate effective recycling. Learn more about the MSP at the webpage: https://www.state.gov/minerals-security-partnership/.


To stay up to date, follow Under Secretary Fernandez on X: @State_E, LinkedIn: @State-E, and Facebook: @StateDeptE.


For further media information, please contact E_Communications@state.gov.



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Energy Estonia Office of the Spokesperson Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment


Under Secretary Fernandez Welcomes the Addition of Estonia to the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and MSP Partners Announce the Creation of the Minerals Security Partnership Forum
03/04/2024

Under Secretary Fernandez Welcomes the Addition of Estonia to the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and MSP Partners Announce the Creation of the Minerals Security Partnership Forum
03/04/2024 03:01 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson


Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez is attending the “Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC)” in Toronto, Canada. As Chair of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), he welcomed Estonia as the newest member of the MSP. With the addition of Estonia, the MSP now counts 14 countries and the EU as partners. Estonia is a key stakeholder and contributor in the production and processing of rare earths and is a welcome addition to the MSP.


During the MSP high level principles meeting on March 3, MSP Partners announced the creation of the MSP Forum, which cements our partnership with select minerals producing countries committed to advancing and accelerating individual projects with high environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. The Forum will promote diverse and resilient supply chains, local value-addition and beneficiation.


The MSP Forum provides a platform for Partners and Forum Members to discuss and advance both projects and policies that provide a more secure and sustainable supply of critical minerals with local beneficiation. The Project component of the MSP Forum may include, for example: project information sharing among MSP partners, Forum members, and the private sector, presentations on critical minerals opportunities, or geological survey and mapping requests, among other topics.


The Policy Dialogue component of the MSP Forum will include topics such as policies to boost sustainable production and local capacities; discussions on regulatory cooperation to foster fair competition, transparency, and local value addition; policies to foster application of high ESG standards; and policies to promote and facilitate effective recycling. Learn more about the MSP at the webpage: https://www.state.gov/minerals-security-partnership/.


To stay up to date, follow Under Secretary Fernandez on X: @State_E, LinkedIn: @State-E, and Facebook: @StateDeptE.


For further media information, please contact E_Communications@state.gov.



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Energy Estonia Office of the Spokesperson Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment


Department Press Briefing – March 4, 2024
03/04/2024

Department Press Briefing – March 4, 2024
03/04/2024 04:59 PM EST


HomeDepartment Press Briefing – March 4, 2024
hide

Department Press Briefing – March 4, 2024

March 4, 2024

1:26 p.m. EST

MR MILLER: Good afternoon. Monday. Start with some opening comments.

We remain extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. As last week’s incident in northern Gaza made painfully clear, people are desperate for food, for water, for medicine. Parents are facing impossible choices about how to feed their children. Many don’t know where the next meal will come from, or if it will come at all.

The situation is simply intolerable. And that’s why the United States is focused on increasing and sustaining aid in Gaza through as many channels as possible.

Over the weekend, the Department of Defense and the Jordanian Royal Air Force worked together to air drop 38,000 ready-to-eat meals into Gaza. Operating out of Jordan, this operation saw a United States contribution of 66 bundles of aid, packed across three C-130 aircraft, delivered to those in dire need.

This air drop was the first in a series the Department of Defense will be conducting, but I want to be clear about one thing: these air drops are intended to supplement, not replace, aid through other mechanisms.

We are also actively pursuing options to establish a maritime assistance corridor. We are in discussion with a number of partners about this initiative, and while it is still in the development phase, we are optimistic about its potential to supplement our air and land efforts.

We continue to work to increase the amount of aid flowing through existing border crossings at Rafah and Kerem Shalom and to press the Government of Israel to open additional crossings and routes into Gaza. Even as we explore other means of delivery, it is critical that we maximize the aid flowing into Gaza over land.

When it comes to distribution inside Gaza, over the past week, the ability of the UN and other humanitarian implementers to distribute assistance within central and south Gaza has improved. While over 100 trucks a day of humanitarian assistance are now being distributed to those in need, this level is still significantly below the levels needed to meet minimum requirements to avert famine.

In northern Gaza, we remain concerned at the increasing severity of the humanitarian situation. While private sector convoys have attempted to deliver assistance and some have been successful, these efforts are not and cannot be a replacement for large-scale assistance to the north distributed by the UN. We will continue to press the Government of Israel to facilitate increased deliveries to the north.

Our goal is clear: to establish a comprehensive aid strategy that includes air, land, and sea routes to maximize the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza and ensure that aid is distributed to everyone in Gaza who needs it.

Finally, we continue to push for a temporary ceasefire through a hostage agreement that would allow a massive surge of aid into Gaza and ease the distribution problems that are currently hindering humanitarian efforts. A deal is on the table – a deal that would bring the hostages home and that would alleviate the terrible suffering of the Palestinian people. Hamas should accept it immediately.

With that, Matt.

QUESTION: Thanks, Matt. Before getting back to the – before getting into the aid, I just want to ask you what you know about this U.S. Embassy employee who was found dead in Jerusalem.

MR MILLER: I can confirm the death of a direct-hire employee of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. There’s not much more I can say at this point due to privacy considerations; as you know, there are steps we need to undertake, including next-of-kin notification, whenever such a terrible tragedy occurs. But it’s an incident that is under investigation, and I do just want to be clear that’s a step that always happens when someone dies, and there are no indications of foul play.

QUESTION: Okay. But when you say a direct hire, what does that mean? Does it mean an American citizen?

MR MILLER: American citizen. And I can’t say much more. I’m sure when we’ve finished next-of-kin notifications I’ll be able to say more, but that’s not where we are today.

QUESTION: Okay. Well, do you know what this person did?

MR MILLER: Again, due to the privacy and respect for the family, it’s not something I can say today. Be happy to get into it once we’ve completed that process.

QUESTION: All right. And then back to the – unless someone else wants to go on that, just back on the aid situation. So you know that Bennie Gantz is in town and meeting with the Vice President and people at the White House today and with Secretary Blinken tomorrow. How focused are those – are these discussions going to be on the aid situation, which you just said was intolerable?

MR MILLER: So it will be at the top of the agenda. I won’t speak in detail as to what the Vice President and the National Security Advisor will discuss with the minister. I’m sure that they will provide readouts and speak to those meetings at some point. But I can tell you it is at the top of the agenda. It will be at the top of the agenda when Secretary Blinken meets with Minister Gantz tomorrow. It’s something that the Secretary raised in a phone call with Ron Dermer, the Israeli minister for strategic affairs, earlier today to press that more must be done to get aid into Gaza, to ensure that the delivery of aid is sustained into Gaza, and to ensure that once aid gets into Gaza it can be disturbed to those who need it.

QUESTION: Okay. And based on the conversation the Secretary had with former Ambassador Dermer this morning, do you have any indication that the Israelis are willing to allow more aid in, especially since you’ve been pushing for several weeks now on opening Erez crossing in the north into Gaza, and that has not yet happened?

MR MILLER: So I will let the Israeli Government speak for themselves about decisions that they take, but we will continue to press them to allow more aid in through Rafah, through Kerem Shalom, and to open additional crossings to the north. As we’ve spoken about before, it’s extremely difficult to get aid from southern Gaza and central Gaza into the north right now. We all saw the horrific video last week of commercial deliveries in the north to people who are incredibly desperate for food and the way they – when they see any hope of a chance of getting food, the way they rush to get it. It’s a clear sign that more needs to be done, and so that’s what we’re pressing the Government of Israel to do.

QUESTION: Do you have any indication that they get it and that they’re accepting your – your appeals?

MR MILLER: Again, I don’t want to speak for them, but it’s something we’re continuing to press with —

QUESTION: Well, I’m not asking you to speak for them. I’m asking you to tell me whether or – or to tell everyone here what – whether or not you think that your arguments are having an impact.

MR MILLER: It is an issue that we remain incredibly focused on. The Government of Israel tells us, as they say publicly, that they want to ensure that aid gets to those who need it. But ultimately, as you’ve heard us say when it comes to other matters, it’s the results that matter, not the intent. And right now not enough aid is getting in and not enough aid is getting distributed, and that needs to change.

QUESTION: Thanks.

MR MILLER: Humeyra.

QUESTION: Hi, Matt. I just want to go back a little bit to the air drops because they have raised a lot of questions and some criticism as well. A lot of people made the point that why does Washington need to resort to a practice that it would use in battlefields or areas that are controlled by hostile forces? Given that this area is controlled by Israel, why is the United States forced to use this practice to get aid into an area that its closest ally controls?

MR MILLER: So a few things. Number one, we are using air drops because not enough aid is getting in right now. That’s the fundamental reason, and we want to do everything we can to get aid in through any mechanism possible.

Number two, even as we air drop food and assistance into Gaza, as I said in my opening comments, we are continuing to push for the expansion of alternative mechanisms.

But then the third thing I would say is I’ve seen people expressing their opposition to these air drops, and it’s something I frankly don’t understand. If you want to say that air drops are not enough, fine. We would agree with that proposition. As I said, we want to see aid come in through a maritime delivery route, and we’re exploring one. We want to see aid come in through the crossing that are already open but need to be increased. And we want to see aid come in through additional crossings that are open.

But it’s a good thing, not a bad thing, to see thousands of meals distributed by air. And so we will continue to deliver aid through that mechanism, but it is very much not a replacement for every other mechanism to get aid into Gaza.

QUESTION: I mean, I think a lot of people were pointing out to the fact that it’s a very expensive workaround. So I want to repeat a question that me and my colleagues have repeatedly asked you here over the last four months. The United States does have a very important and big leverage over Israel, like it does over other countries, and that is the military aid. And you have repeatedly said that Washington has so far – did not feel the need to or does not think it’s the best option to use that leverage.

So after the events of last week and as the situation on the ground gets even more dire, and there seems to be an obvious inability on the part of U.S. Government to influence Israel in a meaningful way on this particular issue, does the United States – is the United States reconsidering its decision to not use military aid as its leverage over Israel?

MR MILLER: So again, we continue to support Israel’s campaign to ensure that the attacks of October 7th cannot be repeated. We have provided military assistance to Israel because it is consistent with that goal. Hamas continues – the leadership of Hamas, that planned and plotted October 7th, continue to be at large inside Gaza. They continue to pose a threat to innocent civilians inside Israel. They would relaunch the attacks of October 7th today, tomorrow, if they had the capability to do so. So we support Israel’s legitimate military campaign consistent with international humanitarian law, and that’s why we continue to support them militarily.

At the same time, we are incredibly concerned about the humanitarian situation, and that’s why you’ve seen engagement at the highest levels of this government. And you all have heard this from me before, but it is the engagement by the President, the engagement by the Secretary, that ensured that Rafah was open in the first place, that ensured that Kerem Shalom was open in the first place, that hopefully is going to ensure another crossing opens in the north.

And so it is through that engagement that we have gotten humanitarian assistance in. That is in no way to say that we are satisfied. We are very much not satisfied. And so we are going to build on the record that has proven somewhat successful but very much needs to be expanded in getting more humanitarian assistance in, and we will engage directly with the Israeli Government on that question.

QUESTION: So that’s a no?

MR MILLER: It’s my – the answer I just provided.

QUESTION: Okay, a couple of other little things —

MR MILLER: Yes.

QUESTION: — on maritime. You said this is in developmental – development phase. But – so I mean, as much as you can say, there is no port in Gaza. Where is this going to be offloaded?

MR MILLER: So I can’t say very much about it. It’s a matter that we are exploring with commercial partners as well as other partners in the region. There are a number of different ways to do it. We’re trying to find the most efficient way to get as much aid in as possible. But while we’re reviewing that privately, I don’t think I should talk to it in detail from here.

QUESTION: Is there any consideration that the U.S. military would be involved?

MR MILLER: We have – as you’ve heard the President make clear, we do – he is not sending U.S. military to Gaza.

QUESTION: Could I just basically follow up on Humeyra’s question, but maybe ask it in a slightly different way? Israel, of course, is a friendly country to the United States, is a very good relationship, but there are actually warnings of famine, perhaps, coming soon in Gaza. I mean, do you believe that Israel could do more to actually avert this?

MR MILLER: We do think there is more that they could do. There is more that they could do practically. There are decisions that they could make that would have an impact. Opening an increased crossing would be one. There are practical decisions that they could make with respect to security around the distribution of aid inside Gaza that we have been pressing them to make. So yes, we very much agree that there is more that they can do and more that they should do.

QUESTION: And why do you think they haven’t done it? Is there any influence that the U.S. could –

MR MILLER: I will – I will let them speak to their own decision making. The point that we make to them is that the situation as it stands now is unacceptable and everyone involved needs to do more.

QUESTION: And just one more on that. The situation in northern Gaza in particular, there’s been a security deterioration. I mean, do you think that everything has been done that could be possible to actually improve the security there, or do you think there are things the Israelis could do to improve the stability there?

MR MILLER: I do think there’s more. I think the – one of the most important things that they could do to improve the security situation in northern Gaza would be to open a crossing to allow humanitarian aid to get in. There – Israel faces a – there are a number of security issues right now with respect to northern Gaza. One is that there are Hamas fighters that continue to operate there and continue to pop up from time to time and try to re-engage with IDF forces. But there is also a security situation with respect to the number of people who are there – who are desperate for aid. And that’s a security situation that you saw play out last week when you see hundreds if not thousands of people running to trucks just because they’re desperate for food for their families.

So we think getting more aid in would both alleviate the underlying humanitarian situation but would alleviate the desperation, and that if people knew – it gets to this point. The reason we are trying to get aid in through as many channels as possible is it is our assessment that if people know that this truck they see today is not the last truck that’s going to be in their neighborhood delivering food in the next week or month, they’re less likely to rush out there and put themselves in danger, put their neighbors in danger, and create a chaotic situation.

So we just need to get more aid in so people have confidence that there will be a next meal for themselves, for their family members. And that’s what we’re trying to do.

QUESTION: Can I just follow up?

MR MILLER: Jen, go ahead.

QUESTION: Oh, do you want to —

MR MILLER: Go ahead.

QUESTION: It was just a follow-up on the security point.

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: I mean, how much of a factor is the bombing of police forces that were securing these convoys by the Israelis in what has happened since? Because we know what a problem that has caused. These police, as far as I understand it, are sometimes unarmed, they contain remnants that are still called Fatah, not all Hamas, and they have been hit. And that seems to have been a huge factor in them no longer be willing to secure the convoys, which has led to this complete drying up of aid, particularly being able to get to the north, and therefore part of the problem with the terrible event we saw on Thursday. So how much of a factor was Israel doing that in what’s now happening?

MR MILLER: It is a significant factor. And the point that we have made to the Government of Israel is what’s important is that aid be distributed from the warehouses at Rafah, the warehouses in – at Kerem Shalom or just inside the Gaza border, out to neighborhoods so people can get it. There are a number of ways in which that could occur. Police escorts could be one. As I mentioned a moment ago, there are increased deliveries that have been going on the last week in which the UN has been able to provide – to find security that is not provided by on-duty police. There may be other alternative mechanisms as well. Ultimately, that’s a question for the Government of Israel and the United Nations to determine.

But what we have made clear is what’s not an acceptable alternative is for people to starve. And so whatever the security situation is that’s – that needs to be established to ensure that those trucks can deliver needs to be done. And Israel can – we will be happy to work with Israel and with the United Nations to find the best alternative to ensure that those trucks can safely deliver their food, their water, their medicine. But an unacceptable answer is allowing those – is leaving those trucks just sitting in warehouses and not getting the aid distributed to the people who desperately, desperately need it.

QUESTION: But doesn’t it go – it goes to the fundamental issue, though, that there is no security in Gaza. So this is not a day-after problem, some sort of hypothetical in the future; it’s happening now. And it’s happening now because there was no plan.

MR MILLER: I would not disagree with the assessment that it is not a day-after issue, it is an issue now, and it’s one that the Government of Israel needs to work with the United Nations to determine an answer to now, because there is a very urgent need on the ground.

QUESTION: Can I —

MR MILLER: Said, go ahead. Sorry, I was supposed to come to you —

QUESTION: Thank you, Matt. A couple things. In your response to Humeyra and to Shaun, on the – what happened last Thursday, you’re saying that we’ve seen what desperate people needing food and so on, what could – are you saying that the tragedy was a result of the stampede of people?

MR MILLER: There is an investigation ongoing by the Government of Israel. I know they’ve released preliminary – a preliminary assessment. But there’s a further investigation going on. But clearly, the reason all those people were out there in the first place at 4:30 in the morning – I think it’s easy to lose sight of that. This was not in the middle of the day; it’s 4:30 in the morning. And the reason that many people were out there was because they’re so desperate for food and assistance. When aid trucks roll in, especially in the middle of the night, you shouldn’t have to see people swarming them for aid. They should have confidence that that aid will be distributed, but they don’t right now and for good reason, because aid hasn’t been getting there, and they’re desperate to feed their families.

QUESTION: Okay. But you don’t doubt that the Israeli military fired on those people?

MR MILLER: They have —

QUESTION: That there were gunshots?

MR MILLER: They have offered a public assessment of what’s happened, and they said that they did fire in one context. We do not have any independent confirmation of how the actual events rolled out. I know that there are differing assessments and conflicting evidence about what happened, which is why we’re going to await the outcome of the investigation.

QUESTION: Yeah, but I mean, as wonderful as it is to send them aid by airplanes, I mean, it’s 38,000 meals. That’s, like, 0.07 – one-seventh each one person. I mean, that’s a very small amount. The best way obviously is via ground, and the U.S. can send in trucks. I don’t think that the Israelis would shoot or would fire on American-controlled trailer trucks and so on.

MR MILLER: Said, I think you’re – you, number one, are missing everything I just said, both in my opening comments and —

QUESTION: (Off-mike.)

MR MILLER: Just – I – please don’t interrupt, because I didn’t interrupt you – about the fact that these air drops are intended to supplement, not replace. And while they are insufficient by themselves, they are still important and will provide meals to people who otherwise did not have them, so we do feel they meet a critical need and we will continue them. But that does not change the fundamental underlying issue, which is we do need to get more aid in through land delivery and potentially through sea delivery, and that’s what we’re trying to accomplish.

QUESTION: Yeah. First of all, I’m not dismissing the value of that. In fact, I asked the question last week if the U.S. would do something like this – nor was I interrupting you. I’m just saying I realized that it’s an effort, but it’s a very small effort. There are other ways. And even by sea, I mean, I understand the U.S. military has these wonderful causeways they can roll things in. Doesn’t – you don’t even have to have a harbor and so on. But that is still inefficient. I mean, it’s – the United States and Egypt and so on, there is a political decision to ensure – I mean, to basically force Israel to allow trucks in. I’d believe that they will prevail. You don’t think that the U.S. can prevail if it pressures Israel to allow these trucks in?

MR MILLER: We are making clear that more trucks need to come in from the seniormost levels of this government.

QUESTION: Okay, a couple more questions. Of course I think it was raised that there is something like 15 children that have already died of starvation in Gaza, and there seems to be maybe hundreds more in the coming days and so on. So the situation is very, very desperate. Let me ask you about UNRWA. Have you arrived a decision on continuing aid or resuming aid to UNRWA?

MR MILLER: We have made clear that we are going to make that determination at the conclusion of the two investigations the UN is conducting with respect to UNRWA. Neither of those investigations has concluded at this point.

QUESTION: Do you have any, like, calendar or timetable on this, because —

MR MILLER: It’s – it’s —

QUESTION: — the people in UNRWA are saying that we are – the situation is pretty horrible.

MR MILLER: So it’s a question you should direct to the UN about how long that – those two investigations will take.

QUESTION: But you are not demanding that the UN sort of speed up the process?

MR MILLER: I think it’s in the UN’s interest that the investigations be completed as soon as possible. I’m sure that they are well aware of that.

QUESTION: And finally, I have one – can you share with us any update on the talks?

MR MILLER: On the hostage talks? No, I’m not going to read those out in detail other than to say, as I said in my opening comments, that there is a deal on the table. And that deal would get hostages out, it would deliver a temporary ceasefire of six weeks, and it would allow more aid to come in, so we hope Hamas will accept the deal.

Jen.

QUESTION: On the hostage talks, Matt, what do you make of the fact that Israel did not send a delegation to Cairo for these continued working-level talks?

MR MILLER: I will let Israel speak for itself. We want – we are engaged in the ongoing talks and want them to conclude successfully.

QUESTION: Are you concerned that this indicates that they would not accept any Hamas counterproposals or discuss them at all?

MR MILLER: Israel has made clear that they want a deal to secure the release of hostages. They have been engaged to try to secure a deal to release hostages and achieve a temporary ceasefire. And we’ll continue to engage with them in that regard.

QUESTION: And you spoke of the Israeli investigation into what happened last Thursday. Would the U.S. support an independent investigation?

MR MILLER: So I’ve heard those calls for an independent investigation. I have – as yet have not seen who people have in mind or what body they have in mind to conduct the – such an independent investigation. I did note that the UN says that it is sending UN staff into hospitals to look at the nature of the wounds to see if it was a small number of people who were killed by gunshot or whether it was a larger number, or whether the deaths have – came as a result of being run over by trucks or crushed in the horrific events that occurred. So it does appear the UN is conducting at least its own kind of assessment of what happened, and we support them doing that.

QUESTION: And then on the Gantz visit, there’s been a lot of political furor in Israel from Netanyahu and members of his coalition there. Does the U.S. – I guess can you talk us through why you thought it was still appropriate to meet with Gantz despite —

MR MILLER: So Benny Gantz is a member of the war cabinet, someone with whom the Secretary has engaged in his visits to Israel, someone with whom the Secretary has had one-on-one phone calls on repeated occasions when we’re back here in the United States. So what ministers travel to the United States is – and how they make those decisions and how they coordinate is ultimately an internal matter for the Government of Israel to determine on their own. For our part, we find him an important figure inside the Israeli Government to engage with and – given the number of issues that we have currently that we are in discussion with the Government of Israel about, including the need to surge humanitarian assistance in – for our purposes, it’s an important meeting to have.

QUESTION: And I have a couple on Haiti when (inaudible) —

QUESTION: (Off-mike.)

MR MILLER: Let’s go ahead. Go ahead and go to Haiti, and I’ll come back.

QUESTION: I was going to follow up. Is that all right?

MR MILLER: Oh, go ahead. Yeah.

QUESTION: Sorry. I don’t want to step on anybody, but just directly to follow —

MR MILLER: Go ahead.

QUESTION: — on Jenny’s question, I mean does the fact that senior U.S. officials – including the Secretary, the Vice President, National Security Advisor – the fact that they’re taking these meetings with Benny Gantz signal that they see in him more of a willing diplomatic partner than Prime Minister Netanyahu?

MR MILLER: I would not make that assessment. We’re meeting with Benny Gantz because he’s one of three members of the war cabinet thought to – one of five, if you count the two advisor members – but one of three members of the war cabinet who has a critical vote and a critical stake in how this war is conducted. He has a critical voice in the delivery of humanitarian assistance; he’s an important figure in the sitting government of Israel, and so that’s why we engage with him.

QUESTION: I mean, he’s also a political rival of the sitting prime minister and Prime Minister Netanyahu made clear that he disapproves of these meetings going forward. So in taking these meetings, did the U.S. consider that they might fuel political instability within the existing Israeli Government.

MR MILLER: We – that is – the various political intrigue inside Israel is ultimately a matter for the Government of Israel and the political class in Israel that we take no position on. The Secretary has met with Benny Gantz a number of times – met with him in the presence of the prime minister; he’s met with him separately, just as he’s met with members of the opposition and members of the – and other members of the government, and we’ll continue to do that, because we think it’s important to do so and advances the interests of the United States.

QUESTION: Two quick follows on the region?

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: One is, what can you say about Israel’s willingness to make good on the requirements set forth in the National Security Memorandum set forth last month, about providing written confirmation that they’ll use American military aid in accordance with humanitarian law? Absent having already supplied that response, have they indicated that they will be able to meet that deadline and provide you a written —

MR MILLER: So it’s a matter we are in conversation with the Government of Israel about, as we are in conversation with other countries that receive security assistance from the United States. I don’t want to get into those underlying discussions, but there is a deadline that the executive order sets out. I think it’s 45 days from early February, when it was established. And we will engage with every country that we provide military assistance to about the requirements set out on the executive order and how they can fulfill them.

QUESTION: Is Israel on track to meet that deadline?

MR MILLER: Again, the deadline is clearly imposed. I don’t want to speak to it before we get there. It’s a matter, right now, we’re in discussion with Israel. And I should note, I know all the questions always come with respect to Israel, but this is a matter that’s not unique to Israel. It applies to every country that receives security assistance from the U.S.

QUESTION: Last quick one on Rafah.

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Was – has the U.S. been advised as to whether there is a likely or an imminent ground operation likely to be launched into Rafah?

MR MILLER: No, we have not. And we have still not been briefed on any plan either for a military operation or a humanitarian assistance plan that we have said is critical before a military operation takes place.

QUESTION: And you would still expect that to happen before anything happens on the ground?

MR MILLER: It is what we have said is critical.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR MILLER: Go ahead.

QUESTION: The situation on the ground in Haiti —

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: — has deteriorated even further. What’s the U.S. assessment of where things go from here? Our understanding is the prime minister is not in the country. Is the U.S. trying to facilitate his return there? And then are there any plans to evacuate the embassy at this point?

MR MILLER: So first of all, we are closely monitoring the situation and condemn efforts by gangs to further destabilize and take control of Haiti. It’s our understanding that the prime minister is returning to the country. We think it’s important that he do so and that he be allowed to do so.

Many of those responsible for the uptick in violence have been designated by the United States under the Global Magnitsky Act and illicit drugs sanctions programs and by other members of the international community under their authorities. And I think the actions you’ve seen these gang members take over the last few days shows exactly why they have been so designated. And it also underscores the urgency of finalizing the Multinational Security Support Mission to assist the Haiti National Police in dealing with the dire security situation on the ground.

With respect to the embassy, the embassy remains open. The – we announced yesterday that the embassy has moved to limited operations with no public services available the first three days of this week due to the ongoing violence in Port-au-Prince.

QUESTION: Can I just follow up on that?

MR MILLER: Yeah. Janne, I swear I’ll come to you. We’ll do this first and then —

QUESTION: So just the tense – the prime minister is returning to the country. Like is he in the process of it? Is he —

MR MILLER: I will let the Haitian Government speak to that.

QUESTION: Does the U.S. have any role in —

MR MILLER: Again, I’ll let the Haitian Government speak to the prime minister’s travel. Go ahead, Janne.

QUESTION: Thank you, Matt. Two questions on Russia and North Korea. The Russian President Putin warned that if the Western countries sent troops to Ukraine nuclear war would break out. How do you think about the Russia as a nuclear threat?

MR MILLER: So first of all, the – that rhetoric, as we’ve seen before, is irresponsible and inappropriate for a nuclear power and is inconsistent with the way that any nuclear power should talk about the use of such weapons in public. But we have seen no reason to change our nuclear posture. And I would just note, as I always note, as the President has made clear, we are not sending boots on the ground to Ukraine.

QUESTION: Secondly, on North Korea, there are signs that North Korea will soon launch another reconnaissance satellite. Do you think Russia is providing satellite technology to North Korea as part of its weapons support?

MR MILLER: I just don’t want to comment on that detail.

Alex, go ahead.

QUESTION: Thanks, Matt. A couple of separate topics. Staying on Russia rhetoric.

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Russia ramped its rhetoric against Moldova, saying that West is trying to take over the leadership of Moldova. Do you have any response to Lavrov?

MR MILLER: That’s obviously not true.

QUESTION: He also accused Armenia of going towards the West, and then he promised that they will respond to Armenia. Any reaction?

MR MILLER: So I’m not going to respond directly to that question, although it’s the kind of – it’s the kind of rhetoric that we have seen the Russian Government make that is destabilizing to the region, and it’s why you’ve seen so many of Russia’s neighbors be concerned about threatening rhetoric and threatening actions that the Russian Government has shown over and over it is willing to take against its neighbors. And I’ll leave it at that.

QUESTION: Thank you. Do you want to weigh into a German leaked story in two contexts actually? One is Germany says that it – Russia has ramped up its information war against it since last night; secondly, whether do you see this might mean that Germany will be frozen out of intel sharing?

MR MILLER: I don’t have any comment on intelligence matters at all.

Guita, go ahead.

QUESTION: A couple of – a few questions, Matt, on Iran. Today, the director general of the IAEA delivered his report – officially delivered his report to the Board of Governors and made statements about the different subjects, including Iran. He didn’t have anything positive to say about what Iran’s been doing in the past few months.

MR MILLER: Nor will I, much to your surprise.

QUESTION: (Laughter.) He also expressed concern about some comments that Iranian officials have been making that – about their capabilities to build a bomb. This was the first time that Grossi made reference to that. Does the U.S. think that it’s time to censor Iran or at least report it directly to the UN Security Council? Because I think Reuters has reported and quoted Western officials that the E3 do have a draft for a censure, but the U.S. may not be very willing to go along with it.

MR MILLER: So we are closely coordinating with our E3 allies on our approach to Iran’s nuclear program, including with respect to the IAEA Board of Governors meeting. I don’t have any actions to preview at this time, but we fully support the IAEA and Director General Grossi and believe that Iran must fully uphold its safeguard obligations without further delay.

QUESTION: Your Iranian counterpart today was asked about the 2015 nuclear agreement. He said that the —

MR MILLER: I didn’t know I had an Iranian counterpart. Does he hold press briefings?

QUESTION: Yes, they do – once a week. (Laughter.)

MR MILLER: Yeah. Yeah. Once a week.

QUESTION: Yeah.

MR MILLER: With a thriving free press inside Iran.

QUESTION: Perfect. He was asked about the JCPOA, and he said that the diplomatic channels was – were still open. Have any communication been exchanged in this regard regarding their nuclear program?

MR MILLER: So we have the ability to communicate to Iran when it is in the U.S. interest to do so, but I’m not going to characterize those communications further.

QUESTION: Okay. One last one. Shervin Hajipour, one of – who composed a song last year —

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: — about – yeah – the protests, and he was given an almost four-year sentence, plus that he has to read books on women’s rights in Islam and to compose an anti-U.S. song and publish it on social media. Do you have any comments?

MR MILLER: So we condemn the years-long prison sentence for Shervin Hajipour, who many around the world know for his song Baraye which became a global anthem for the Iranian peoples’ protests. You may remember that Secretary Blinken had the – that song on his 2022 Spotify playlist and Dr. Jill Biden presented him with the first ever Grammy for best song for social change. And I think the Iranian Government’s actions are just another signal of their intent to crack down on freedom of expression and repress voices inside their own society whenever possible.

QUESTION: Can I ask one more on Iran?

MR MILLER: To – yeah.

QUESTION: The – I know you commented on this before the election, but the election, particularly the turnout. Authorities are reporting its 41 percent, which would be the lowest since the Islamic Revolution. Do you have any comment either on the turnout – whether you think that turnout is accurate, but what the overall historically low turnout, what it means?

MR MILLER: I don’t have our own assessment to offer about turnout, other than to say that the Iranian authorities’ claims about turnout have generally been unreliable. But as you heard me say last week, we did not assess that these elections would be free and fair and believe that many Iranian voters would assess that the elections would not be free and fair. And so it wouldn’t be surprise me if in that regards they chose not to participate.

QUESTION: Can I just take it one step further? I mean, do you think this is a show of discontent or whatever the low —

MR MILLER: We know that the Iranian people are discontented. We see them – we’ve seen them come out and protest on a number of occasions, and we’ve seen the Iranian authorities brutally crack down on those protests. So I don’t think there’s any doubt that there’s discontent about the regime’s rule and the regime’s willingness to crack down and try and keep that discontent from bubbling up.

Go ahead. I’ll come to you next.

QUESTION: The 30 days notification by the U.S. State Department to the U.S. Congress on sale of drones to India has passed yesterday. What the next steps in that? Do you know?

MR MILLER: I will have to take that and get back to you. I wasn’t aware that, that date had passed.

QUESTION: Okay.

MR MILLER: Go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you. I have two questions on Gaza. First, on Israeli investigations – at recent briefings, you have urged a lot of investigations into a lot of issues. I wanted to follow up on two of these. You have urged for investigation into the sexual violence allegations, sexual assault allegations against Palestinian women, and the killing of Hind Rajab. Do you have any updates on those, any —

MR MILLER: I – oh, sorry.

QUESTION: Have you heard back from any of these?

MR MILLER: I don’t have an update. I don’t know if we have. I’m happy to check, I’m just personally not aware with respect to that one.

QUESTION: And the second question, on have you seen the reports of Israeli war planes bombing a makeshift cemetery in Sunday built near the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza? Have you seen those reports? Do you —

MR MILLER: I have seen the reports. I haven’t been able to – we have not been able to verify them, but as we have said a number of times, it is important that Israel conduct this campaign in full compliance with international humanitarian law.

Go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you, sir. Shehbaz Sharif has been elected as the new prime minister of Pakistan. Would you like to comment on your expectations for bilateral relations with Pakistan under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif?

MR MILLER: So I’m not going to speak with respect to the new prime minister, but as we’ve said before, we value our longstanding partnership with Pakistan and have always viewed a strong, prosperous, and democratic Pakistan as critical to United States-Pakistan interests, and our engagement with new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his government will continue to focus on advancing these shared interests.

QUESTION: Sir, Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has been elected as the chief minister of the key province of Punjab in Pakistan, the country’s first woman to hold the post. Despite facing fabricated cases and spending time behind bars, she emerged as the winner and the first woman chief minister of Punjab. In your opinion, how does her historic election signify progress for women’s representation in Pakistani politics?

MR MILLER: So her selection as chief minister is a milestone in Pakistani politics. We look forward to cooperating with Pakistan more broadly on integrating women more fully into the country’s political life, in the economy, including through the U.S.-Pakistan Women’s Council, civil society, and other decision making spaces. An inclusive Pakistan makes for a strong, prosperous country which all Pakistanis benefit from, and so we are always pleased when we see cracks in the glass ceiling anywhere in the world.

QUESTION: Follow-up.

MR MILLER: Go ahead – no, go ahead. Go ahead first. Yeah. I’ll come to you —

QUESTION: Yes. Special Envoy Amos Hochstein is in Beirut today.

MR MILLER: I – he does not work for the State Department. He works for the White House, so I will defer to them for comment on Amos’s travel.

QUESTION: But the ambassador with him in his meeting with officials.

MR MILLER: Again – again, I’m going to defer to the White House for comment on a – the travel of a White House official, but Amos Hochstein has been engaged, as have people at the State Department, on trying to achieve a diplomatic resolution to the situation in the north of Israel.

Go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR MILLER: I’ll come to you next.

QUESTION: Yes. You just called my colleague that Maryam Nawaz Sharif was a milestone, becoming the first female chief minister of Pakistan. Has —

MR MILLER: Of Punjab. Of Punjab.

QUESTION: Of Punjab, yeah.

MR MILLER: Of Punjab.

QUESTION: Prime – we have had a prime minister, female, Benazir Bhutto, if you remember.

MR MILLER: I do. That does not —

QUESTION: She was a milestone too.

MR MILLER: I do. She absolutely was. It in no way changes this accomplishment.

QUESTION: But you know Maryam Nawaz Sharif was caught in the supreme court of Pakistan —

MR MILLER: Do you have a question?

QUESTION: No, but are you aware that Maryam Nawaz was caught in the supreme court by presenting a fake Calibri font as well?

MR MILLER: I am not going to get into those underlying details. It’s a matter for Pakistan, but we do believe her selection as chief minister is a milestone for Pakistan (inaudible).

QUESTION: Just one more question. One more question. Human rights – United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Mr. Richard Bennett urged countries to initiate a case against Taliban over women rights. Last week, Karine and you spoke about having a inclusive government, but the women rights are totally forgotten. Can the U.S. at least urge – like, be a part of this case? Because this is a very general case. Millions of girls just across the border from Pakistan are – have been without education for two years now.

MR MILLER: So I can’t speak to the specific case that you’re referring to because I’m not aware of it, but of course we have said it many times that the treatment of women and girls inside Afghanistan is deplorable.

Humeyra, you had something.

QUESTION: Yeah.

QUESTION: Thank you.

QUESTION: Thank you, Matt. Just to go back to a couple of Israel-Gaza related stuff, so about Erez or the third border crossing opening, given your comments at the top about the urgency and how severe the situation is, what is the sticking point with the Israeli Government?

MR MILLER: I’m not going to get into our private conversations, but it’s a matter that we are engaged with them on. I will let them speak for themselves. We think it needs to open urgently.

QUESTION: Okay. And just to push you a little bit more on that, given you think it needs to open urgently, can you give a timeline on like days, weeks?

MR MILLER: I can’t because it’s not a decision that needs to be made by the United States Government; it’s one that needs to be – that can – has to be made by the Government of Israel. I can’t speak for them, but we continue to urge them to open it as soon as possible.

QUESTION: Okay. And on Benny Gantz, following up from colleagues, do you think, like, given that Prime Minister Netanyahu is not happy with this particular trip – and I know the Secretary has seen Benny Gantz on several occasions in our trips – do you think that dispute with Netanyahu actually reduces his effectiveness in – for U.S. to push, like, on aid situation and – does that under – does that trip undercut his impact, his effectiveness?

MR MILLER: I am not going to make assessments about the varying levels effectiveness – of effectiveness of any member of the —

QUESTION: Well, you guys are meeting with him.

MR MILLER: — of any member of the Government of Israel. But, that said, he is one of three members of the war cabinet, plays an important role inside the government. That’s why we’re meeting with him. It’s the same reason why the Secretary talked to Ron Dermer, minister for strategic affairs and an advisory member of the war cabinet, today because there are a number of issues that we need to urgently engage with them on. And so that’s what we’re doing.

QUESTION: Okay. A couple of little things on CHIRG. You – you have said a few weeks ago that U.S. has begun reviewing reports that Israel may have harmed civilians in its war in Gaza under the CHIRG process specifically, and I know that you did say that this is not a process that is going to yield results right away, but I still would like to check back in and ask. We know that there are dozens, if not more, a number of – dozens of incidents that are being reviewed. Have any of them moved to stage two? Has – have the – has this building made any determination that yes, U.S. weapons were used in incident XYZ and that caused civilian harm, and Israeli military was at fault in this particular incidence?

MR MILLER: Those reviews are ongoing. None of them have been concluded, and I’m not going to offer kind of preliminary assessments as they move through the process.

QUESTION: Right. And final one. Do you have a better understanding – does this building have a better understanding on what it would do when it reaches – when and if it reaches that assessment? What is the next step of that review?

MR MILLER: It —

QUESTION: You should know that because, I mean, that’s the whole point of conducting that review, right?

MR MILLER: It totally depends on the circumstances. And given that’s a variety of different cases with different circumstances, I wouldn’t want to speculate.

Go ahead in the back, and then we’ll wrap.

QUESTION: At least some recent report by United Nation there was a significant funding gap for humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, more than $2 billion. Can you elaborate how does the United States plan to contribute to alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan?

MR MILLER: So the United States remains committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan. One way we continue to do that is to address underlying macroeconomic issues, which will provide necessary stability for the current humanitarian response to be more effective and will help alleviate many of the issues that fuel the humanitarian crisis we see in Afghanistan today. And we also remain the single largest provider of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, includes providing over $2 billion in lifesaving and sustaining assistance to the Afghan people since August of 2021.

With that, we’ll wrap for – yeah, go ahead. Shaun, and then we’ll —

QUESTION: Just one on Zimbabwe.

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: The announcement this morning. I was wondering if you could expand a little bit about the thinking about doing this, about having the targeted – I mean, I realize the Secretary has a statement, but having targeted sanctions against the president and others. Some, including the Zimbabwean Government, are actually saying this is a victory, saying that the sanctions regime has been – in 2003 is over. Is this half full? Half empty? How are you —

MR MILLER: It’s rare that you see a government say that sanctions on the sitting president is a victory for the government. So I won’t – I don’t think – I’ll let that one slide.

With the transition, we are focusing our sanctions policy on Zimbabwe now to actively target those who are currently engaged in human rights abuses and corruption. So there were a number – under the old sanctions regime, which had been in place for 20 years, actually over 20 years at this point, there were a number of sanctions in place on people who were no longer in government, some of whom were deceased. So we thought it important to update our policy and focus on those who are currently engaged in human rights abuses and corruption, including the sitting president.

QUESTION: Do you have a rough number how many were – will be taken off as a result?

MR MILLER: I don’t know, sorry. All right, with that I’ll —

QUESTION: On (inaudible) Pope Francis?

MR MILLER: Yeah, go ahead. Go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you, appreciate it. Good afternoon, by the way.

MR MILLER: Yes.

QUESTION: So on Sunday, yesterday, Pope Francis, he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza so the hostages can be freed and civilians can get aid. He said, quote, “Enough, please! Stop!” Does the State Department believe that the pope’s urgent plea can help secure a ceasefire in Gaza?

MR MILLER: So we believe there ought to be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza that brings the hostages out, that alleviates the suffering of the Palestinian people, and that’s what we are advocating for. There is a deal on the table that would deliver all of those things; Hamas just needs to accept it.

With that, we’ll wrap for the day.

(The briefing was concluded at 2:12 p.m.)
Tags
Afghanistan Haiti India Iran Israel Lebanon Moldova Office of the Spokesperson Pakistan Palestinian Territories Russia Ukraine Zimbabwe


Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Hosts Graphite Supply Chain Deep-Dive Meeting at PDAC
03/04/2024

Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Hosts Graphite Supply Chain Deep-Dive Meeting at PDAC
03/04/2024 06:21 PM EST

HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Hosts Graphite Supply Chain Deep-Dive Meeting at PDAC
hide

Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Hosts Graphite Supply Chain Deep-Dive Meeting at PDAC

Media Note
March 4, 2024



The partners of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) held a Graphite Supply Chain Deep-Dive meeting on March 4 in Toronto, following the MSP principals’ meeting on March 3. The graphite meeting was hosted by the Government of the Republic of Korea, in cooperation with the MSP partners, including the United States, the current chair of the MSP. In-sun Kang, the 2nd Vice Foreign Minister of Korea, Jose W. Fernandez, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, and Kerstin Jorna, Director General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission provided opening remarks.


The meeting convened government officials, critical minerals experts, and financial institutions from partner countries of the MSP, along with companies operating in the global graphite supply chain. MSP partners were also joined by other critical minerals-producing countries including Tanzania. The participants discussed ways to enhance cooperation in strengthening the global supply chain of graphite, one of the key critical minerals essential for the global clean energy transition.


Participants engaged in discussions on the challenges of the global graphite supply chain, ways to increase global graphite production, major graphite projects, and financial tools available for graphite projects. Market experts voiced the importance of international cooperation in strengthening global graphite supply chains, ranging from exploration and production to processing, refining, and recycling. Participants additionally called for global cooperation in research and development, and in sustainable and responsible mining for critical minerals at various stages of development. MSP partners also exchanged views on ways to facilitate private sector investment through public-private cooperation for sustainable critical minerals development.


Building upon the MSP’s commitments to high environmental, social, and governance standards in the global minerals sector, the MSP partners will continue to work closely together to catalyze private sector investment and cooperation in diversifying global graphite supply chains.


Learn more about the MSP at the webpage.


To stay up to date, follow Under Secretary Fernandez on X: @State_E, LinkedIn: @State-E, and Facebook: @StateDeptE.


For further media information, please contact E_Communications@state.gov.



Tags
Bureau of Energy Resources Energy Office of the Spokesperson Supply Chains


Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Hosts Graphite Supply Chain Deep-Dive Meeting at PDAC
03/04/2024


Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Hosts Graphite Supply Chain Deep-Dive Meeting at PDAC
03/04/2024 06:21 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Hosts Graphite Supply Chain Deep-Dive Meeting at PDAC
hide

Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Hosts Graphite Supply Chain Deep-Dive Meeting at PDAC


Media Note

March 4, 2024



The partners of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) held a Graphite Supply Chain Deep-Dive meeting on March 4 in Toronto, following the MSP principals’ meeting on March 3. The graphite meeting was hosted by the Government of the Republic of Korea, in cooperation with the MSP partners, including the United States, the current chair of the MSP. In-sun Kang, the 2nd Vice Foreign Minister of Korea, Jose W. Fernandez, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, and Kerstin Jorna, Director General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission provided opening remarks.


The meeting convened government officials, critical minerals experts, and financial institutions from partner countries of the MSP, along with companies operating in the global graphite supply chain. MSP partners were also joined by other critical minerals-producing countries including Tanzania. The participants discussed ways to enhance cooperation in strengthening the global supply chain of graphite, one of the key critical minerals essential for the global clean energy transition.


Participants engaged in discussions on the challenges of the global graphite supply chain, ways to increase global graphite production, major graphite projects, and financial tools available for graphite projects. Market experts voiced the importance of international cooperation in strengthening global graphite supply chains, ranging from exploration and production to processing, refining, and recycling. Participants additionally called for global cooperation in research and development, and in sustainable and responsible mining for critical minerals at various stages of development. MSP partners also exchanged views on ways to facilitate private sector investment through public-private cooperation for sustainable critical minerals development.


Building upon the MSP’s commitments to high environmental, social, and governance standards in the global minerals sector, the MSP partners will continue to work closely together to catalyze private sector investment and cooperation in diversifying global graphite supply chains.


Learn more about the MSP at the webpage.


To stay up to date, follow Under Secretary Fernandez on X: @State_E, LinkedIn: @State-E, and Facebook: @StateDeptE.


For further media information, please contact E_Communications@state.gov.



Tags
Bureau of Energy Resources Energy Office of the Spokesperson Supply Chains


The U.S.-Republic of Korea Consultation on the Special Measures Agreement
03/04/2024

The U.S.-Republic of Korea Consultation on the Special Measures Agreement
03/04/2024 07:34 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…The U.S.-Republic of Korea Consultation on the Special Measures Agreement
hide

The U.S.-Republic of Korea Consultation on the Special Measures Agreement

Media Note

March 4, 2024



Since 1991, Special Measures Agreements have reflected our shared commitment to a stable stationing environment for U.S. forces in the Republic of Korea (ROK) and a robust combined defense posture. As an exceptional measure to Article 5 of the U.S.-ROK Status of Forces Agreement, the ROK has contributed to the stationing of U.S. forces by sharing the costs of labor, logistics, and construction.


Senior Advisor and U.S. Lead Negotiator for Security Agreements in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Linda Specht will lead the U.S. delegation for the consultations, which will also include representatives from the Department of State and the Department of Defense. Representative for Defense Burden Sharing Lee Taewoo will lead the ROK delegation, which includes representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and all relevant authorities.


Both delegations will endeavor to engage in productive consultations that strengthen the U.S.-ROK combined defense posture and further solidify our Alliance.

For additional information, please contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs’ Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at pm-cpa@state.gov.



Tags
Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Office of the Spokesperson South Korea


On the Retirement of Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland
03/05/2024
On the Retirement of Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland
03/05/2024 09:08 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Victoria Nuland has let me know that she intends to step down in the coming weeks as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs – a role in which she has personified President Biden’s commitment to put diplomacy back at the center of our foreign policy and revitalize America’s global leadership at a crucial time for our nation and the world.

Toria’s tenure caps three and a half decades of remarkable public service under six Presidents and ten Secretaries of State. Starting with her very first posting as a consular officer in Guangzhou, China, Toria’s had most of the jobs in this Department. Political officer and economic officer. Spokesperson and chief of staff. Deputy Assistant Secretary and Assistant Secretary. Special Envoy and Ambassador.

These experiences have armed Toria with an encyclopedic knowledge of a wide range of issues and regions, and an unmatched capacity to wield the full toolkit of American diplomacy to advance our interests and values.

What makes Toria truly exceptional is the fierce passion she brings to fighting for what she believes in most: freedom, democracy, human rights, and America’s enduring capacity to inspire and promote those values around the world. These were the principles that drove Toria when we first met more than 30 years ago. They are the same principles she has brought to her work as Under Secretary, and as Acting Deputy Secretary of State – a role she filled seamlessly for seven months.

Over the past three years, Toria has led this Department on everything from addressing complex crises in the Sahel, Haiti, and the Middle East, to broadening and strengthening America’s alliances and partnerships across Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

But it’s Toria’s leadership on Ukraine that diplomats and students of foreign policy will study for years to come. Her efforts have been indispensable to confronting Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marshaling a global coalition to ensure his strategic failure, and helping Ukraine work toward the day when it will be able to stand strongly on its own feet – democratically, economically, and militarily.

There is so much to admire about Toria beyond her diplomatic skill. She always speaks her mind – to my benefit and to the benefit of our foreign policy. She always stands up for and invests in America’s diplomats – mentoring them, lifting them up, and ensuring they and their families have what they deserve, and what our mission demands. She finds light in the darkest moments, makes you laugh when you need it most, and always has your back.

President Biden and I have asked our Under Secretary for Management John Bass to serve as Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs until Toria’s replacement is confirmed.

We are so grateful for Toria’s service, and for the lasting mark she’s made on this institution and the world.




On the Retirement of Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland
03/05/2024
On the Retirement of Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland
03/05/2024 09:08 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Victoria Nuland has let me know that she intends to step down in the coming weeks as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs – a role in which she has personified President Biden’s commitment to put diplomacy back at the center of our foreign policy and revitalize America’s global leadership at a crucial time for our nation and the world.

Toria’s tenure caps three and a half decades of remarkable public service under six Presidents and ten Secretaries of State. Starting with her very first posting as a consular officer in Guangzhou, China, Toria’s had most of the jobs in this Department. Political officer and economic officer. Spokesperson and chief of staff. Deputy Assistant Secretary and Assistant Secretary. Special Envoy and Ambassador.

These experiences have armed Toria with an encyclopedic knowledge of a wide range of issues and regions, and an unmatched capacity to wield the full toolkit of American diplomacy to advance our interests and values.

What makes Toria truly exceptional is the fierce passion she brings to fighting for what she believes in most: freedom, democracy, human rights, and America’s enduring capacity to inspire and promote those values around the world. These were the principles that drove Toria when we first met more than 30 years ago. They are the same principles she has brought to her work as Under Secretary, and as Acting Deputy Secretary of State – a role she filled seamlessly for seven months.

Over the past three years, Toria has led this Department on everything from addressing complex crises in the Sahel, Haiti, and the Middle East, to broadening and strengthening America’s alliances and partnerships across Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

But it’s Toria’s leadership on Ukraine that diplomats and students of foreign policy will study for years to come. Her efforts have been indispensable to confronting Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marshaling a global coalition to ensure his strategic failure, and helping Ukraine work toward the day when it will be able to stand strongly on its own feet – democratically, economically, and militarily.

There is so much to admire about Toria beyond her diplomatic skill. She always speaks her mind – to my benefit and to the benefit of our foreign policy. She always stands up for and invests in America’s diplomats – mentoring them, lifting them up, and ensuring they and their families have what they deserve, and what our mission demands. She finds light in the darkest moments, makes you laugh when you need it most, and always has your back.

President Biden and I have asked our Under Secretary for Management John Bass to serve as Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs until Toria’s replacement is confirmed.

We are so grateful for Toria’s service, and for the lasting mark she’s made on this institution and the world.




Tenth U.S.-Vietnam Asia-Pacific Dialogue
03/05/2024
Tenth U.S.-Vietnam Asia-Pacific Dialogue
03/05/2024 09:25 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink and Vietnam Standing Vice Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu recently concluded the 10th Asia-Pacific Dialogue in Hanoi, the first held under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two sides discussed a range of regional and global issues, including ASEAN, transnational threats, economic security cooperation, and advancing our shared goals of a free, open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

The Assistant Secretary also held bilateral meetings with Vice Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc and Communist Party of Vietnam External Relations Committee Chairman Le Hoai Trung to discuss building on the recent elevation of U.S.-Vietnam relations.




Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Video Remarks at the 25th Anniversary of the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art and Best Practices Event
03/05/2024

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Video Remarks at the 25th Anniversary of the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art and Best Practices Event
03/05/2024 10:00 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, DC

Hello, everyone.

Thank you to the World Jewish Restitution Organization for convening this conference with the State Department to mark the 25th anniversary of the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art. Thank you to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum for hosting us.

I’m grateful to all gathered in support of this conference’s mission: representatives of governments endorsing the Washington Principles and these Best Practices. Families working relentlessly for justice. Academics, museum officials, and legal minds committed to making restitution of Nazi-confiscated art a reality for the survivors and their families.

I’d particularly like to thank Ambassador Stu Eizenstat, the remarkable driving force behind the Washington Principles and so many other restitution efforts… and our Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, Ellen Germain… and Gideon Taylor and his team at the WJRO.

In the 1960s, a teenager named Simon Goodman visited the San Diego Museum of Art with his father. Simon pointed out a beautiful 17th century work by a famed Dutch Master, only to have his dad tell him: that painting used to be our family’s.

A generation earlier, Nazis robbed Simon’s grandfather of his possessions, including his vast art collection, before deporting him and murdering him in a Gestapo prison.

Countless Jewish families endured similar experiences.

The Holocaust was not only the largest genocide in history. It was one of the largest mass thefts in history.

The Nazis seized and exploited Jewish businesses, bank accounts, and property – including art and cultural property – as a part of a systematic campaign to physically eradicate all vestiges of Jewish life.

The Nazis plundered museums, galleries, homes, and Jewish communities. They forced Jewish collectors to sell off their artwork at a fraction of their worth – or just stole it. Banned and auctioned off so-called “degenerate art” produced by Jews and those associated with being Jewish. Robbed Jewish families of their possessions as they marched them off to ghettos and camps.

My late stepfather, Samuel Pisar, was one of the victims of this dispossession. After the Nazis forced his family into the Bialystok ghetto, they killed Sam’s father. Soon after, Nazi forces herded the rest of the family – Sam, his mother, and his little sister Frieda – to the train station. There, a stormtrooper approached Sam’s mother and demanded she hand over her engagement ring. As soon as she wrested it from her finger, the soldiers loaded her and Frieda onto a train to Treblinka… and to their deaths.

For decades, the international community knew little about the injustice of Nazi-looted possessions, including art. Looted art hung in galleries and in homes, without challenge.

The Washington Principles, endorsed by 44 countries, began to change that.

Over the last 25 years, thousands of works of art, books, and cultural objects have been restored to their rightful owners. Several countries established claims commissions. Major auction houses and museums hired full-time staff to examine art that passed through European hands in the run-up to, and during, World War II. Institutions have been set up to archive stolen Jewish-owned art.

Those steps represent real progress. But they are not nearly enough.

Of the millions of works of art and cultural property stolen by the Nazis, countless objects still have not been returned to their owners. Today, too many governments, museums, dealers, galleries, and individuals still resist restitution efforts… while heirs confront staggering legal and financial barriers as they go up against opponents whose resources vastly outmatch their own.

Family members must prove they are the true heirs. That their art was wrongly taken or subject to a forced sale. That their relatives were persecuted. That statutes of limitations do not apply – an absurd obligation to place on the descendants of people who were murdered eight decades ago.

Today, the State Department is proud to announce Best Practices to help overcome some of these hurdles. These Best Practices more precisely define what is considered Nazi-looted art. They identify solutions when provenance research is lacking. They remedy processes that favor current possessors over rightful owners. They urge countries to bolster their restitution efforts.

I thank every country that has endorsed the Best Practices. And I encourage every government that has not yet endorsed these principles to join us.

These efforts are more important than ever, as Holocaust distortion and denial are again on the rise. We have seen time and again how the individuals, groups, and societies who downplay or refute the Shoah foster antisemitism and violence against Jews. These Best Practices offer a critical tool to counter their efforts to forget, to obfuscate – by memorializing the truth about what the Nazis did, who they hurt, what they took.

Restitution cannot right all the wrongs, but it is a clear affirmation of what occurred. And it represents a small step toward giving something back to families and communities who lost everything – much of which can never be replaced.

Simon Goodman – today, a leader of restitution efforts – has never been able to recover the Dutch Master painting that once belonged to his family.

This Administration and the State Department remain determined to do everything we can to make it easier for families like his to finally achieve a small measure of justice.

Thank you, all, and congratulations on this important achievement.




Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Video Remarks at the 25th Anniversary of the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art and Best Practices Event
03/05/2024

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Video Remarks at the 25th Anniversary of the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art and Best Practices Event
03/05/2024 10:00 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, DC

Hello, everyone.

Thank you to the World Jewish Restitution Organization for convening this conference with the State Department to mark the 25th anniversary of the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art. Thank you to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum for hosting us.

I’m grateful to all gathered in support of this conference’s mission: representatives of governments endorsing the Washington Principles and these Best Practices. Families working relentlessly for justice. Academics, museum officials, and legal minds committed to making restitution of Nazi-confiscated art a reality for the survivors and their families.

I’d particularly like to thank Ambassador Stu Eizenstat, the remarkable driving force behind the Washington Principles and so many other restitution efforts… and our Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, Ellen Germain… and Gideon Taylor and his team at the WJRO.

In the 1960s, a teenager named Simon Goodman visited the San Diego Museum of Art with his father. Simon pointed out a beautiful 17th century work by a famed Dutch Master, only to have his dad tell him: that painting used to be our family’s.

A generation earlier, Nazis robbed Simon’s grandfather of his possessions, including his vast art collection, before deporting him and murdering him in a Gestapo prison.

Countless Jewish families endured similar experiences.

The Holocaust was not only the largest genocide in history. It was one of the largest mass thefts in history.

The Nazis seized and exploited Jewish businesses, bank accounts, and property – including art and cultural property – as a part of a systematic campaign to physically eradicate all vestiges of Jewish life.

The Nazis plundered museums, galleries, homes, and Jewish communities. They forced Jewish collectors to sell off their artwork at a fraction of their worth – or just stole it. Banned and auctioned off so-called “degenerate art” produced by Jews and those associated with being Jewish. Robbed Jewish families of their possessions as they marched them off to ghettos and camps.

My late stepfather, Samuel Pisar, was one of the victims of this dispossession. After the Nazis forced his family into the Bialystok ghetto, they killed Sam’s father. Soon after, Nazi forces herded the rest of the family – Sam, his mother, and his little sister Frieda – to the train station. There, a stormtrooper approached Sam’s mother and demanded she hand over her engagement ring. As soon as she wrested it from her finger, the soldiers loaded her and Frieda onto a train to Treblinka… and to their deaths.

For decades, the international community knew little about the injustice of Nazi-looted possessions, including art. Looted art hung in galleries and in homes, without challenge.

The Washington Principles, endorsed by 44 countries, began to change that.

Over the last 25 years, thousands of works of art, books, and cultural objects have been restored to their rightful owners. Several countries established claims commissions. Major auction houses and museums hired full-time staff to examine art that passed through European hands in the run-up to, and during, World War II. Institutions have been set up to archive stolen Jewish-owned art.

Those steps represent real progress. But they are not nearly enough.

Of the millions of works of art and cultural property stolen by the Nazis, countless objects still have not been returned to their owners. Today, too many governments, museums, dealers, galleries, and individuals still resist restitution efforts… while heirs confront staggering legal and financial barriers as they go up against opponents whose resources vastly outmatch their own.

Family members must prove they are the true heirs. That their art was wrongly taken or subject to a forced sale. That their relatives were persecuted. That statutes of limitations do not apply – an absurd obligation to place on the descendants of people who were murdered eight decades ago.

Today, the State Department is proud to announce Best Practices to help overcome some of these hurdles. These Best Practices more precisely define what is considered Nazi-looted art. They identify solutions when provenance research is lacking. They remedy processes that favor current possessors over rightful owners. They urge countries to bolster their restitution efforts.

I thank every country that has endorsed the Best Practices. And I encourage every government that has not yet endorsed these principles to join us.

These efforts are more important than ever, as Holocaust distortion and denial are again on the rise. We have seen time and again how the individuals, groups, and societies who downplay or refute the Shoah foster antisemitism and violence against Jews. These Best Practices offer a critical tool to counter their efforts to forget, to obfuscate – by memorializing the truth about what the Nazis did, who they hurt, what they took.

Restitution cannot right all the wrongs, but it is a clear affirmation of what occurred. And it represents a small step toward giving something back to families and communities who lost everything – much of which can never be replaced.

Simon Goodman – today, a leader of restitution efforts – has never been able to recover the Dutch Master painting that once belonged to his family.

This Administration and the State Department remain determined to do everything we can to make it easier for families like his to finally achieve a small measure of justice.

Thank you, all, and congratulations on this important achievement.




Release of Best Practices for Restitution of Nazi-Confiscated Art
03/05/2024
Release of Best Practices for Restitution of Nazi-Confiscated Art
03/05/2024 10:38 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken today welcomed the release of Best Practices for the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art, which are the result of international collaboration on effective steps to implement the restitution of Holocaust-era art, books, and other cultural objects in line with the landmark 1998 Washington Conference Principles. The Best Practices reinforce the Washington Principles, including by recognizing that forced sales happened and underscoring the urgency of resolving remaining claims for property, whether held in public or private collections.

The Best Practices were prepared by a network of Special Envoys and Representatives for Holocaust Issues from 14 countries and were announced at the 25th Anniversary of the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art: Best Practices and the Way Forward event. Cosponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO), the hybrid event was held at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC on March 5 and attended by special envoys, ambassadors, senior government officials, and NGOs.

In pre-recorded remarks aired at the event, Secretary Blinken emphasized that millions of works of art and cultural property stolen by the Nazis still have not been returned to their owners, who often face legal and financial barriers in the process of reclaiming their property. The Best Practices, the Secretary said, will bolster restitution efforts by more precisely defining what is considered Nazi-looted art and remedying processes that favor current possessors over rightful owners. Observing that Holocaust distortion is on the rise, he said that efforts to resolve restitution claims are more important than ever and he encouraged other countries to join the United States in endorsing the Best Practices.

Ambassador (ret.) Stuart E. Eizenstat, the driving force behind the Washington Principles and now Special Advisor to the Secretary of State on Holocaust Issues, gave keynote remarks on the lasting impact of the Principles and how the Best Practices will make a difference on the restitution of Nazi-looted art and for Holocaust survivors. Other speakers included Gideon Taylor, President of the World Jewish Congress and the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany; Ellen Germain, Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, U.S. Department of State; Sara J. Bloomfield, Director of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; and Colette Avital, Chairperson, Center of Organizations of Holocaust Survivors in Israel. Leading international experts participated in a panel discussion about the future of art restitution.

Secretary Blinken’s remarks may be found in the videos section on the State Department website. For more information on the Best Practices and speakers’ remarks, please visit the Remarks and Releases page. On X, follow the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues @StateSEHI.

List of States endorsing the Best Practices as of March 5, 2024:

Albania, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.




Release of Best Practices for Restitution of Nazi-Confiscated Art
03/05/2024
Release of Best Practices for Restitution of Nazi-Confiscated Art
03/05/2024 10:38 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken today welcomed the release of Best Practices for the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art, which are the result of international collaboration on effective steps to implement the restitution of Holocaust-era art, books, and other cultural objects in line with the landmark 1998 Washington Conference Principles. The Best Practices reinforce the Washington Principles, including by recognizing that forced sales happened and underscoring the urgency of resolving remaining claims for property, whether held in public or private collections.

The Best Practices were prepared by a network of Special Envoys and Representatives for Holocaust Issues from 14 countries and were announced at the 25th Anniversary of the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art: Best Practices and the Way Forward event. Cosponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO), the hybrid event was held at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC on March 5 and attended by special envoys, ambassadors, senior government officials, and NGOs.

In pre-recorded remarks aired at the event, Secretary Blinken emphasized that millions of works of art and cultural property stolen by the Nazis still have not been returned to their owners, who often face legal and financial barriers in the process of reclaiming their property. The Best Practices, the Secretary said, will bolster restitution efforts by more precisely defining what is considered Nazi-looted art and remedying processes that favor current possessors over rightful owners. Observing that Holocaust distortion is on the rise, he said that efforts to resolve restitution claims are more important than ever and he encouraged other countries to join the United States in endorsing the Best Practices.

Ambassador (ret.) Stuart E. Eizenstat, the driving force behind the Washington Principles and now Special Advisor to the Secretary of State on Holocaust Issues, gave keynote remarks on the lasting impact of the Principles and how the Best Practices will make a difference on the restitution of Nazi-looted art and for Holocaust survivors. Other speakers included Gideon Taylor, President of the World Jewish Congress and the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany; Ellen Germain, Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, U.S. Department of State; Sara J. Bloomfield, Director of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; and Colette Avital, Chairperson, Center of Organizations of Holocaust Survivors in Israel. Leading international experts participated in a panel discussion about the future of art restitution.

Secretary Blinken’s remarks may be found in the videos section on the State Department website. For more information on the Best Practices and speakers’ remarks, please visit the Remarks and Releases page. On X, follow the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues @StateSEHI.

List of States endorsing the Best Practices as of March 5, 2024:

Albania, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.




Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Before Their Meeting
03/05/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Before Their Meeting
03/05/2024 11:11 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Treaty Room

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. It is, as always, a pleasure to receive the prime minister here at the State Department in Washington.

Qatar has been an exceptional partner for the United States, and today we’ll be having our strategic dialogue, going through the many issues that we’re working on together, both on a bilateral basis, a regional basis, and a global basis. And Qatar has been critical in the last few years in helping to get Americans who are being arbitrarily detained back home to their families in a whole variety of places. And of course, they’ve been critical in helping to relocate so many of our Afghan partners who stood with us for 20 years in Afghanistan, and now we’re trying to do right by them. And our own strategic relationship has only grown stronger over the last few years. We’ll be talking about that.

But of course, most immediate and most urgent on our minds and in our focus is the situation in Gaza. And here we have an opportunity for an immediate ceasefire that can bring hostages home, that can dramatically increase the amount of humanitarian assistance getting into Palestinians who so desperately need it, and can also set the conditions for an enduring resolution. And it is on Hamas to make decisions about whether it is prepared to engage in that ceasefire. But throughout – including the original ceasefire that we were able to achieve last year that brought hostages home and created a week’s quiet, humanitarian assistance doubling during that time – Qatar played, along with Egypt, a critical role in getting us to that point. And it continues to do so now, and I’m grateful for that on behalf of the United States.

It’s also urgent irrespective of a ceasefire to dramatically increase the humanitarian assistance that’s getting to people inside of Gaza. The situation for children, for women, for men who are caught in this crossfire of Hamas’s making inside of Gaza is unacceptable and unsustainable. Israel has to maximize every possible means, every possible method of getting assistance to people who need it. The United States will continue to strongly support those efforts, along with many other countries around the world. But it requires more crossings, it requires more aid getting in, and once that aid is in, it requires making sure it can get to the people who need it. So we will continue to press that every single day, because the situation as it stands is simply unacceptable.

We have a lot to talk about, but again, I just want to emphasize that for the United States, Qatar has been an exceptional partner. We’re grateful for that partnership, and for the vital work that we’re doing together every single day.

My friend.

PRIME MINISTER AL THANI: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Secretary, for hosting me today in the sixth round of our strategic dialogue. We’ve seen year after year the evolution in this relationship and how it’s solidified our partnership. And Qatar always consider U.S. as our strongest ally and partner and friend. Thank you very much for all the work that you put and invested in this relationship.

And also, as you mentioned, our relationship is ranging between – in a lot of fronts, whether it’s on the regional security, on defense, on economic ties, and of course beyond that in all sectors. I’m glad that our strategic dialogue this year will have also another added topics about emerging technologies, about strategic policy planning, which is – in today’s world it’s key to make sure that our policies are aligned strategically and serving the greater good for our countries and for the international peace and security.

As you highlighted, Mr. Secretary, that the situation that we are going through in the region right now, it’s unprecedented with the turmoil happening everywhere, starting from the war in Gaza or the Red Sea, Syria, (inaudible). And we’ve seen that just growing, and it’s becoming very, very concerning for all of us.

We thank you for all your support and partnership throughout the process of the negotiations of bringing the hostages back and reaching a ceasefire and alleviating the humanitarian situation in Gaza. I just wanted to reiterate in front of you, Mr. Secretary, Qatar, the United States, and our partners will be always persistent to make sure that this deal happens, despite whoever is trying to undermine the efforts of bringing peace. We want to bring peace. We want to see an end of the humanitarian suffering; we want to see the hostages back with their families.

And hopefully today will present us an opportunity to discuss further in details about the development on that front, on the bigger picture, and of course ultimately hoping to reach a just solution for the Palestinian people also to get their own state at the end of the day. I thank you very much, Mr. Secretary. Thank you for being a great partner and a great friend as well.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, thank you, my friend. If you’ll allow me one final thing that I wanted to share – we’ve also seen, again, virtually every single day, attacks by the Houthis on shipping in the Red Sea. A ship that they attacked has now sunk to the bottom and the result of that is there’s a huge fuel slick from that ship. So that’s creating a potential environmental disaster.

At the same time, we’ve seen the Houthis attack ships that are bringing food, grains to the people of Yemen, the very people that the Houthis purport to in some fashion represent. And of course, it’s had a dramatic impact on shipping around the world. That’s going to have an impact for a lot of people in higher food prices and energy prices. But in Yemen itself, in the region itself, environmental disaster and a huge impact on the ability to get food to people who so desperately need it in Yemen.

So if the Houthis care at all about their own standing, their own reputation, the way in which they’re seen by the world, they will stop these attacks and stop the terrible damage that it’s doing to people in the region, people in Yemen, people around the world. Thank you.




Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Before Their Meeting
03/05/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Before Their Meeting
03/05/2024 11:11 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Treaty Room

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. It is, as always, a pleasure to receive the prime minister here at the State Department in Washington.

Qatar has been an exceptional partner for the United States, and today we’ll be having our strategic dialogue, going through the many issues that we’re working on together, both on a bilateral basis, a regional basis, and a global basis. And Qatar has been critical in the last few years in helping to get Americans who are being arbitrarily detained back home to their families in a whole variety of places. And of course, they’ve been critical in helping to relocate so many of our Afghan partners who stood with us for 20 years in Afghanistan, and now we’re trying to do right by them. And our own strategic relationship has only grown stronger over the last few years. We’ll be talking about that.

But of course, most immediate and most urgent on our minds and in our focus is the situation in Gaza. And here we have an opportunity for an immediate ceasefire that can bring hostages home, that can dramatically increase the amount of humanitarian assistance getting into Palestinians who so desperately need it, and can also set the conditions for an enduring resolution. And it is on Hamas to make decisions about whether it is prepared to engage in that ceasefire. But throughout – including the original ceasefire that we were able to achieve last year that brought hostages home and created a week’s quiet, humanitarian assistance doubling during that time – Qatar played, along with Egypt, a critical role in getting us to that point. And it continues to do so now, and I’m grateful for that on behalf of the United States.

It’s also urgent irrespective of a ceasefire to dramatically increase the humanitarian assistance that’s getting to people inside of Gaza. The situation for children, for women, for men who are caught in this crossfire of Hamas’s making inside of Gaza is unacceptable and unsustainable. Israel has to maximize every possible means, every possible method of getting assistance to people who need it. The United States will continue to strongly support those efforts, along with many other countries around the world. But it requires more crossings, it requires more aid getting in, and once that aid is in, it requires making sure it can get to the people who need it. So we will continue to press that every single day, because the situation as it stands is simply unacceptable.

We have a lot to talk about, but again, I just want to emphasize that for the United States, Qatar has been an exceptional partner. We’re grateful for that partnership, and for the vital work that we’re doing together every single day.

My friend.

PRIME MINISTER AL THANI: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Secretary, for hosting me today in the sixth round of our strategic dialogue. We’ve seen year after year the evolution in this relationship and how it’s solidified our partnership. And Qatar always consider U.S. as our strongest ally and partner and friend. Thank you very much for all the work that you put and invested in this relationship.

And also, as you mentioned, our relationship is ranging between – in a lot of fronts, whether it’s on the regional security, on defense, on economic ties, and of course beyond that in all sectors. I’m glad that our strategic dialogue this year will have also another added topics about emerging technologies, about strategic policy planning, which is – in today’s world it’s key to make sure that our policies are aligned strategically and serving the greater good for our countries and for the international peace and security.

As you highlighted, Mr. Secretary, that the situation that we are going through in the region right now, it’s unprecedented with the turmoil happening everywhere, starting from the war in Gaza or the Red Sea, Syria, (inaudible). And we’ve seen that just growing, and it’s becoming very, very concerning for all of us.

We thank you for all your support and partnership throughout the process of the negotiations of bringing the hostages back and reaching a ceasefire and alleviating the humanitarian situation in Gaza. I just wanted to reiterate in front of you, Mr. Secretary, Qatar, the United States, and our partners will be always persistent to make sure that this deal happens, despite whoever is trying to undermine the efforts of bringing peace. We want to bring peace. We want to see an end of the humanitarian suffering; we want to see the hostages back with their families.

And hopefully today will present us an opportunity to discuss further in details about the development on that front, on the bigger picture, and of course ultimately hoping to reach a just solution for the Palestinian people also to get their own state at the end of the day. I thank you very much, Mr. Secretary. Thank you for being a great partner and a great friend as well.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, thank you, my friend. If you’ll allow me one final thing that I wanted to share – we’ve also seen, again, virtually every single day, attacks by the Houthis on shipping in the Red Sea. A ship that they attacked has now sunk to the bottom and the result of that is there’s a huge fuel slick from that ship. So that’s creating a potential environmental disaster.

At the same time, we’ve seen the Houthis attack ships that are bringing food, grains to the people of Yemen, the very people that the Houthis purport to in some fashion represent. And of course, it’s had a dramatic impact on shipping around the world. That’s going to have an impact for a lot of people in higher food prices and energy prices. But in Yemen itself, in the region itself, environmental disaster and a huge impact on the ability to get food to people who so desperately need it in Yemen.

So if the Houthis care at all about their own standing, their own reputation, the way in which they’re seen by the world, they will stop these attacks and stop the terrible damage that it’s doing to people in the region, people in Yemen, people around the world. Thank you.




Sanctioning Members of the Intellexa Commercial Spyware Consortium
03/05/2024
Sanctioning Members of the Intellexa Commercial Spyware Consortium
03/05/2024 11:23 AM EST



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson


The proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware pose growing security risks to the United States. Foreign actors have misused such spyware to enable human rights abuses and to target dissidents globally for repression and reprisal. The United States is today designating two individuals and five entities associated with the Intellexa Consortium for their role in developing, operating, and distributing commercial spyware technology misused to target Americans, including U.S. Government officials, journalists, and policy experts.


Today’s designations aim to discourage the misuse of surveillance tools and reflect U.S. Government efforts to establish clear guardrails for the responsible development and use of these technologies aligned with the protection of human rights and democratic values around the world.


In advance of the third Summit for Democracy, hosted by the Republic of Korea in Seoul, these designations build upon the steps taken since last year’s Summit for Democracy in March 2023, including the issuance of an Executive Order to Prohibit U.S. Government Use of Commercial Spyware that Poses Risks to National Security; the U.S.-led Joint Statement on Efforts to Counter the Proliferation and Misuse of Commercial Spyware; the Guiding Principles on Government Use of Surveillance Technologies; the addition of commercial spyware entities to the Department of Commerce Entity List; and the Department of State’s announcement of a new visa restriction policy. The Department of the Treasury designations were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13694 as amended. For more information on today’s action, see Treasury’s press release.



Tags
Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Cyber Security Division for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions Office of the Spokesperson Sanctions


Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Sison’s Travel to Iowa
03/05/2024
Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Sison’s Travel to Iowa
03/05/2024 02:34 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Michele Sison will travel to Johnson County, Iowa, March 6-7, 2024. During her visit, the Assistant Secretary will highlight U.S. multilateral leadership in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges and how that leadership strengthens America’s safety, security, and prosperity. Assistant Secretary Sison will headline an event hosted by the Johnson County United Nations Association as well as a fireside chat cohosted by the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council and the University of Iowa. She will also visit with the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization and meet with students at Kirkwood Community College to discuss U.S. multilateral priorities and career opportunities at the Department of State and in international organizations.

For updates, follow @State_IO on Twitter/X.


The U.S.-Qatar Strategic Partnership
03/05/2024
The U.S.-Qatar Strategic Partnership
03/05/2024 03:26 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases… The U.S.-Qatar Strategic Partnership
hide

The U.S.-Qatar Strategic Partnership

Fact Sheet

March 5, 2024
The United States and Qatar benefit from historically close ties built on more than 50 years of close cooperation on key political, commercial, social, and security objectives.  The United States will continue to work closely with Qatar on our shared strategic priorities to promote security and prosperity in the Gulf and broader Middle East region, uphold effective global institutions, and foster ties between our peoples.  


Thriving Economic and Commercial Partnership


The United States and Qatar enjoy a robust trade and investment relationship, which delivers concrete benefits for the American people:
Last year Qatar imported more than $4.6 billion worth of American-made goods, from transportation equipment to information and communications devices.
Qatar is also helping create jobs in America, having invested over $45 billion in the United States economy. This includes the Golden Pass Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project, a joint venture between ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy on a $10 billion LNG liquefaction and export facility in Texas. Investments in the United States account for the majority of Qatari outward investment flows worldwide.
American firms play a critical role in Qatar’s energy sector, with ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil being key partners helping QatarEnergy advance mutual energy security objectives.


Fostering Security Ties for Regional Stability


The U.S.-Qatari defense and security partnership is critical to promoting regional security and stability:
Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base (AUAB) – the largest U.S. Air Force installation outside the United States – and is a global leader by example on burden-sharing: Qatar pays for a significant amount of AUAB’s annual operating costs. AUAB is also home to United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and Air Force Central Command (AFCENT) Forward Headquarters. This strategic platform facilitates U.S. and Coalition operations beyond just the Middle East and is vital to providing support to U.S. forces across the entire region.
President Biden designated Qatar a Major Non-NATO Ally in January 2022, a recognition of Qatar’s contributions to U.S. national security.  Qatar and the United States recently concluded multiple strategic level agreements that further enhance the bilateral security relationship, including large-scale operating and infrastructure investments at AUAB funded by Qatar.
Qatar is the third-largest customer of U.S. defense systems around the world, including the F-15 QA fighter jet, C-17 transport plane, and Apache attack helicopter – all built in America.
Both countries consult regularly on shared counterterrorism financing efforts, aviation security and border control initiatives, and programs to counter violent extremism. Qatar is a founding member of the D-ISIS Coalition, and is also a member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENA FATF), Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), and the GCC Counterterrorism Working Group.


Advancing U.S. Interests around the World


American consistently turns to Qatar, an experienced diplomatic mediator, to help advance national security interests globally:
Qatar has served as a trusted and indispensable partner in negotiating the release of U.S. citizens wrongfully detained and held hostage around the world.  Over the last year, Qatari support has led to the release of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents held unlawfully in Afghanistan, Rwanda, and Iran, in addition to its engagements in Gaza.
Most recently in December 2023, Qatari mediation helped facilitate a deal between Washington and Caracas that returned ten American citizens, including six wrongfully detained individuals, to the United States. Qatar has also facilitated the reunification of Ukrainian children with their families, demonstrating its support to Ukraine in combatting Russia’s brutality towards innocent Ukrainian civilians.
As outlined in the November 2022 Letter of Intent signed by the Secretary and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, combating trafficking in persons remains a key area of bilateral cooperation, and the United States and Qatar continue to discuss good governance and capacity building to advance labor protections in Qatar.


People-to-People Connections


Education is a key pillar of the U.S.-Qatar relationship:
Qatar hosts six U.S. university branch campuses in Education City. The United States and Qatar also boost joint ties through a variety of educational and cultural exchange programs. These include flagship academic and professional exchange programs such as Fulbright, the Middle East Partnership Initiative, and the International Visitor Leadership program, and U.S. film, music, art, English-language, and speaker envoys who collaborate with new and existing partners in Qatar.



Tags
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Qatar


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz  
03/05/2024


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz  
03/05/2024 04:45 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz  
hide

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz  


Readout





March 5, 2024



The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: 


Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz in Washington.  Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel’s right to ensure the October 7 terrorist attacks can never be repeated. The Secretary underscored the importance of reaching an agreement to achieve the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, which would lead to a temporary ceasefire and allow additional humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza. The Secretary emphasized that even as talks to reach such an agreement proceed, Israel must take urgent steps to expand the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid, including by opening additional crossings.  The Secretary underscored the need for a credible and implementable humanitarian plan prior to any major military operation in Rafah, given the risks to civilians.  Secretary Blinken stressed that the United States supports steps to advance enduring peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.



Tags
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Israel Israel-Hamas Conflict Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz  
03/05/2024


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz  
03/05/2024 04:45 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz  
hide

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz  


Readout





March 5, 2024



The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: 


Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz in Washington.  Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel’s right to ensure the October 7 terrorist attacks can never be repeated. The Secretary underscored the importance of reaching an agreement to achieve the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, which would lead to a temporary ceasefire and allow additional humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza. The Secretary emphasized that even as talks to reach such an agreement proceed, Israel must take urgent steps to expand the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid, including by opening additional crossings.  The Secretary underscored the need for a credible and implementable humanitarian plan prior to any major military operation in Rafah, given the risks to civilians.  Secretary Blinken stressed that the United States supports steps to advance enduring peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.



Tags
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Israel Israel-Hamas Conflict Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State


Department Press Briefing – March 5, 2024
03/05/2024

Department Press Briefing – March 5, 2024
03/05/2024 04:51 PM EST


HomeDepartment Press Briefing – March 5, 2024
hide

Department Press Briefing – March 5, 2024






March 5, 2024






1:12 p.m. EST

MR MILLER: Good afternoon. Let me start with a readout of the Secretary’s meeting earlier today with Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz. The Secretary and Minister Gantz discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the Secretary reiterated that the United States continues to support Israel’s right to ensure that the terrorist attacks of October 7th can never be repeated. The Secretary also emphasized the need for Israel to act urgently to enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and to improve the distribution of that aid inside Gaza.

As you heard the Secretary say this morning before his meeting with Prime Minister Al Thani of Qatar, the current situation is unacceptable and unsustainable. And while the United States is doing everything it can to increase deliveries into Gaza, Israel must take additional steps as well.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Gantz also discussed efforts to reach an agreement for a six-week ceasefire that would secure the release of all hostages and help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. As the Secretary said earlier today, we have an opportunity to achieve an immediate ceasefire, and it is on Hamas to make the decisions about whether it is willing to agree to one. The talks to secure a temporary ceasefire and achieve the release of all hostages are ongoing, and we will continue to push to reach an agreement.

And then I wanted to say a few words about Under Secretary Toria Nuland who the Secretary announced earlier today will be stepping down from her position in the coming weeks. As the Secretary said in his statement, Toria has an unmatched capacity to wield the full toolkit of American diplomacy to advance our interests and values. She’s had almost every job in this department. I shouldn’t say almost every job – but most jobs in this department, including this very job here. And I will say just speaking personally, I first got to know Toria during – at the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And the thing that struck me about her from day one was her clarity purpose and clarity of voice, which I know all of you probably remember well from her – or at least Matt remembers well from her time at this podium.

QUESTION: (Off-mike.)

MR MILLER: So I know I speak for everyone in the department in saying we will miss her greatly, but we congratulate her on an extraordinary career.

With that, Matt.

QUESTION: Okay. Well, maybe you could get her down here to give us a farewell.

MR MILLER: One last briefing for old times’ sake?

QUESTION: Yes. Exactly.

MR MILLER: I’m sure she would love to argue with you for —

QUESTION: Yeah, I’m —

MR MILLER: — an extended —

QUESTION: Probably not, but still it would be interesting to hear her thoughts on leaving. Anyways, on the meetings this morning with both the Qataris and Benny Gantz, when you say that you continue to support Israel’s right to ensure that the events of October 7th can never happen again – when you say that, do – does that mean that you agree with the Israeli idea that Hamas has to be completely eliminated, eradicated, killed?

MR MILLER: So we support Israel in defeating Hamas. And to unpack that a little bit – I’ve said a little bit about this from the podium before – there are military objectives that Israel is trying to accomplish when it comes to defeating Hamas, and it supports – we support those military objectives. But then we’re also going to have to defeat the ideology behind Hamas and that is not something that can be accomplished on the battlefield. It’s something that we have learned in the United States in our long history with counterterrorism, that you cannot defeat an idea on the battlefield. You can defeat a terrorist group on the battlefield, but ultimately you have to beat that idea with a better idea. So we support their campaign to defeat Hamas, but we also support a broader political resolution that will address the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.

QUESTION: Well, do you think at the moment that the Israeli strategy is actually helping to defeat the ideology or is it not?

MR MILLER: I think we are in the middle of a military campaign, and it’s not the right time to offer assessments about the broader struggle. But we do – we have spoken out many times to say that Israel has to be careful that, in achieving a tactical victory, it doesn’t endure a strategic defeat. And it remains our advice to them not to do that.

QUESTION: Okay. And then in – just in terms of the negotiations that are going on – and I don’t know if Minister Gantz is completely up-to-date on the latest of it, but presumably Sheikh Mohammed is since his country is brokering them. What sense did you get other than the ball is in Hamas’s court? Are there – are the differences that still exist surmountable or are they impossible?

MR MILLER: So the Secretary did discuss those ongoing negotiations both with Prime Minister Al Thani and with Minister Gantz. And I’m not going to get into the – this won’t surprise you because I’ve said it many times. I’m not going to get into the underlying details of the conversation, the negotiations. In our view, the obstacles are not surmountable.

QUESTION: Not what?

MR MILLER: In our – not insurmountable – are not insurmountable. Excuse me. In our view, it should be possible to reach an agreement. We think the proposal that Israel put on the table in consultation with the United States and with Qatar and Egypt is one that Hamas should agree to, and it’s one that would alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and bring about an immediate ceasefire for six weeks. And so we think that agreement can be reached. But as I said and as you heard the Secretary say, ultimately Hamas has to make decisions as well.

QUESTION: Okay. And then this is my – this will be my last one. But when you say the obstacles – in your view the obstacles are not insurmountable, one of the things that you have said repeatedly over and over again is that Hamas could end this right now by just surrendering, laying down all their weapons. Clearly that’s not going to happen, so is that not an obstacle that you are putting into the calculus now?

MR MILLER: I think we’re a little bit conflating two things. They could end this entire conflict, right. We don’t need a temporary ceasefire. If Hamas would lay down their weapons and stop fighting, you could have a permanent ceasefire because Israel would have accomplished its military objectives. With respect to the temporary ceasefire that we are trying to achieve, we very much think that an agreement is reachable (inaudible).

QUESTION: So you don’t think that Hamas has to lay down its weapons and surrender in order to get a temporary ceasefire?

MR MILLER: To get a temporary ceasefire, no.

QUESTION: Okay.

MR MILLER: Obviously, we would support them laying down their weapons and reaching – ending – ending this —

QUESTION: Well, I’m sure you would support them – I’m —

MR MILLER: Ending this conflict, but that is not what we’re – that is not —

QUESTION: You would support a lot of things. I’m sure.

MR MILLER: That is not what we’re discussing with respect to a six-week ceasefire.

QUESTION: Okay. All right, thank you.

MR MILLER: Yeah, Shaun, go ahead.

QUESTION: Could I just follow up on that? Just some comments in the past couple of hours, one by Hamas saying that negotiations can’t last indefinitely. And then the President, the – President Biden’s saying that it’s dangerous not to have a ceasefire in place by Ramadan. Is there a sense that the clock is ticking for this, that – I know you say that’s – as soon as possible. But is there a sense that it’s basically not necessarily now or never but that we really need to get it before Ramadan?

MR MILLER: I would not put it that way. The clock is always ticking, but the clock is not ticking because of the – in my view because of Ramadan coming up. The clock is ticking because every day people are suffering. Innocent Palestinians are suffering and the hostages are suffering, so the clock is always ticking because we want to end that suffering of both hostages and innocent Palestinians as soon as possible. And so we would like to have gotten an agreement last week; we would like to get an agreement today; we would like to get an agreement by Ramadan or even before that. So the clock is really not related to Ramadan but related to the ongoing suffering that we are trying to bring to a close.

Yeah.

QUESTION: Come to the humanitarian situation, which you described as unacceptable and unsustainable. Your colleague John Kirby, yesterday in a briefing, talked about – he was asked about what’s preventing more aid from getting into Gaza, talked about – there have been some inorganic obstacles thrown up —

MR MILLER: Excuse me.

QUESTION: Inorganic obstacles thrown up in some cases by members of the Israeli cabinet that have made it hard to get aid in. What are those – like what are the obstacles specifically that he’s talking about that there?

MR MILLER: So I’m not going to – I will let him speak to what he was speaking to. But I will say some of the obstacles that we have seen from the Israeli political establishment: you have seen ministers in the Israeli Government block the release of flour from the port at Ashdod; you have seen ministers of the Israeli Government supporting protests that blocked aid from going in to Kerem Shalom. So all of those things are obstacles coming from ministers inside the Israeli Government that we have called out, that we have said are unacceptable, and that we have said should end.

QUESTION: Does that include the refusal to open the Erez crossing or another crossing in the north?

MR MILLER: We want to see another crossing open and it’s something we’re engaged with quite directly with the Israeli Government, and that includes in the conversation that the Secretary had with Minister Gantz today. He was quite direct and quite frank about the seriousness of the situation on the ground and the fact that it is incumbent on everyone involved to do more to get aid in urgently, as soon as possible.

QUESTION: I want to ask about how this relates to the Foreign Assistance Act – 1961, I believe. It has a part of the act that basically says no foreign – no assistance shall be furnished to countries that prohibit or otherwise restrict the transport delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance. Is Israel in breach of that?

MR MILLER: I will have to go back and look at the language of that text. It’s not something that I’ve spent a lot of time looking at. But we are always engaged with Israel, as we are with all countries, about their need to fulfill all U.S. statutory requirements, and we have not made an assessment that Israel is in breach of any such statutory requirements at this time.

QUESTION: Is this building working on an assessment that would determine whether that’s happening or not?

MR MILLER: I don’t have any such assessment to read out at this time.

QUESTION: Yeah. Thank you.

MR MILLER: Yeah, go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you. Thank you, Matt. On the questions raised by Matt and Shaun and Simon on the stated goals by Israel. When this war began, they were asking for decapitation of Hamas, hunting the leadership, freeing the hostages, and changing the regime. Those were the ones that were stated. Now 150 days later, how far along have the Israelis gotten? I mean, they’ve probably degraded Hamas by and large. But do you have an assessment on how much of Hamas has been degraded?

MR MILLER: I will leave it to Israel to offer those types of assessments.

QUESTION: So – but certainly, I mean, you support their goals. You just said that you support their pursuit of these goals, which means that if you are going to continue with the same kind of support that we have seen thus far, it means that this will continue to go on.

MR MILLER: I cannot tell you how long —

QUESTION: You presume —

MR MILLER: Sorry. I cannot tell you how long that this war will continue to go on. But if Israel were to stop the war today —

QUESTION: Right.

MR MILLER: — let’s remember about what would happen, which is the same terrorist organization that launched the attacks of October 7th would still be in place, would still have the ability to plot attacks against Israel, would still have the ability to carry out attacks against Israel, and remember, have said still possess the intent to carry out attacks on Israel.

QUESTION: Yeah. But you also said you cannot so easily defeat an idea, basically. And this idea was spawned by the occupation, by repression. I mean, it could happen in the West Bank, where we see very heavy-handed Israeli occupation. It could happen elsewhere. So I mean, how could you overcome that without offering the Palestinians something tangible that they can hang on to?

MR MILLER: So a few things. One, obviously, the conflict and the dispute between Israel and the Palestinian people goes back decades. Two, there’s nothing in that conflict – nothing in the months, years, decades leading up to October 7th – that justified the violence of October 7th. And then three, I think you are well aware that we believe the ultimate way to resolve the longstanding conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with real security guarantees for Israel, and that’s what we’re working to try to achieve.

QUESTION: If you’ll allow me just a couple more. By the way, on the aid, can you update us on the whereabouts of Mr. David Satterfield, and what is he doing?

MR MILLER: I don’t know where he is today. I haven’t talked to him today.

QUESTION: Okay. All right. I wanted to ask you about UNRWA. I mean, I asked yesterday, but if – I know that the U.S. is trying to encourage other donors to be generous and so on, but thus far there is no – has there been any clarification on where you stand as far as the investigation in – that is ongoing, or when is it – when are you likely to resume the aid?

MR MILLER: So there has been no change in this, our status, since you asked me the same question yesterday –

QUESTION: Yesterday, that’s right. Right.

MR MILLER: — which is the – both of the investigations that the United Nations are conducting are ongoing, and we are not able to make a change in our status. We’re not able to make either an underlying factual assessment or determine how that factual assessment would affect our status until those investigations are completed, which they, as of yet, are not.

QUESTION: Because you know – I know I asked about this yesterday, but millions of Palestinians depend on UNRWA aid daily, every day. I mean, they don’t wait for policies to be investigated and so on and so on. They still need it, and these people are – by and large, they are in dire need.

MR MILLER: And we fully agree with that. As you’ve said – as you’ve heard me say many times, you’ve heard the Secretary say, we support the work of UNRWA. And while we are exploring other options to get food assistance in to the Palestinian people while our funding of UNRWA is paused, we are also in conversations with other international partners about the ways that they can fill gaps. Remember, our funding that we suspended – we weren’t due for another large payment until June. That’s still several months away. So we are working to do everything we can to make sure that the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and then the really important role that UNRWA plays in ensuring that that aid is distributed inside Gaza can continue and, in fact, not just continue but be improved.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR MILLER: Go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you. A couple questions. Hungary finally signed the ratification of Sweden’s membership. Do you expect depositing the instrument of ratification this week?

MR MILLER: So we have not yet received the instrument. They were – it was just signed this morning. We do expect it to be delivered to Washington in the coming days, and for Sweden’s accession to NATO to be completed, but I don’t have an exact timing to provide today.

QUESTION: On that line there, there are reports that Prime Minister Orbán will meet with former President Trump in Mar-a-Lago this week. Is there any concern about —

MR MILLER: I don’t have any comment on the prime minister’s reported meetings.

QUESTION: Thank you. Moving to Ukraine, if I may. May I get your thoughts on the ICC arrest warrant today for Russian military commanders?

MR MILLER: Yeah. So we have seen the news that the ICC issued arrest warrants for Sergei Kobylash and Viktor Sokolov for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The United States supports a range of international investigations into Russia’s atrocities in Ukraine, including the one conducted by the ICC, but we do not weigh in on each decision and development as part of those investigations.

QUESTION: And separately, have you seen so-called Medvedev map on social media? What do you make of it?

MR MILLER: I’ve – I think I saw a tweet related to it. I didn’t look at the map, so I’m not – I don’t have a comment on it, unless you’d like to enlighten me about what it shows. I can imagine.

QUESTION: And finally, you started out with Secretary Toria. I just wanted to remind you that she – last month she was in Kyiv, and she made a statement saying that 2024 will bring certain solid successes on the battlefield. And she said – I’m quoting – “Putin is going to get some nice surprises on the battlefield.” Do you share that sentiment?

MR MILLER: I do. I do. We believe that Ukraine has a plan that they can execute to achieve victories on the battlefield. We’ve seen them making – having victories on the battlefield, most recently in the Black Sea, where in the last 24 hours they sunk another Russian ship. So we do believe that they have some surprises in store. We look forward to seeing the results.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR MILLER: Go ahead.

QUESTION: On the Benny Gantz visit, the Israeli press, Israel Hayom, Israel Today, their diplomatic correspondent writing about the visit, saying that Mr. Gantz explained to government officials that in order to remove from Hamas the civilian capabilities in Gaza it is better that there be a certain period of chaos in the Gaza Strip. First of all, has Mr. Gantz said that to American officials?

MR MILLER: I’m not going to – I, as per general rule, will not speak to what other officials said in —

QUESTION: What’s your assessment, though, of that contention, that – because the Israelis have made it clear they want the complete elimination of Hamas. That includes its role in the civilian administration of Gaza. We’re seeing chaos and a complete inability to secure Gaza, which is a disaster for people on the ground. If that is – and it seems to be, judging by the military activity – the position of the Israeli Government and the military, what’s your assessment of that as a tactic and strategy?

MR MILLER: So two things. Number one, as you heard me say a moment ago, I think in response to Said’s question and to Matt’s question, we do support Israel’s objective of defeating Hamas militarily. With respect to the civil administration of Gaza post-conflict, Hamas is a terrorist organization, dedicated – designated a terrorist organization by the United States, but even apart from legal designations, you just have to look at their actions on October 7th to realize that they’re a terrorist organization that carries out brutal, intentional attacks on civilians. And we do not believe that a terrorist organization can or should play a role in civilian governance of Gaza going forward.

QUESTION: So what happens? Because this is no longer a day-after issue; this is a now issue, as we’ve talked about. It’s happening now. There’s nobody to run Gaza. So who should do it? I mean, who’s – what are you saying to the Israelis about who’s going to – who’s securing it? I mean, without security you can’t do anything else. There’s no security there at the moment.

MR MILLER: So the ultimate —

QUESTION: So who is responsible?

MR MILLER: So right now, Israel is the power that has brought a military that is ultimately in charge of the security situation on the ground. We believe that there needs to be a transition, ultimately, to governance led by the Palestinian Authority, and that would include security and other government functions led by the Palestinian Authority, and with respect to both the West Bank and Gaza.

QUESTION: And that’s exactly what Israel says it won’t accept, is a PA-run Gaza Strip.

MR MILLER: And we continue to push for it.

Yeah, go ahead.

QUESTION: Thanks, Matt. Staying on the region, also on Benny Gantz’s visit – as we all know, he spent several hours at the White House yesterday; he’s met with the Secretary this morning. There’s been some reporting that Gantz was surprised at the strength of criticism that he faced about the humanitarian situation when speaking to the Biden administration, and I was wondering if you are able to comment at all on whether that seems accurate, given that he’s met with the Secretary this morning. And then I had another question about Hamas also.

MR MILLER: I will not speak to the minister’s impressions, just as I would never speak to the impressions of another foreign government official coming out of one of our meetings. But I can say the Secretary was quite direct and quite frank in his conversations today about the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza – both in south and central Gaza, and also in northern Gaza, as was brought to light so vividly and tragically last week with that terrible incident in northern Gaza.

QUESTION: And is there any reason why he would seem surprised, given that this department and the administration have repeatedly brought up humanitarian —

MR MILLER: Again, I just don’t want to speak to his impressions.

QUESTION: Okay. And on Hamas: A Hamas spokesperson had spoken to the BBC, I think yesterday, and had brought up this issue of not being able to pull together a list of hostages for Israel. And given that Israel is saying that one of their – that they would – they require a list of hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement, how do you square the two? It’s a chicken-or-egg situation. Do you have any comment on Hamas saying that that’s their sticking point?

MR MILLER: So I don’t want to speak – I kind of don’t want to speak to it in detail, just because I think it gets perilously close to talking about the underlying negotiations. But I will just say, speaking generally, if you are Israel and you are in discussions about an agreement where you would see the return of a certain number of hostages, it is a fair question to Hamas to show you that they can actually deliver on that deal, and show you who those hostages are, and confirm that they are alive, and confirm their status. And so we think that is very much a legitimate request by the state of Israel, to know what exactly Hamas can deliver, and what is the status of the hostages that they are holding, the hostages they have held for well over a hundred days now, and are they actually prepared to deliver them over as part of any agreement.

Janne.

QUESTION: Thank you, Matt. Two questions. The United States’s ultimate goal is the complete and verifiable denuclearization on North Korea. White House Senior Advisor for Asia Rapp-Hooper recently mentioned on consideration of intermediate toward North Korean denuclearization. Does this mean a change in the Biden – President Biden’s administration’s North Korean policy?

MR MILLER: It does not indicate a change in policy, and I would refer you to the White House for further elaboration on those remarks.

QUESTION: But it still remain this same policy?

MR MILLER: Correct.

QUESTION: All right. Thank you. And then secondly, regarding the ongoing U.S. and ROK joint military exercises, Kim Jong-un warned that the U.S. and South Korea will pay the price. What is your reaction?

MR MILLER: It is obviously not the first time we’ve seen inflammatory rhetoric by North Korean officials. Not at all surprising, even though it is unfortunate. I will say that we – the only thing I will say is that we will continue to stand with our South Korean ally.

Go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR MILLER: Yeah, go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you. We know that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will be in Washington tomorrow. And the U.S. Army is building three 155mm projectile metal part lines in Texas. And the contract was awarded to General Dynamics, whose subcontractors include Turkish defense industry corporations, according to Pentagon.

My question is on a very technical legal angle, actually: Does any agreement with Turks allow the U.S. to pass on these rounds to third-party countries such as Israel? Did or can Turks place a condition to prevent such a transfer of this artillery once they are in the U.S. stocks? Is any discussion on this matter expected tomorrow?

MR MILLER: I would defer that question to my colleagues at the Pentagon.

QUESTION: I did that, actually.

MR MILLER: As it relates to a U.S. military contract. It’s just not something we would speak to from here.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR MILLER: Go ahead.

QUESTION: Yeah. Did – me?

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Okay. Did you get any promising answer from Israel regarding opening more crossing points?

MR MILLER: It continues to be a matter that we have pressed to them is important, and important that be – that these crossings be opened urgently, immediately. But I’m not going to speak to the conversations in any detail.

QUESTION: Did you request open all the crossing points, or some of them?

MR MILLER: We have requested additional crossings that be opened in the north, and I don’t want to get any more specific on that.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR MILLER: Go ahead. I’ll come to you next.

QUESTION: Pakistan’s new prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to fast-track negotiations with the IMF as the nation’s $3 billion bailout program is set to end next month. Is U.S. assisting or helping Pakistan in these negotiations?

MR MILLER: Let me take that back and get you an answer.

QUESTION: And sir, the freedom of speech has been under assault in Pakistan in – for the last many, many months. Recently a member of Pakistan’s senate submitted a resolution demanding the ban of popular social media platforms. Do you have any comment on that?

MR MILLER: So we – we support the – we support freedom of expression in Pakistan, as we do around the world. You’ve heard me in the past say from here that we condemn the partial or complete government-imposed shutdowns of internet platforms, including Twitter or X, and so we have and we will continue to emphasize the importance of respecting these fundamental freedoms during our engagements with Pakistani officials.

Go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you so much. Last two weeks, Saudi Arabia hosted very high-level engagements, hosted Russian State Duma chairman and then Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for the – possibly for a ceasefire or hostages’ release. So the U.S. was on board at any level in these talks, or it is something – Ukraine is looking at Saudi Arabia as it is OPEC member and having more influence with Russia?

And a couple of days ago, we also see that OPEC announced another energy cut, like oil production cut. So what is U.S. observation on this?

MR MILLER: So I don’t have any comment on the question with respect to OPEC. With respect to the meetings between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, we have supported Ukraine’s push to garner international support for its peace formula and have been encouraged by the discussions between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia in that respect.

QUESTION: And secondly —

MR MILLER: Wait. Go ahead.

QUESTION: Secondly, Congressman Greg Casar and, like, 30 U.S. congressmen wrote a letter to President Biden and State Department, mentioning Secretary Blinken, to uphold the recognition of a new government in Pakistan as irregularities – with the demand of irregularities investigations. So from our very last interview, Congressman Greg Casar said that U.S. Department of State is due to respond. So last day we see that United States Embassy in Pakistan, they congratulated new government, and then State Department also issued a statement, and there is still the investigations that U.S. demanded before are due from the Pakistani side. So what is your response specifically for the Congressman Greg Casar letter? Do State Department have prepared it to respond? What is the position?

MR MILLER: So a few things. Number one, there was a competitive election in Pakistan. Millions and millions of people made their voices heard. A new government has been formed and we will of course work with that government. At the same time, there were reported irregularities. There have been challenges brought by political parties to the results and we want to see those challenges and those irregularities fully investigated.

Shaun, go ahead.

QUESTION: Can I stay in South Asia, Maldives? Maldives has announced a defense agreement with China. This, of course, is after they asked the Indian troops to leave. Does the United States have anything to say about this, have any concerns about Maldives’ tilt and what a potential Chinese military presence —

MR MILLER: I’ll have to take that one back and get you a (inaudible). I hadn’t seen that.

QUESTION: Can we stick with island nations for 800?

MR MILLER: I don’t know. Shaun, yield the floor?

QUESTION: Haiti?

QUESTION: Yes.

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Okay. I was going to go – well, go ahead.

QUESTION: Well, half an island, at least. Part of an island.

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: On Hispaniola, on the western side of —

MR MILLER: He thundered. Right.

QUESTION: Western side of Hispaniola – the situation in Haiti seems to be getting worse. And I’m wondering what your current understanding of things are there and where the prime minister is and if he can get back.

MR MILLER: So as I said yesterday, we are monitoring Haiti’s rapidly deteriorating security situation with grave concern. We are working with international partners and Congress to provide immediate support to the Haitian National Police and expedite the deployment of the multinational security support mission that will help restore security urgently. And I’ll just reiterate what we said previously: We urge all actors to put the people of Haiti first, stop the violence, and make the necessary concessions to allow for inclusive governance, free and fair elections, and the restoration of democracy. And with respect to the whereabouts of Prime Minister Henry, I will let prime – the prime minister speak to those.

QUESTION: Well, he seems somewhat indisposed at the moment.

MR MILLER: So —

QUESTION: Is he in the United States?

MR MILLER: So we have remained in close contact with senior Haitian Government officials, and I —

QUESTION: Okay. So then you know where he is. Is he in the United States?

MR MILLER: And I will – but I – I will let the prime minister speak to his own whereabouts.

QUESTION: Can I follow up?

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Just taking that, there’s – some of the gang leaders, one of them nicknamed Barbeque – I forget his – anyways, he’s saying that basically the prime minister should be out, that there should be – there shouldn’t – there should be a change of leadership in Haiti. What does the United States feel about this? Does it still have confidence in Prime Minister Henry’s ability to lead? What about the election call in Haiti? Do you have a comment on the timeline?

MR MILLER: So I’ll just reiterate what I said a moment ago, which is that we all – urge all actors to put the people of Haiti first, stop the violence – that would of course include these gangs that are responsible for the recent violence – and make the necessary concessions to allow for inclusive governance, free and fair elections, and the restoration of democracy.

Go ahead.

QUESTION: Another island?

MR MILLER: Oh yeah. Go ahead.

QUESTION: An archipelago.

MR MILLER: Archipelago. I’m searching my mind.

QUESTION: Hawaii. Hawaii.

MR MILLER: Yeah. I don’t comment on domestic matters, Matt.

QUESTION: The tensions between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea – Philippines summoned China’s deputy chief of mission in Manila to protest what it called aggressive actions by Chinese naval forces. Are you in discussions with the Philippines about this? Is there a possibility that these kind of actions could trigger the U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines?

MR MILLER: So we are in discussions with the Philippines about this matter. The latest actions, which are just the most recent in a series of provocative actions by the PRC, demonstrate once again a reckless disregard by the PRC for the safety of Filipinos and also for international law. By impeding the safe operation of Philippine vessels carrying provisions to Filipino servicemembers stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, the PRC interfered in lawful Philippine maritime operations and in Philippine vessels’ exercise of high-speed – of high-seas freedom of navigation. And I will just say that the United States stands with our Philippine allies in the face of these dangerous and unlawful actions.

And with respect to your question, Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft, including those of its coast guard, anywhere in the South China Sea.

QUESTION: Does this constitute – do these constitute armed attacks? I think it was —

MR MILLER: I —

QUESTION: — with water cannon and collisions of boats, but —

MR MILLER: I’m not going to speculate or get out ahead of any discussions with – in this regard.

Go ahead.

QUESTION: Thanks, Matt. I have a question, actually, about a statement from a group of UN experts today. Among the things that they said are that 15 children have died of starvation at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, appearing to corroborate earlier reporting from the Gaza-based health ministry. Does the administration hold Israel responsible for these deaths? And I’ll have a follow-up.

MR MILLER: So the situation – thank you for announcing your follow-up at the beginning. The situation is clearly horrific in Gaza. I spoke to this somewhat yesterday where – when I said that there are far too many families – and you can see it when you looked at this video last week of these people running out at 4:30 in the morning to try to storm a convoy because they don’t know where their next meal is going to come from. And I think there are far too many families, parents – I feel this acutely, as I’m sure a number of people in this room who are parents do – parents don’t know if they’re going to feed – be able to feed their children, or when they’re going to feed their children. And I’m sure there are many parents who were skipping meals to take what limited food they have and give it to their children.

So the deaths of any children are unacceptable, and we have made that clear to the Government of Israel. And when it comes to responsibility, look, Hamas obviously is responsible for starting this war and hiding behind human shields and using civilians as a tool in this conflict, but Israel needs to do more to ensure that food gets in to address the very real, dire humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people.

QUESTION: Well, those same experts in that statement said – and I’m going to quote here – “Israel systematically denies and restricts the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza by intercepting deliveries at checkpoints, bombing humanitarian convoys and shooting at civilians seeking humanitarian assistance.” Is that an assessment with which you agree?

MR MILLER: So they – clearly they – Israel is letting humanitarian assistance go in through checkpoints. I don’t think anyone would dispute that. Do they need to let more go in? Yes, absolutely they do. Do they need to do more to deconflict to ensure that people who are trying to get access to food and water – yes, of course they do, and that’s something we continue to be in conversations with them about.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR MILLER: Go ahead.

QUESTION: I have two questions. The main goal it seems, like, that eliminating Hamas from Gaza and destroying their ability to continue existing there. And as my colleague indicated, after five months we have famine and starvation, 30,000 killed, most of them kids and women. Do you believe that is a fair price for eliminating Hamas? This is my first question.

MR MILLER: No, and we do not want to see any civilian killed. We have made that absolutely clear. We want to see Israel do more to protect civilians, we want to do – see Israel do more to keep civilians out of harm’s way, and we want to see them do more to allow humanitarian assistance to come in.

QUESTION: So it’s not fair price?

MR MILLER: So I think you look at the – I mean, you’re looking at it the wrong way. There is no level of civilian deaths that are acceptable. Now, Israel’s facing a difficult military situation because, as I said, Hamas continues to hide behind human shields, and Hamas launched this war knowing full-scale the response that it would provoke and that humans would be put in the crossfire, and they did it anyway.

Now, that doesn’t alleviate Israel’s burden. We don’t want to see a single civilian killed, and Hamas not only could end this war by laying down its arms; Hamas could agree to a ceasefire today that would alleviate this suffering, and they have not agreed to do that.

QUESTION: Okay, this leads to the second question.

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Have you ever considered to let civilian people move from Gaza to Israel and have citizenship – like indigenous people, like same scenario in the U.S.A. – indigenous people move to the – their former occupied land and have a citizenship like indigenous people in the U.S. historically, and they have a full citizenship?

MR MILLER: So —

QUESTION: They are civilian. You care about civilian. You are – you have a very good, kind heart toward these kids and women and other civilian people. Why you don’t let them move to the Israel and have a full citizenship and live as a —

MR MILLER: So what we have heard over and over again from leaders in the region, including from leaders of the Palestinian people, is that they do not want to see the forced displacement of Palestinian people from their homes.

Go ahead.

QUESTION: I want to go back to the hostage deal. You mentioned that the list that Israel is asking for is legitimate and Hamas should provide that list for hostages. The question is: Is this then the sticking point that is preventing the hostage deal from moving forward and getting finalized?

MR MILLER: I’m not – I’m not going to get into underlying conversations and negotiations.

QUESTION: But you agree with Israel that this list has to be provided?

MR MILLER: I – we agree that it’s a legitimate request when you’re in negotiation about the return of hostages to actually see a list of what hostages would return. Absolutely.

QUESTION: But how can Hamas possibly provide that kind of list without having some sort of a ceasefire? Because those hostages are not with Hamas, not all of them at least. Some of them are with other factions.

MR MILLER: So —

QUESTION: And there is a need for some sort of truce so that Hamas can —

MR MILLER: So —

QUESTION: — basically search for them and find them.

MR MILLER: I think that is a question for Hamas, not for the United States. They took these hostages.

QUESTION: No, but I mean —

MR MILLER: They can – hold on. They took these hostages; they continue to hold them. And if they continue to hold them, they must know where they are.

QUESTION: Not all of them. This is clear. I mean, they’re a big group —

MR MILLER: I have heard Hamas – I have heard Hamas say that. But look, if they are going to be —

QUESTION: So you don’t believe what Hamas —

MR MILLER: If they are – no, I’m not saying – if they are going to be —

QUESTION: Okay.

MR MILLER: If they are going to agree to a deal that would include the release of hostages, it is certainly a legitimate question for Israel to ask which hostages are they agreeing to turn over.

Go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you. Russian President Vladimir Putin last week said that it’s hypocritical the United States to call on Russia to resume the Strategic Stability Dialogue, while Washington is doing everything possible to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine. Do you actually believe that it’s time for a strategic dialogue?

MR MILLER: So I don’t have any update to the – to the statements that we have already made with respect to strategic dialogue. But when it comes to the strategic failure that Russia has achieved in Ukraine, there are two reasons for that. Number one are the costs that – let me say reasons – number one, the cost that the Ukrainian military has imposed through their dedication and their bravery to repel Russian aggression; number two, to the international coalition that the United States has assembled to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable; and number three, it’s Vladimir Putin’s own miscalculations and own callousness to the tens of thousands of Russian soldiers that he sent to an early grave by launching this war in the first place.

QUESTION: And U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy said today that the U.S. Embassy is discussing with Russian – with the Russian Government the possibility of resuming some consular services at the – at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, including issuing visas to Russian citizens. Can you confirm that?

MR MILLER: I don’t have any update on her comments. Go here and then we’ll wrap up for today.

QUESTION: (Off-mike.)

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Can you give us at least other highlights of the Turkish foreign minister visit in terms of U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism meetings? And does the U.S. anticipate the exclusion of Türkiye from the CAATSA sanctions? And when will we know the approximate delivery length of the F-16s?

MR MILLER: I do not want to get into any of those matters in advance – I’ll just say as a general rule we would prefer to wait until after a meeting – have the private conversation first, and then talk about matters that were discussed after the fact. With that, we’ll wrap for today.

Thanks everyone.

QUESTION: Thank you.

(The briefing was concluded at 1:52 p.m.)



Tags
China Haiti Hungary Israel North Korea Office of the Spokesperson Pakistan Palestinian Territories Philippines Russia Saudi Arabia South Korea Sweden Turkey Ukraine


Joint Statement on the U.S.-Qatar Strategic Dialogue
03/05/2024

Joint Statement on the U.S.-Qatar Strategic Dialogue
03/05/2024 06:22 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Joint Statement on the U.S.-Qatar Strategic Dialogue
hide

Joint Statement on the U.S.-Qatar Strategic Dialogue


Media Note





March 5, 2024



The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the State of Qatar on the occasion of the U.S. -Qatar Strategic Dialogue.


Begin text:


Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani led the sixth U.S.-Qatar Strategic Dialogue on March 5, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The topics at this year’s Dialogue highlighted the breadth and depth of the 50-year U.S.-Qatar relationship, from economic and security cooperation to emerging technology and fostering connections among cities and communities between both countries. 


The United States and Qatar announced several new milestones, including an amendment to the bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement, a Memorandum of Cooperation on biometric data-sharing to enhance law enforcement and counterterrorism cooperation, and a Memorandum of Understanding to open the first “American Corner” in Qatar since 2014. A special session dedicated to the FIFA Men’s World Cup centered on event organization, legacy, and security at the 2022 tournament in Doha – marking the passing of the baton from Qatar to North America ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Global Cooperation  


U.S. and Qatari officials discussed key priorities, including Venezuela, Gaza, Afghanistan, global humanitarian assistance and development, the Horn of Africa, Yemen, and Ukraine. Secretary Blinken expressed his deep appreciation for Qatar’s continued leadership in the region, including important mediation efforts to facilitate humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and secure the release of hostages, including U.S. citizens, held by Hamas. U.S. and Qatari officials also discussed challenges in Afghanistan and the extraordinary teamwork between the two countries on the relocation to the United States, through Qatar, of thousands of eligible individuals from Afghanistan. A new U.S.-Qatar Agreement in Temporary Hosting of Individuals at Risk Due to the Situation in Afghanistan, announced during the Dialogue, is already enhancing America’s ability to process Afghanistan relocations through Qatar. The United States expressed gratitude for Qatar’s continued support on the protection of U.S. interests in Afghanistan. 


The United States and Qatar shared concerns about instability in the Horn of Africa and the worsening humanitarian situation and continued fighting in Sudan.  Both sides underscored their commitment to promoting a negotiated political settlement to the Yemen conflict, while condemning unlawful and destabilizing attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. On Lebanon, the two sides underscored the need to press Lebanon’s leaders to end the presidential impasse and implement economic reforms. On Ukraine, the United States expressed deep appreciation for Qatar’s pledge of $100 million in humanitarian aid, as well as Qatar’s recent success in brokering a deal to reunite with their families 11 Ukrainian children – the third and largest group of children reunited thanks to Qatari diplomacy. 
Economic Commercial, Trade, and Investment Cooperation 


The United States and Qatar highlighted the strong economic and commercial relations between the two countries and discussed trade and two-way investment, as well as advancing cooperation in the fields of innovation, critical minerals, technology, secure information communications technology, and clean energy. The Qatari side outlined opportunities offered by the Qatari Third National Development Strategy of 2024-30.
Counterterrorism, Security, and Law Enforcement Partnership 


The United States and Qatar highlighted their strong bilateral security partnership, expressing a desire to build greater collaboration and capacity in aviation and border security, information sharing, countering violent extremism and combating terrorism and the financing of terrorism. The United States expressed its appreciation for robust ongoing counterterrorism coordination between the two countries. To further deepen bilateral law enforcement and counterterrorism cooperation, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Qatari Ministry of Interior committed to signing a new Memorandum of Cooperation on Biometric Data-sharing.
Defense Cooperation  


The two governments further strengthened their cooperation and close security partnership under the existing U.S.-Qatar Defense Cooperation Agreement and reaffirmed their commitment to promote peace and stability, counter terrorism, and grow the enduring U.S.-Qatar defense partnership. In this context, the two sides emphasized the strategic significance of Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar for promoting regional peace and stability. They also discussed future upgrades to the base to increase efficiency and sustainability. The delegations also discussed the latest progress in military cooperation, specifically in foreign military sales, military doctrine and intelligence development. 
Education and Cultural Cooperation 


The United States underscored the importance of deepening people-to-people ties to promote diversity, inclusion, and institutional excellence. U.S. and Qatari officials also discussed additional areas of collaboration, including increasing professional and research-led academic exchanges. The two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding to open the first “American Corner” in Qatar since 2014 at the Community College of Qatar. In January 2024, the Qatari Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced plans to boost Qatari student enrollment in American higher education institutions in both Qatar and the United States.  Building on the existing U.S. Fulbright Scholars program, Qatar revived the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, and a Qatari Fulbright scholar will travel to the United States in academic year 2024-2025. 
Labor and Human Rights Issues 


Qatar and the United States discussed joint efforts to combat human trafficking and advance labor rights. The two governments noted the importance of advancing cooperation to strengthen labor protection, including access to justice, as outlined in the November 2022 Letter of Intent signed by Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Al Thani. They expressed a shared desire to deepen protections for trafficking victims through screening and victim referral procedures. Both sides discussed how to address rising antisemitism and Islamophobia around the world.
Emerging Technology


The United States and Qatar held high-level interagency consultations on emerging technology – the first ever such session in a Strategic Dialogue with a regional partner.  Both sides discussed the risks and benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and recognized the urgent need for common-sense guardrails for developing and deploying AI that is safe, secure, and trustworthy. The United States and Qatar decided to explore ways to deepen cooperation on emerging technologies to advance global health, food security, education, energy, and the fight against climate change.
FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 


Following the Letter of Intent on building strong World Cup legacies signed by Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Al Thani in 2022, the two sides convened a special Strategic Dialogue session devoted to World Cup “lessons learned” and knowledge transfer from the 2022 tournament in Doha on topics ranging from cybersecurity to major event organization.  Officials from the Governments of Canada and Mexico, co-hosts along with the United States of the 2026 World Cup, also participated in the discussion – along with representatives from U.S. municipalities hosting games in 2026. 
Forward Together  


The United States and Qatar emphasized the importance of continued partnership and cooperation on key issues, consolidating state-of-the-art defense facilities, combating terrorism and terrorist financing, expanding trade and investment, and enhancing educational and cultural cooperation. Both sides look forward to the next Strategic Dialogue, to be held in Doha. 


End text.



Tags
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Qatar Strategic Dialogue


U.S. Support for the Philippines in the South China Sea
03/05/2024


U.S. Support for the Philippines in the South China Sea
03/05/2024 08:15 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…U.S. Support for the Philippines in the South China Sea
hide

U.S. Support for the Philippines in the South China Sea


Press Statement





March 5, 2024



The United States stands with our ally the Philippines following the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) provocative actions against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea on March 5. PRC ships employed dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine vessels carrying provisions to Filipino service members stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre, causing multiple collisions, damaging at least one Philippine vessel, injuring Filipino service members, and jeopardizing the safety of the Filipino crew. We condemn the PRC’s repeated obstruction of Philippine vessels’ exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and its disruption of supply lines to this longstanding outpost.


The PRC’s actions again show disregard for the safety and livelihoods of Filipinos and international law.  According to an international tribunal’s legally binding decision issued in July 2016, the PRC has no lawful maritime claims to the waters around Second Thomas Shoal, and Second Thomas Shoal is a low tide feature clearly within the Philippines exclusive economic zone.  As provided under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, the 2016 arbitral decision is final and legally binding on the PRC and the Philippines, and the United States calls upon the PRC to abide by the ruling and desist from its dangerous and destabilizing conduct.


The United States reaffirms that Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea.



Tags
Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs China Office of the Spokesperson Philippines


Joint Statement on the Second U.S.-Jordan Cyber and Digital Dialogue
03/05/2024


Joint Statement on the Second U.S.-Jordan Cyber and Digital Dialogue
03/05/2024 08:09 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Joint Statement on the Second U.S.-Jordan Cyber and Digital Dialogue
hide

Joint Statement on the Second U.S.-Jordan Cyber and Digital Dialogue


Media Note





March 5, 2024



The Governments of the United States of America and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan released the text of the following statement on the occasion of the second U.S.-Jordan Cyber and Digital Dialogue on March 4, 2024, in Amman, Jordan.


Begin text:


The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan hosted the second U.S- Jordan Cyber and Digital Dialogue in Amman, Jordan, on March 4, 2024. The opening session featured remarks by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies Anne Neuberger. The dialogue was co-chaired by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Jennifer Bachus and Director of National Policy Council Dr. Mohammad Khasawneh.


Building on the momentum from the inaugural U.S.-Jordan Cyber and Digital Dialogue held in Washington, DC in March 2023, and recognizing the 75th year of bilateral relations, the United States and Jordan convened to enhance cooperation on cybersecurity and information and communications technology (ICT) policy to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.


Highlighting their shared conviction that only through enhanced international cooperation can a more secure and stable cyberspace be achieved, the United States and Jordan pledged to strengthen their collaboration, including through the International Counter Ransomware Initiative and by promoting and implementing the framework for responsible state behavior in cyberspace.


The delegations also discussed opportunities to enhance their collaboration on best practices and strategies for cybersecurity cooperation, cyber workforce and skills development, cyber capacity building, cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, incident response, technical information sharing, combatting cyber threats, and ensuring secure ICT infrastructure.


The delegations discussed specific commitments to upskill Jordan’s workforce including a new USAID partnership aimed at encouraging Jordanian women to pursue careers in cyber and technology. In addition to opportunities to access online courses in coding and secure software development, and additional cybersecurity training programs in partnership with the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.


To strengthen cybersecurity resiliency, the United States’ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Jordan’s National Cyber Security Center formalized their relationship by signing a Letter of Intent on the sidelines of the dialogue.


The Department of Defense and Jordan Armed Forces reaffirmed the importance of enhanced cooperation on military cybersecurity activities, including advising, training, equipping, and exercising as a foundation for cyber defense of Jordan.


Both the United States and Jordan reaffirmed their support of a multi-stakeholder approach to Internet governance, technical standards that promote an innovative digital economy and a shared vision that the Internet should be open, interoperable, secure, and trusted to support a vibrant digital economy. Each side also acknowledged that this shared vision for digital connectivity requires a foundation built on the use of secure and trustworthy ICT equipment and suppliers.


The U.S. side comprised officials from the Department of State’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy; the National Security Council; the Departments of Commerce, Defense, Homeland Security, and Justice; the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Federal Communications Commission; the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; the U.S. Agency for International Development; and representatives of U.S. Embassy Amman.


The Jordanian delegation included officials from the National Policy Council, the National Cyber Security Council, the National Cyber Security Center, the Jordanian Armed Forces, the General Intelligence Directorate, the Public Security Directorate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, the Central Bank of Jordan, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, and Al Hussein Technical University.


The delegations looked forward to continued collaboration on cyber and digital policy issues, including at both the senior and expert levels, in the future.


End text.



Tags
Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Cyber Issues Information Technology Jordan Office of the Spokesperson


Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Papua New Guinea Deputy Prime Minister Rosso
03/05/2024


Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Papua New Guinea Deputy Prime Minister Rosso
03/05/2024 08:19 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Papua New Guinea Deputy Prime Minister Rosso
hide

Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Papua New Guinea Deputy Prime Minister Rosso


Readout





March 5, 2024



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell met with Papua New Guinea Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso today. The Deputy Secretary highlighted the United States’ strong partnership with PNG based on shared values and mutual priorities. Deputy Secretary Campbell also emphasized the importance of the Defense Cooperation Agreement and the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in demonstrating long-term U.S. commitment to Papua New Guinea. The Deputy Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister discussed ways to enhance the bilateral relationship between our two countries, especially in the economic and security sectors.



Tags
Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Deputy Secretary of State Office of the Spokesperson Papua New Guinea


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
03/05/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
03/05/2024 08:31 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
hide

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani


Readout





March 5, 2024



The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Washington for the sixth U.S.-Qatar Strategic Dialogue. Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Al Thani discussed the conflict in Gaza and efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Secretary Blinken thanked the Prime Minister for Qatar’s coordination to pursue an agreement for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to enable the release of all hostages, safeguard civilians, and expand the provision of critical aid to Gaza.  The Secretary and Prime Minister discussed planning for a stable and secure future for the Palestinian people, and the Secretary reiterated the United States’ support for a pathway to a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel. They reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Qatar relationship and the importance of continuing to work closely on shared strategic priorities to promote security and prosperity in the Gulf and broader Middle East region and beyond, as well as to foster ties between our peoples.



Tags
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Qatar The Secretary of State


Ghana National Day
03/06/2024

Ghana National Day
03/06/2024 12:01 AM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I join President Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana in celebrating 67 years of independence on March 6. As we celebrate this milestone, let us reflect on the rich history and the enduring ties of democracy that bind our two nations and our dynamic partnership. The United States deeply values our longstanding friendship and our combined, constant efforts to strengthen our democracies and protect the human rights of all people.


Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer Travels to Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, and Italy
03/06/2024

Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer Travels to Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, and Italy
03/06/2024 09:21 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOA) Mike Hammer will travel to Addis Ababa, London, and Rome from March 7-20. March 7-13 he will attend an African Union-hosted strategic review of the implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). While the guns have been silenced, it is necessary to undertake additional steps essential to achieving a lasting peace, including expedited progress on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration; sustained action on a credible transitional justice process; and accelerated activities to enable the return of internally displaced. Special Envoy Hammer will also meet with Ethiopian government officials to discuss efforts to advance dialogue to end the violence in the Amhara and Oromia regions, as well as review broader regional issues. Finally, SEHOA looks forward to engagements with representatives of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as international partners.

In London, March 14-19, SEHOA Hammer will hold consultations at the Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office. He will also participate in a Wilton Park conference on the “East Africa Strategic Horizon: Partnerships and Priorities.”

In Rome, March 19-20, SEHOA Hammer will attend a meeting of the G7 Africa Directors to discuss shared efforts to promote peace, security, and democratic governance; respond to humanitarian needs; and support economic opportunity.




Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer Travels to Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, and Italy
03/06/2024

Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer Travels to Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, and Italy
03/06/2024 09:21 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOA) Mike Hammer will travel to Addis Ababa, London, and Rome from March 7-20. March 7-13 he will attend an African Union-hosted strategic review of the implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). While the guns have been silenced, it is necessary to undertake additional steps essential to achieving a lasting peace, including expedited progress on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration; sustained action on a credible transitional justice process; and accelerated activities to enable the return of internally displaced. Special Envoy Hammer will also meet with Ethiopian government officials to discuss efforts to advance dialogue to end the violence in the Amhara and Oromia regions, as well as review broader regional issues. Finally, SEHOA looks forward to engagements with representatives of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as international partners.

In London, March 14-19, SEHOA Hammer will hold consultations at the Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office. He will also participate in a Wilton Park conference on the “East Africa Strategic Horizon: Partnerships and Priorities.”

In Rome, March 19-20, SEHOA Hammer will attend a meeting of the G7 Africa Directors to discuss shared efforts to promote peace, security, and democratic governance; respond to humanitarian needs; and support economic opportunity.




Targeting Houthi Revenue Sources
03/06/2024

Targeting Houthi Revenue Sources
03/06/2024 10:46 AM EST



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

The United States is today imposing sanctions on two ship owners and identifying two vessels as blocked property for their role in shipping commodities on behalf of Sa’id al-Jamal, an Iran-based, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force-backed Houthi financial facilitator. Revenue generated through al-Jamal’s network enables Houthi militant efforts, including ongoing attacks on international maritime commerce in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The consequences of these attacks are felt far beyond the region, and the United States will continue to use all available measures to disrupt the funding streams that enable these destabilizing activities.

Today’s action follows the Department of the Treasury’s February 27 action targeting a related vessel, the ARTURA. Treasury designations were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended. For more information on today’s action, see Treasury’s press release.




Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis
03/06/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis
03/06/2024 11:06 AM EST



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke yesterday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Secretary and the Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Greece bilateral relationship and our shared values as NATO Allies to promote peace and prosperity. The Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for Greece’s continued contributions to Ukraine’s security.




Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis
03/06/2024
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis
03/06/2024 11:06 AM EST



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke yesterday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Secretary and the Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Greece bilateral relationship and our shared values as NATO Allies to promote peace and prosperity. The Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for Greece’s continued contributions to Ukraine’s security.




Department of State and German Marshall Fund of the United States Establish Ukraine Cities Partnership for Sustainable Urban Recovery
03/06/2024

Department of State and German Marshall Fund of the United States Establish Ukraine Cities Partnership for Sustainable Urban Recovery
03/06/2024 02:23 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Department of State and German Marshall Fund of the United States Establish Ukraine Cities Partnership for Sustainable Urban Recovery
hide

Department of State and German Marshall Fund of the United States Establish Ukraine Cities Partnership for Sustainable Urban Recovery


Media Note





March 6, 2024



On March 6, the United States Department of State and the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) announced the creation of the Ukraine Cities Partnership (UCP) for Sustainable Urban Recovery, a new public-private partnership to help Ukrainians redesign and rebuild sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities.


The State Department and the GMF will collaborate to bring key stakeholders, technical experts, and funding partners to the UCP effort, capitalizing on the energy and ingenuity of businesses and the private sector, universities, non-governmental organizations, and foundations.


Serving as the UCP Secretariat, GMF will forge new transatlantic partnerships, programs, and alliances between European and American entities in order to aid the recovery and redevelopment of up to three Ukrainian cities. In the process, UCP will help empower a new generation of Ukrainian city officials, urban planners, architects, engineers, and construction teams to build back better using sustainable methods.


The UCP will engage and coordinate with the Government of Ukraine, the European Union (EU) and its member states, multilateral development banks, and bilateral donors to help the beneficiary cities find the resources they need to rebuild. Conceived as a three-year initiative, UCP will be formally launched at June’s Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin and will sunset when the cities are ready to break ground.


For media inquiries, please contact OES-Press@state.gov.



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Ukraine


Department of State and German Marshall Fund of the United States Establish Ukraine Cities Partnership for Sustainable Urban Recovery
03/06/2024
Department of State and German Marshall Fund of the United States Establish Ukraine Cities Partnership for Sustainable Urban Recovery
03/06/2024 02:23 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Department of State and German Marshall Fund of the United States Establish Ukraine Cities Partnership for Sustainable Urban Recovery
hide

Department of State and German Marshall Fund of the United States Establish Ukraine Cities Partnership for Sustainable Urban Recovery


Media Note





March 6, 2024



On March 6, the United States Department of State and the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) announced the creation of the Ukraine Cities Partnership (UCP) for Sustainable Urban Recovery, a new public-private partnership to help Ukrainians redesign and rebuild sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities.


The State Department and the GMF will collaborate to bring key stakeholders, technical experts, and funding partners to the UCP effort, capitalizing on the energy and ingenuity of businesses and the private sector, universities, non-governmental organizations, and foundations.


Serving as the UCP Secretariat, GMF will forge new transatlantic partnerships, programs, and alliances between European and American entities in order to aid the recovery and redevelopment of up to three Ukrainian cities. In the process, UCP will help empower a new generation of Ukrainian city officials, urban planners, architects, engineers, and construction teams to build back better using sustainable methods.


The UCP will engage and coordinate with the Government of Ukraine, the European Union (EU) and its member states, multilateral development banks, and bilateral donors to help the beneficiary cities find the resources they need to rebuild. Conceived as a three-year initiative, UCP will be formally launched at June’s Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin and will sunset when the cities are ready to break ground.


For media inquiries, please contact OES-Press@state.gov.



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Ukraine


Spring Break Travel Tips for U.S. Citizens Heading Abroad
03/06/2024


Spring Break Travel Tips for U.S. Citizens Heading Abroad
03/06/2024 03:17 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

International travel is an opportunity for education, relaxation, and immersion in foreign cultures. As spring break approaches, the Department of State recommends U.S. citizens planning international itineraries take advantage of our resources for a safe and enjoyable trip. Whether you’re jetting off to a tropical paradise or exploring historic landmarks overseas, it is important to be aware of local laws, health considerations, and emergency resources.

To help the U.S. traveling public, we offer some essential travel tips before heading abroad:Research Your Destination: Before departure, familiarize yourself with the laws and customs of your destination. Visit state.gov to review our country information pages for your destination. Laws and customs vary from country to country. For example, some foreign countries’ laws have harsh penalties for possessing certain substances such as cannabis, bringing ammunition into the country, even by accident, or posting certain content on social media. Even unintentional violations can lead to serious legal consequences.
Save the local U.S. Embassy’s Contact Information: Write down the nearest U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate’s contact details by visiting state.gov and always keep it with you. This information can be invaluable in emergency situations. Take pictures of your passport and other important documents and store them online or send them to relatives for safe keeping.
Understand Your Health Insurance Coverage: Understand which medical services your health insurance will cover while abroad. Consider purchasing traveler’s insurance to ensure coverage for unexpected medical expenses, including medical evacuation, which can cost upwards of $100,000 depending on location and condition. Medicare/Medicaid do not cover you outside the United States.
Check your U.S. Passport: Review your U.S. passport and renew early if necessary. Many countries require at least six months of passport validity to enter their country. Visit state.gov/passport to plan your travel with the latest passport guidance and processing tips in mind.
Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at state.gov to receive important safety and security updates, and to make it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.
Stay Connected: Follow @TravelGov on social media for real-time updates, travel advisories, and helpful tips. Let your family and friends know your travel plans and stay in touch with them throughout your journey.

We want all U.S. citizens to have a safe and enjoyable spring break experience abroad. By following these travel tips and staying informed, travelers can minimize risks.

For more information and additional travel resources, visit travel.state.gov.




Department Press Briefing – March 6, 2024
03/06/2024

Department Press Briefing – March 6, 2024
03/06/2024 08:51 PM EST


HomeDepartment Press Briefing – March 6, 2024
hide

Department Press Briefing – March 6, 2024






March 6, 2024






1:14 p.m. EST

MR MILLER: All right, everyone. I don’t have anything for the top, so —

QUESTION: Really?

MR MILLER: — Matt, you want to —

QUESTION: You don’t have anything at the top?

MR MILLER: You have – I have – calling on you counts as something. So —

QUESTION: There’s a lot going on. Well, yeah, not much. All right. I —

MR MILLER: That’s your assessment, not mine. I don’t share that assessment.

QUESTION: I got several – I have several brief ones, in alphabetical order, but – and my colleagues should feel free to interrupt if they have anything on these. My alphabetical order are Haiti, Houthis, and Gaza.

MR MILLER: Okay.

QUESTION: Starting with Haiti, what is the situation with Prime Minister Henry. There – the report that you guys wanted – you guys want him out, is that correct? I understand that your ambassador to the UN spoke to this earlier, but wondering what you have to say about it.

MR MILLER: So let me start by just saying generally the United States has long worked with CARICOM and Haitian leaders on the path to restoring democratic order in Haiti through free and fair elections, inclusive governance, and power sharing, which will give them the opportunity to democratically elect a prime minister. And as the situation on the ground grows increasingly dire, we and CARICOM have continued to call on stakeholders, including the prime minister, to make concessions in the interest of the Haitian people.

So we are not calling on him or pushing for him to resign, but we are urging him to expedite the transition to an empowered and inclusive governance structure that will move with urgency to help the country prepare for a multinational security support mission to address the security situation and pave the way for free and fair elections.

QUESTION: Okay. So what’s your understanding of where he is now and his efforts to get back to the country?

MR MILLER: So I will let him speak to his travel plans and his location.

QUESTION: All right. Well, look, the U.S. has a long and very difficult history with Haiti and going back long before you or I were born, decades, and decades, and decades. But also in my time at the State Department, I was there when you guys organized the, quote/unquote, “evacuation” of the prime minister. So how far are you guys prepared to go in pushing or telling Prime Minister Henry that he needs to either start the transition or get out of the way so that the transition can start?

MR MILLER: So we are going to continue to work with CARICOM, because I think it’s important to make clear that it’s not the United States acting alone in this – with this regard. It’s the United States in consultation with partners in the region are having these conversations. And what we are saying to the prime minister is that he needs to expedite the transition to an empowered and inclusive governance, including the appointment of a transition council. So that’s what we’ll continue to discuss with him.

QUESTION: All right. If anyone else has anything on Haiti —

QUESTION: Can I ask a couple things on —

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: I know you’re not confirming his whereabouts, but is he welcome in the United States? I mean, can Prime Minister Henry stay in the United States and U.S. territory?

MR MILLER: I’m just – I am just not going to speak to his travel plans at all. I think it’s appropriate for him to make those announcements.

QUESTION: Sure. And also, I mean, the – can you flesh it out a little bit more? To a new governance structure – is that something – is there something concrete that’s in mind? I mean, there’s obviously ideas from CARICOM and elsewhere, but is there some sort of a concrete plan or this more just generally speaking that something needs to change?

MR MILLER: I don’t want to speak to it in detail from here, because it’s something we’re in conversation with partners in the region about at this time. But we have always been clear that there needs to be a transition to free and fair elections in Haiti, and we have been clear that we need to see the deployment of a multinational security support mission to address the dire security situation on the ground. So we are continuing to work through both of those things. We are making progress on deploying the MSS; we want to see that happen as soon as possible. And we’re also in – as I said, in conversation with partners in the region about how to transition back to the path to democracy.

QUESTION: And just one more. The new governance structure – is that – and the elections, I mean this – the call for elections – is that – do those go in tandem? Is there an idea that you need to have elections to have this new governance structure? Is there any idea that there needs to be something that changes right now even before —

MR MILLER: I just don’t want to get into details. But of course we are looking to get to – on – back on the path to elections in the country, as well as to security.

QUESTION: Go ahead.

QUESTION: There’s no more on Haiti? I just want to go to the Houthis.

MR MILLER: The Houthis?

QUESTION: And you’ve seen that there’s been – CENTCOM has put out a statement about fatalities. These are apparently the first fatalities. Do you have anything to say about this incident?

MR MILLER: So I think that it was, sadly, inevitable. The Houthis have continued to launch these reckless attacks with no regard for the well-being of innocent civilians who are transiting through the Red Sea. And now they have, unfortunately and tragically, killed innocent civilians. And so the United States will continue to hold the Houthis accountable for their attacks, which have not just disrupted international commerce, not just disrupted the freedom of navigation in international waters, and not just endangered seafarers, but now, tragically, killed a number of them. So we will continue to hold them accountable, and we call on governments around the world to do the same.

Anything else?

QUESTION: No. I’ll let other people go on Gaza.

MR MILLER: Okay.

QUESTION: Do you want to step in or —

QUESTION: Just a little bit.

QUESTION: Go ahead.

MR MILLER: It’s just so —

QUESTION: Just one more thing on the Houthis.

MR MILLER: I’m sort of – it’s so weird.

QUESTION: So cooperative.

MR MILLER: Like, the two of you guys, like, collaborating or maybe conspiring. (Laughter.)

QUESTION: Well, why not? Great. When you say we’ll continue to hold the Houthis accountable for their attacks, should we expect, like, a new wave of U.S. retaliatory attacks from here in a way that we’ve saw – we’ve seen three weeks ago, or what is that that you’re referring to?

MR MILLER: I am just – I am not going to preview actions that we will take from this podium, as is always the case.

QUESTION: Okay. I’ll go to Gaza in that case.

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Just —

QUESTION: Oh, sure. Go ahead.

QUESTION: Just briefly one more.

MR MILLER: Comity.

QUESTION: We’re being very polite. I mean, just the flipside of what Humeyra asked – I mean, does this show a failure, for lack of another term, of deterrence? I mean, there have been these strikes from the U.S. and the UK and others on Houthi targets. Does this show it’s not working and that there needs to be a new strategy?

MR MILLER: Look, we have always made clear that this is going to be a long-term process, both to deter the Houthi attacks and to degrade their capabilities to carry them out, and that’s a process that is continuing. At the same time, we continue to talk to partners in the region about how they ought to make clear to the Houthis that these attacks are irresponsible, that they endanger international commerce, and that they hurt the economies of countries in the region as well as countries around the world. So it’s something that we will continue to push, not just on behalf of the United States but on behalf of the coalition that we have assembled to oppose the Houthis’ actions, and again, to collaborate with other countries in the world who share those interests.

QUESTION: Go ahead.

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Okay. On Gaza ceasefire, Matt, yesterday you said that U.S. believes that the obstacles at the moment are not insurmountable. How would you describe the talks today, given that there’s still no breakthrough, and it’s day three and it’s at a very critical week?

MR MILLER: So I’m not going to give a day-by-day assessment of the talks, but the over —

QUESTION: Gazans live day by day.

MR MILLER: But the overall assessment that I offered yesterday has not – we still – we continue to believe that the obstacles are not insurmountable and that a deal can be reached and a deal is in the interest of Israel, it’s in the interest of the Palestinian people, and it’s in the interest of the broader region. So we’re going to continue to push for one, but I’m not going to offer an assessment of where things stand today.

QUESTION: So you wouldn’t describe the talks as they’re at an impasse?

MR MILLER: They are ongoing. No.

QUESTION: Right. And what is the U.S. understanding that the biggest sticking point is at the moment?

MR MILLER: Nice try, but you know I’m not going to answer that one. (Laughter.)

QUESTION: And would you say that it is right now up to Hamas or Israel or both of them – which one – to basically accept the deal? Or is – it’s not like that; it is something that they have to —

MR MILLER: So it is a negotiation. It’s an ongoing process. But the point that you have heard me make and that you have heard the Secretary and other leaders of the administration make over the past few days is that Israel put a serious proposal on the table, and it’s for Hamas to accept it; it’s also for Hamas to engage in good faith and show that they actually want to get a deal, and we’re going to continue to engage on good faith on our behalf and continue to try to get a deal over the finish line.

QUESTION: Have you seen in recent days that Hamas is not engaging in good faith —

MR MILLER: So —

QUESTION: — and they actually don’t want a deal?

MR MILLER: So I think that I – it’s hard to ever offer an assessment that a terrorist organization that attacks innocent civilians is acting —

QUESTION: Sure, but they’re —

MR MILLER: — is acting wholly in good faith, but it is a negotiation, and I don’t want to comment on the underlying negotiation.

Go ahead, Tom, and then I’ll come to you next, Said.

QUESTION: The World Health Organization said yesterday that its officials had visited Shifa Hospital, where there were treatment – there was the treatment of 50 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. In Kamal Adwan Hospital, 10 children had reportedly died from hunger and dehydration in recent days, and that it was overwhelmed by patients. They say the current rate of 15 percent of wasting among children under the age of two in northern Gaza suggests a serious and rapid decline. Such a decline in a population’s nutritional status in three months is unprecedented globally. I mean, you know about this situation, so what is being done to alleviate this?

MR MILLER: So first of all, let me say that those reports, which we saw and reviewed, are obviously heartbreaking, and it confirms what you heard the Secretary say yesterday – that not only is the situation on the ground right now in Gaza unacceptable, but it’s unsustainable. It cannot continue this way. And so you have seen the United States take action to air drop food supplies in. You have seen us take action to fund the delivery of humanitarian assistance. You have seen us announce that we are exploring a maritime option to deliver humanitarian assistance through new routes. But it still is incumbent upon the Government of Israel to do more as well.

Now, we did see an increase in the number of trucks that went into Israel yesterday – around 250, 260 trucks made it in through Rafah and Kerem Shalom. That’s an improvement over where we have been. We have seen some improvement in the distribution, but we need to see dramatically more go in. We need to see it go in not just through Rafah and Kerem Shalom, but we need to see it go in through a crossing in the north. And we have made very clear to the Government of Israel that’s what we expect and that we expect to see improvement, and as the President said, there can be no excuses.

QUESTION: And he said that on Friday. The Vice President’s repeated it. We heard from the Secretary of State yesterday a similar message, insisting that Israel facilitate some more aid, and yet yesterday 14 World Food Programme trucks were blocked by the Israelis going to the north of Gaza. So they’re not listening.

MR MILLER: So I can’t speak to that specific report of trucks being blocked. Sometimes trucks are blocked for legitimate reasons; sometimes they’re blocked for less than legitimate reasons. We want to see trucks move all around, and there needs to be a security situation that allows them to move, and that’s one of the difficult things that we have tried to work through.

So what I’ll say is the messages that you ticked through that you heard the President, and the Vice President, and the Secretary deliver publicly, I can assure you that we are delivering those messages every bit as clearly privately with Israel as well, and we expect to see action.

Said.

QUESTION: Thank you. Thank you, Matt. Just to follow up on Tom’s referencing of the hospitals. I mean, of Gaza’s 33 hospitals before that were fully operational before October 7th, there are now three that are semi-functional and so on. That’s creating a really horrific situation. And we talk about the food and the starvation and so on, but is there any way – I don’t have any ideas, but – is there any way to actually make these hospitals more functional and able to care for more people, especially children?

MR MILLER: So the best way to achieve that goal, which is very much a goal that we have, would be to reach a deal for an immediate ceasefire that would last for at least six weeks and would allow for a cessation in hostilities, would allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, would allow for people inside Gaza to move around, both doctors and patients and those who just need to seek medical care. That would be the best route to reach that objective, and it’s one that we are continuing to pursue.

QUESTION: So six weeks would probably be a nice respite for the people and for everybody involved, but it also presumes that the fighting will continue thereafter for whatever reason after the end of the six weeks, especially in light of what you alluded to yesterday, that you support Israel in its pursuit of the defeat of Hamas and so on. And what we see 150 days after this war began, we see that the fighting is still going, Hamas is not defeated; by the best analysis, it has been degraded somewhat, maybe 30 percent, 20 percent, whatever it is. So conceivably this war can go on for another year.

MR MILLER: So we have always said that we want to see this conflict end as soon as possible. We want to get a temporary ceasefire to alleviate the humanitarian situation and get the hostages home, but it is our goal to end the conflict completely, and to end it as soon as possible, and, as you have heard me say before, Hamas bears a lot of responsibility for the conflict continuing to be waged. Hamas could come forward and surrender, they could come forward and swear off violence, they could put their arms down. And one of the things that we would very much try to pursue in the event of a humanitarian ceasefire would be the demilitarization of Gaza and the demilitarization of Hamas. And we are – it’s something that we will consult with – that we have been consulting and will continue to consult with partners in the region about. Because for all that – for all that Israel has done in this conflict, and the – and all it has done to bring Hamas terrorists to justice, Hamas does bear a lot of responsibility for the conflict ongoing. So if we are able to get a ceasefire, it is very much something that we will pursue.

QUESTION: I understand, but you’re saying that you want Hamas to surrender – that is, I mean, is there really serious thinking that this is actually going to happen? I mean, considering that the Palestinians have been waging some sort of an armed struggle against Israel for the past 75 years. I mean, they take – they go from Beirut to (inaudible) to Jordan to places like this, but it goes on in the West Bank and so on. Is there really expectation that the Palestinians will give up the notion of getting their rights or – getting their rights; in the absence of the world doing anything about granting them their rights, that they have to do it on their own?

MR MILLER: So we do not want the Palestinians to give up their rights. In fact, you have seen the Secretary and the President pushing very hard for a two-state solution that would create an independent Palestinian state, and would answer the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.

But to this question about Hamas, when you’ve seen 30,000 Palestinians killed, why wouldn’t they lay down their arms and stop that bloodshed? Why wouldn’t they lay down their arms and stop the war? If they truly care about the thousands and thousands of civilians who have been killed in a war that Hamas started – so remember who started this war – if that was in their real interest, the well-being of the Palestinian people, I’m hard-pressed to answer why they wouldn’t lay down their arms and pursue a demilitarization option when you have the United States and other countries in the region saying we are prepared to step forward and work on a legitimate political path forward for the Palestinian people – not one that’s brought about by terrorism, not one that’s brought about by violence, but a legitimate political path that leads to an independent Palestinian state.

QUESTION: And lastly – I’m sorry, but just to push this point a bit further – the Palestinians basically said okay, we lay down our arms; they’ve done it time and time again. They recognize Israel. They sign treaties and so on with them —

MR MILLER: Hamas has not done it.

QUESTION: Hamas said they will abide by the – I mean, let’s not – it’s a very complex issue.

MR MILLER: Hamas won’t even sign up to the principles of the PLO, so.

QUESTION: But I’m saying that – what we’re saying is there has been a Palestinian effort that has failed. I mean, people look – whether it’s Hamas or somebody else – they look at 30 years of efforts to arrive at the resolution that the United States has signed to and in fact sponsored in 1993. No? And it has gone nowhere. We see the settlements expand. We see the occupation become more violent against the Palestinians. People are more imprisoned and so on.

MR MILLER: So if people continue to look at the past and only the past that has happened for decades and decades without being willing to sign on to a positive vision of the future, we will never have a peaceful way out of this conflict – not just the current conflict in Gaza, but an actual resolution to the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestinians.

QUESTION: Well – but the problem with that, Matt, is that you have called for in every single conflict around the world there to be accountability for things that have happened in the past, and now you’re saying, oh, well, just forget about it.

MR MILLER: No. That’s not – my point is there has to be at some point a political reconciliation. And so I think Said’s point was why would Hamas agree to lay down arms when we have seen grievance after gradience go on for decades. And the point that we have made – and you’ve heard this – the Secretary speak to this a number of times —

QUESTION: Fair enough, but —

MR MILLER: Ultimately there are two paths. There is – you can continue down this path where we talk about what happened decades and decades ago and try to address that with – through violent activities, or we can have a peaceful resolution to this. And of course you —

QUESTION: But —

MR MILLER: Of course, there’s a process for addressing legitimate grievances through that process. But what I am saying, and the point that we have made, is continuing to carry out violence as the solution to decades-old grievances —

QUESTION: Legitimate gradiences.

MR MILLER: — is a path – is a path to continued conflict and a never-ending cycle that does not advance the interests of the Palestinian people.

QUESTION: But you’re talking about addressing legitimate grievances from the past, right?

MR MILLER: Yes. And my point is through violence will just lead you in this never-ending cycle that we – that the region has been in for decades.

QUESTION: Okay.

QUESTION: Can I follow up on Said’s point?

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: I mean, because you said that why wouldn’t Hamas look at the numbers of dead – 30,000 – and effectively surrender, but that almost suggests or implies that the numbers killed creates a political or military pressure on Hamas to do so. But you’ve always said that any civilian death is unacceptable.

MR MILLER: That’s – that is not – that’s not my implication. That’s not my implication at all. Any civilian death is unacceptable.

QUESTION: But you connected those two issues —

MR MILLER: No, I —

QUESTION: — that if Hamas surrender – Hamas looking at the number of dead, why would they not surrender?

MR MILLER: This – any – hold on. It is not – it is – it is not the implication. I don’t think that’s a fair reading of what I’m saying. My – every civilian death is unacceptable. The point is that Hamas surrendering would end the conflict, and would end the civilian causalities that have unfortunately happened since October 7th.

Go ahead. I’m sorry, Jenny. Go.

QUESTION: So I just want to clarify: The Israeli Government has told you that if Sinwar was to purely surrender, that would be sufficient to end the war?

MR MILLER: I – so I’m not going to get into our – the conversations that we’ve had, but obviously if Hamas surrendered and laid down its arms that would be an end to the conflict.

QUESTION: Including Sinwar?

MR MILLER: That – he is the leader of Hamas in Gaza.

QUESTION: So it’s sufficient for them.

MR MILLER: So I am not – I am not going to speak on behalf of the Israeli Government, but obviously when you have one side of a conflict stop fighting and lay down its arms, that brings about an end to the conflict.

QUESTION: Okay. And I want to push you on some of the many things the U.S. Government has called on Israel to investigate. Do you have any updates on the convoy shooting into the air, into the crowd, that —

MR MILLER: That investigation is ongoing, is our understanding. They have announced preliminary results. I know they’ve announced those publicly, and they’ve briefed them to us privately as well. But the fuller investigation is still ongoing.

QUESTION: And then on the investigations into the two American teenagers who were killed in the West Bank? What is the —

MR MILLER: Those investigations are also going – ongoing. But we should be clear, only one of those is an Israeli-conducted investigation. The other is being conducted by Palestinian law enforcement authorities because of where that killing took place in the West Bank.

QUESTION: And the CHIRG process, have there been any conclusions there?

MR MILLER: It’s ongoing. Yeah.

QUESTION: Please follow up —

QUESTION: I – just —

MR MILLER: Sorry, Humeyra.

QUESTION: Just on the investigations —

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Just two others specifically. The one – the implosion of the university in Gaza?

MR MILLER: I don’t – I don’t have any new information to report from the Israeli Government.

QUESTION: And what about the incident that happened a couple months ago in which the – Israeli agents went into the hospital, went room by room and —

MR MILLER: I’ll have – I’ll have to check to see if we have any updates on it.

QUESTION: — basically killed people?

MR MILLER: I’ll have to check and get back to you and see if we have any updates.

QUESTION: So —

MR MILLER: Oh, sorry. Humeyra and then —

QUESTION: — just one further – on this – on these investigations, when was the first time that State Department or the administration has launched one of these investigations in an incident like this?

MR MILLER: Do you mean —

QUESTION: Do you remember?

MR MILLER: Are you speaking with respect to the CHIRG process which is not something I would describe as an investigation?

QUESTION: Not necessarily CHIRG, but like all of these investigations: the university, the hospital, West Bank.

MR MILLER: So a little bit of conflation. Those are investigations that are being conducted either by Israeli authorities, or in one of these cases, by the Palestinian law enforcement authorities.

QUESTION: Right. So I’m just trying to get a sense of what U.S.’s expectation of how long those investigations will last, and what is your mechanism to really follow up on the result of the investigation. And —

MR MILLER: So it depends on the circumstances. There are things that the Israeli Government has looked into at our request where they have come back and reported to us either that – I’ve talked about this some before. Like, we’ve gone and asked them about specific strikes, and they have come back to us and said we were targeting this specific strike where there were reports of civilian casualties because there was a legitimate military target. And sometimes they’re able to tell us who – the name of that legitimate military target who is there. At other times, they have come back to us and told us that this strike that you asked us to look into, we were targeting one facility, and we mistakenly hit another facility. So we have gotten answers on a number of things that we have raised questions for.

With respect to other investigations, it’s different depending on the circumstance – for example, the killing of two American citizens in the West Bank, one of which is being conducted by the Israeli police, one of which is being conducted by Palestinian law enforcement. I can’t possibly give you a timetable on how long a police investigation takes, just as we can’t – local law enforcement in the United States can’t usually give you a timetable on how long an investigation is going to take because it depends on how they turn up leads and how they’re followed through and if they get breakthroughs.

What we do is ask for those investigations to be carried out as quickly as possible. We ask to be briefed on the results when it’s appropriate for us to be briefed on those results, and we ask that when there’s appropriate there be accountability.

QUESTION: Right. Can you then commit that U.S. will somehow follow up with the results of all of those investigations and ensure accountability? And can you think of one example that the situation has moved to that level since the beginning —

MR MILLER: There have been absolutely cases that we have raised with the Israeli Government about incidents targeting civilians in Gaza where they have come back to us and said that they made a mistake, and there have been times where they have talked about accountability for IDF forces. And I know at times they’ve talked publicly about accountability for members of the IDF who have done things that are inappropriate.

QUESTION: And let me just ask a question that we’ve asked before: Is there any process of atrocity determination or anything similar to that from this building looking into Israel – its military conduct?

MR MILLER: Again, we continue to collect information, monitor information. We collect information about specific incidents and examine that through the CHIRG process that we set up last year, but I don’t have any updates on that.

QUESTION: One last thing, sorry. On the ceasefire talks, you don’t agree that there at an impasse or you just don’t want to use that word, but what is the U.S. alternative if – because, I mean, the President talked about March the 4th a week ago. Ramadan, the start of Ramadan is fast approaching. If the talks are really at an impasse and they go south, does the U.S. have like an alternative plan and specifically regarding the aid situation? Because you’re relying so much on the establishment of this truce to get in more aid.

MR MILLER: So – yeah. So I disagree a little bit – or disagree with that quite a bit. So first of all, I don’t want to talk – speculate about a hypothetical. We are pushing for – I mean – and I mean not with respect to aid, but overall I don’t want to speculate about a hypothetical. We are pushing for a successful conclusion to these talks. We believe that’s possible and we’re going to continue to push for it.

Now, that said, we are not waiting for the outcome of these talks to push for an improvement in the humanitarian assistance – the humanitarian situation on the ground, and that’s why you’ve seen us take our own action already by launching air drops, which will continue. It’s why you see us exploring a maritime option that we are very much engaged in. And it’s why you see us pushing the Israeli Government at the seniormost levels. We are not waiting for the outcome of a hostage deal, and I think you heard this – the Secretary say this yesterday, that notwithstanding what happens with a hostage deal, the improvement in the humanitarian situation is something that needs to happen immediately.

QUESTION: Sorry, can you just – when you say that sometimes they’ve gotten back to you and said we were going for one target and hit the wrong one and we made a mistake, can you give one or two or three or – examples?

MR MILLER: I do not have them off the top of my head. This has been something that we’ve been in conversation with them back to the earliest days of this war.

QUESTION: Are you aware of any situation where they’ve come back to you and said we screwed this up?

MR MILLER: Of course. Yeah, of course.

QUESTION: And people have been held accountable?

MR MILLER: We have seen examples where they have come back to us and said people made a mistake —

QUESTION: Okay. Can you give me one or two?

MR MILLER: I don’t – I – no —

QUESTION: No, no, no. Not a mistake, like this was bad, this was something —

MR MILLER: We have seen examples where they have come to us and said they are holding members of the IDF accountable.

QUESTION: Can you give an example of one?

MR MILLER: I don’t have them off the top of my head, but you can also look, Matt. They have announced some of these publicly as well, and so it’s publicly available, but they have disciplined IDF members.

QUESTION: Yeah, but – okay, but I’m not talking – I’m talking about when they get back to you, because you guys are their prime supplier of weaponry and money. And so when you guys ask or demand an explanation for something, it should be – you should get an answer, right?

MR MILLER: We do get an answer now. It’s not always perfect, but we do get answers, and sometimes we want more information about those answers.

QUESTION: But if you can’t give – if you can’t give a single example of either —

MR MILLER: So I can’t – so Matt, this is something that’s been going on for five months, but I can say – remember, as I – so I’m not going —

QUESTION: Well, I understand that, but I’m not —

MR MILLER: Hold on. I’m not going to remember —

QUESTION: But I’m not looking for an exhaustive list.

MR MILLER: Hold on. I’m not going to remember every example.

QUESTION: I’m just asking – I’m asking for one example of either.

MR MILLER: And I’m telling you I can’t give you every example off the top of my head, but as I said, you can look publicly and find examples of this.

QUESTION: All right. All right.

MR MILLER: So you don’t have to take my word for it. They have announced publicly where they have disciplined IDF members for acting – for inappropriate actions that they have taken inside Gaza.

QUESTION: All right.

MR MILLER: Camilla, finally. Sorry. (Laughter.)

QUESTION: Staying on this question, sorry.

MR MILLER: Don’t blame me, blame them.

QUESTION: You said to Jenny that the investigation’s still ongoing with the convoy. Last week it was notable that you topped the briefing with the incident of the convoy. I asked you yesterday about the apparent sticking point of a list – Israel wanting a list of names, Hamas saying they can’t get a list of names. Was the incident – the convoy incident last week, was that a significant reason for derailing the talks this time around?

MR MILLER: I’m just not going to – I am not going to speak at all to the status of the talks and how they’re going, but the talks have – are ongoing, so to the extent that they have been derailed or anything, I wouldn’t describe them as been – as having been derailed. They are ongoing and we continue to think a deal is possible.

QUESTION: And with the questions you’ve been getting about what happens if a deal is not reached soon and not enough aid gets in – if there are more incidents like what happened last week with the convoy being stormed, if that happens again and again, is there a concern that, again, this deal is getting further and further away from being achievable?

MR MILLER: So again, I don’t want to speak to hypotheticals, but the desperation of the Palestinian people continues, and people still are desperate for food and water and medicine. They’re desperate to feed their families. So the situation that we saw last week is something that we are concerned could be repeated, which is why we are continuing to push to get as much aid in as possible through as many channels as possible so, one, people have the food to feed their families; and two, as I said yesterday – I think it was yesterday – that when they see a convoy coming through, they don’t believe it’s the last chance they’re going to have to feed their families for a week or two weeks or a month.

Alex, go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you, Matt. A couple of separate topics. Russian missile strike appeared to target President Zelenskyy today in Odesa and while he was meeting with Greek prime minister. This – let me get a reaction first. Also, did anyone reach out to Ukrainians or Greek side to discuss this?

MR MILLER: We are in constant contact with both of those countries. I don’t have any specific conversations to read out. I think the strike is yet another reminder of how Russia continues to strike Ukraine every single day, and it’s a reminder of Ukraine’s need for air defense interceptors, and it’s a reminder that the United States Congress needs to take action, as we have called on them to do, to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

QUESTION: Thank you. And while this was happening in Odesa, back in Sochi we saw the IAEA chief met with President Putin today. The pictures of him shaking hand with indicted war criminal is all over the place. Do you approve that meeting? Did he reach out to the U.S. side prior to the meeting? Is there any message that he’s conveying on behalf of —

MR MILLER: I just don’t have any comment on that meeting at all.

QUESTION: And may I move to Azerbaijan, please?

MR MILLER: Sure.

QUESTION: There’s a police raid against independent news outlet called Toplum TV. Let me get your reaction. And this, as you know, is part of the ongoing media crackdown in the country.

MR MILLER: So we are deeply troubled by the reports that Azerbaijani police raided the office of independent media outlet Toplum TV and by the reported arrests of multiple independent journalists and civil society activists in Azerbaijan today. We must express our strong objections to continued attempts to intimidate, repress, and punish journalists, civil society voices, and opposition figures. We call on Azerbaijan to end the harassment of those exercising their fundamental freedoms and urge the release of all individuals being unjustly held in politically motivated cases. No one should face incarceration or other retribution for exercising freedom of expression.

QUESTION: Thank you for that. Let me press you a little bit on that, because strong objections have been expressed during previous raid against Abzas TV as well. That did not stop them; they arrested reporters. Why do you think they should draw a different conclusion this time?

MR MILLER: I think they should draw a different – so I will not speak to drawing different conclusions. What I will say is that they should stop these actions that crack down on free expression because it – doing so would be in the interest of their own people. So we will continue to make that clear. And I can assure you that when we have private diplomatic conversations with Azerbaijani officials, as the Secretary had occasion to do just last month, we make those same points privately.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR MILLER: Willy, go ahead.

QUESTION: Thanks, Matt. The two Americans detained in Gaza now a month ago and the woman in the West Bank – any further consular visits with them? The Israelis are saying it was on suspicious – suspicion of collaborating with Hamas. The family completely refutes that. Do you guys have any sense of where the truth is?

MR MILLER: So I’m not going to speak to an ongoing legal process. But with respect to the two who are detained in Gaza, we have had consular access to those two American citizens, and with respect to the American citizen that was arrested in the West Bank, we had consular access to her and she has now been released on bail.

Jenny, go ahead.

QUESTION: Matt, tomorrow Chairman McCaul has threatened to mark up a bill to keep – or put Blinken in contempt of Congress. Has there been any update on trying to appease his demands?

MR MILLER: So we have been in close, repeated consultation with the committee about this matter. As I’ve said before, we have done everything that we can to try and address their legitimate oversight needs. We have made 15 department officials or former department officials available for lengthy interviews about – throughout this process. We have turned over somewhere in the neighborhood of 15,000 pages of documents. So we have a – the need to protect legitimate Executive Branch equities. We recognize that Congress has a need to conduct legitimate oversight authorities, and so we’re in conversation with them. We are trying to resolve this amicably, as we have been successful in doing at previous points in the past year. And so we’ll continue to do that today and tomorrow.

QUESTION: Are you confident this will be resolved before tomorrow?

MR MILLER: All I will say is that we are hopeful it can be resolved, we’re doing everything we can to try to resolve it, and we’ll continue to do that.

QUESTION: And then on Afghanistan, are there any updates on the number of SIVs you guys have been able to get out now more than two years —

MR MILLER: So as you know, we invested a good deal of resources to ramp up our ability to grant SIV visas. In fact, in the last fiscal year, we were able to issue more than 39,000 SIVs. It was the record number of visas for principal applicants and their eligible family members. We’ve now given out a hundred – 117,000 SIVs since the passage of the Afghan Allies Protection Act in 2009, and more than 30 percent of that number came in just the past 28 months.

But we are at this point where because we made these investments in our ability to more quickly process these visas, that we have been issuing them at this record number – somewhere around now over 1,000 a month – and we are nearing the annual cap. So we’re going to hit the cap; we have somewhere around 8,000 left that we can process this fiscal year. We are clearly going to hit this cap, and we need statutory approval to raise the cap. We have urged Congress to raise the cap and allow us to meet our obligation to those Afghans who put their lives on the line for the United States, make sure that they are not forgotten. Congress has not acted yet, so we are urging them to do so, because we are going to hit that cap and we want to make sure that we can continue to grant as many of these visas as is appropriate and is possible.

Shaun.

QUESTION: Could I just revisit a question I asked yesterday about Maldives, whether you have a reply to – basically I asked – the Maldives after kicking out Indian forces – if there’s any concern about a defense deal with China.

MR MILLER: So we are tracking reports that the Government of Maldives has reached a military assistance agreement with the PRC. Maldives is a valued partner of the United States. Our countries share almost 60 years of partnership and a commitment to an Indo-Pacific region that is connected, secure, resilient, and prosperous, and we remain committed to strengthening our partnership with the Maldives across many spheres, including economic development, education, security cooperation, and climate change response.

QUESTION: And specifically on the Chinese defense deal, that’s all you’re going to say?

MR MILLER: So I would defer to the Government of Maldives for details or on the specific agreement. We see them as a valued partner and look forward to continuing to work with them.

Go ahead.

QUESTION: Thanks, Matt. Two questions on Middle East. First, on humanitarian aid, yesterday you said that Israeli ministers are preventing aid deliveries, and this raises questions about the legality of U.S. military assistance to Israel. So I’m going to ask again: Is the U.S. still in the position of not considering cutting off military assistance to Israel?

MR MILLER: So while – what I meant in my comments yesterday: We have seen actions by specific ministers of the Israeli Government to try and block aid, but ultimately we’ve seen the Government of Israel take decisions to allow aid to go in. And so when we saw protesters blocking Kerem Shalom and preventing aid to go in, we saw the ministry of defense step in and declare that a military security area and send in military police to ensure that aid could reach. So while we’ve seen actions taken by members of the government that don’t support the provision of aid, ultimately the decisions of the government have been to allow aid in.

Now, that doesn’t – that doesn’t mean that it’s enough aid. There’s not enough aid, and Israel needs to do more, and so that’s why we continue to press them to do that.

QUESTION: So you don’t think Israel is deliberately preventing humanitarian aid entering to Gaza?

MR MILLER: So they have – they have made clear – they have said that they want to allow aid in, and they have allowed aid in. Now, that aid is not enough, and there needs to be more. There needs to be —

QUESTION: And is —

MR MILLER: There need to be additional crossings open, and there needs to be additional improvement and distribution. So that’s – those are the conversations we’ll continue to have with them.

QUESTION: And is there any further steps that the U.S. is planning to take in order to force Israeli Government to allow more aid in?

MR MILLER: So we are going to continue to have the – very frank and candid conversations with them about this matter.

QUESTION: Just a quick one.

MR MILLER: Yeah.

QUESTION: Do you have anything to say on Israeli Government approving plans for more than 3,400 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, since you view these last settlements illegal?

MR MILLER: Only that settlements continue to be a barrier to peace. These settlements continue to be inconsistent with international law. And so the point that we will make to the Government of Israel is that these settlements don’t just harm the Palestinian people, but that they ultimately weaken Israel’s security and weaken the prospects for a lasting agreement that would provide real peace and real security for the Israeli people.

Go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you, sir. Indian Prime Minister Modi greeted Shehbaz Sharif for his election as the new prime minister of Pakistan. How do you see this gesture of Indian prime minister as there are too many tensions between the two countries on several issues?

MR MILLER: So we of course welcome the prime minister’s statement. The United States values its relationship with both India and Pakistan, and we want to see them have a productive and peaceful relationship.

QUESTION: So would the U.S. welcome future talks between India and Pakistan on all issues, including Kashmir?

MR MILLER: Of course we would welcome productive and peaceful talks between India and Pakistan, but the pace, scope, and character of any dialogue is a matter for India and Pakistan to determine.

QUESTION: Sir, one last question. Sir, any updates from India on assassination attempt on Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun? You told us a month ago that State Department is waiting for the internal investigations of Indian Government on this. Any updates?

MR MILLER: My understanding is that investigation is ongoing.

Go ahead.

QUESTION: First question on Iran. Based on today’s report by Iranian judiciary, Iran seizes a U.S. cargo and oil tanker, which valued more than $50 million, over sanction. What’s your reaction on that?

MR MILLER: So the Iranian Government should immediately release the Advantage Sweet, the old tanker to which you refer. Iran has unlawfully seized a number of commercial vehicles sailing in the Middle East in recent years. Iran’s continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights and freedoms in the region’s vital waterways is a threat to maritime security, regional stability, and the global economy.

QUESTION: Another question on Afghanistan. The new academic year in Afghanistan begin in two weeks, and for third years millions of women and girls are banned from school. And this meanwhile U.S. and UN are trying to engage with Taliban, regardless of their policy against human rights and educational rights. Is there any hope for Afghan girls to – back to school? Do you – can you estimate a time for that?

MR MILLER: So I cannot, unfortunately. We’re of course aware that this sad anniversary is coming up, and we have made it clear that girls should never have been blocked from going to school in the first place. Advancing respect for the rights of Afghan women and girls is critical to our efforts in Afghanistan. At every opportunity we urge the Taliban to allow girls to return to school, respect the rights of all Afghans, and reverse their discriminatory decrees on women and girls.

Go ahead, and then we’ll – oh, and then Guita, and then we’ll wrap.

QUESTION: Thank you very much, Matt. Just two questions, please. One question is, I want to give you an opportunity – you had again called Maryam Nawaz a milestone, and in 48 hours half a million people in Pakistan have said that Matt should take this milestone statement back because her father was corrupt – came out his name in Panama Papers; she has been accused of corruptions, and you are calling her milestone. So, I mean, I do not get half a million —

MR MILLER: I do not have any update on my comments —

QUESTION: Okay. Second question.

QUESTION: — from a couple of days ago.

QUESTION: Is today Mr. Javed Hashmi, who has been in politics for 56 years – and again, he was the president of the ruling party which Benazir – I mean Maryam Nawaz that you called milestone – he used to be president. Today he said that the situation in Pakistan has reached a point where the whole nation is in catastrophic situation. I mean, for the last one year, I personally have been – raised issues with you regarding human rights, women – mothers are dragged from the houses. Journalists are put in jail on likely ridiculous charges. It’s been one year. Why doesn’t the Secretary just pick up the phone and call the Pakistani establishment and the people to just settle on some things? Nobody is accepting this corrupt government.

MR MILLER: So we – let me go ahead and answer. So we have made clear publicly – you’ve heard me say from this podium many times, and we have made clear from – we have made clear in our private conversations that we want to see Pakistan respect the human rights of all of its citizens.

Guita, go ahead.

QUESTION: Matt, in answer to the question about Iran intending to unload the crude oil in the tanker that belonged to Chevron, an American company, you said that Iran should release the tanker and it has seized unlawfully. Hasn’t the United States itself seized tankers or marine vessels that are – have been carrying Iranian goods and commodities in the past?

MR MILLER: So our sanctions have always had carveout for humanitarian purchases: food, medicine, medical devices, agricultural products. That has been our sanctions policy, not just in this administration but back across multiple administrations, and we have never prevented medicine from reaching the Iranian people.

QUESTION: Can I just ask —

QUESTION: But —

MR MILLER: Yeah, let Guita – you —

QUESTION: Go ahead. Different subject. It is very brief.

MR MILLER: Yeah, yeah. Go – Guita, you finish.

QUESTION: Well, all right. That was about U.S. sanctions, which Iran claims that it’s going to truse the proceeds from the sale of that oil for certain patients there which it claims the U.S. sanctions have prevented from getting the necessary medicine from overseas. But what about the U.S. seizing ships carrying Iranian commodities?

MR MILLER: So with respect to – so with respect to commodities that are exempt from our sanctions policy that has never been our target. Now, with respect to the seizures that we have done, we have done those consistent with the rule of law.

So Matt, go ahead and then —

QUESTION: Yeah, I just wanted to ask you if – I know you expressed your concern on multiple occasions about the situation between China and the Philippines. But I just wanted to see if there was anything you had to add since the statement of —

MR MILLER: No, I don’t have anything.

QUESTION: — 6:51 p.m. last night?

MR MILLER: No, I do not.

QUESTION: Oh, okay.

MR MILLER: I do not.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR MILLER: Humeyra, and then we’ll wrap.

QUESTION: Sorry, I have two small things. On China, they released their defense budget, and it looks like their – the growth of their defense budget outstrips their economic growth. I’m just wondering if U.S. has, like, any concerns or any comment about that particular —

MR MILLER: So we have for a long time expressed concerns about their rapid and opaque modernization efforts as well as their efforts to acquire dual-use technologies and know-how under their Military-Civil Fusion strategy.

QUESTION: All right. And the report also seems to highlight that they officially adopted tougher language against Taiwan, dropping the mention of peaceful reunification. Is that also a particular reason of concern for you guys?

MR MILLER: So we oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo by either side. We don’t support Taiwan independence. We support cross-strait dialogue and expect cross-strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means, free from coercion, and in a manner acceptable to the people on both sides of the strait.

QUESTION: Final thing on South Sudan. U.S. prosecutors have charged a prominent South Sudanese economist conspiring to export Stinger missile systems. Do you have any particular comment on that?

MR MILLER: So I would refer to DOJ on specific questions about that matter. But just to be clear, the United States does not support violent or undemocratic changes in government in Africa or elsewhere; and all violations of U.S. export regulations will be punished to the full extent of the law.

With that, wrap for the day.

QUESTION: Thank you.

QUESTION: (Off-mike.)

MR MILLER: Thank you.

QUESTION: Wait a second. The United States does not support violence or undemocratic changes to government in Africa or elsewhere?

MR MILLER: We do not.

QUESTION: Come on.

MR MILLER: We’ll wrap up – wrap for the day.

(The briefing was concluded at 2:00 p.m.)

# # #Gaza ↑



Tags
Afghanistan Azerbaijan China Haiti India Iran Israel Maldives Office of the Spokesperson Pakistan Palestinian Territories Russia South Sudan Taiwan Ukraine Yemen


Joint Statement of the 20th U.S.- India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group
03/07/2024

Joint Statement of the 20th U.S.- India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group
03/07/2024 10:56 AM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Joint Statement of the 20th U.S.- India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group
hide

Joint Statement of the 20th U.S.- India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group


Media Note





March 7, 2024



The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of the United States of America and India on the occasion of the 20th meeting of the U.S.-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and 6th Designations Dialogue on March 5, 2024 in Washington, D.C.


Begin text:


The United States and India held the 20th meeting of the U.S.-India Counter Terrorism Joint Working Group and 6th Designations Dialogue on March 5, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard, Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the Department of State, and Ambassador K.D. Dewal, Joint Secretary Counter Terrorism at the Ministry of External Affairs, led their respective inter-agency delegations.


The United States and India emphasized the extraordinary value and durability of the U.S.-India comprehensive global and strategic partnership and renewed their commitments to countering terrorism and promoting regional security as an integral part of their broader bilateral cooperation. Both sides reiterated that terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and security. Countering terrorism remains an important element in ensuring prosperity and peace for Americans, Indians, and global citizens.


The participation of delegates from a wide array of departments and agencies from both countries illustrated that the United States and India recognize that countering terrorism requires an inclusive and holistic approach. This approach depends on bilateral coordination between our agencies to ensure productive information sharing and facilitate security, stability, and growth in both countries and throughout the region.


The United States and India reviewed emerging threats and tactics in terrorism, including the use of the internet and new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, international movement of terrorists, terrorist recruitment, the financing of terrorist activities, and radicalization to violence and violent extremism. The two sides committed to information sharing, capacity building and continued bilateral and multilateral efforts to address these threats.


The United States and India called for the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot terrorist attacks to be brought to justice. They also called for concerted action against all terrorist groups, including groups proscribed by the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee, such as al-Qaida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).


The two sides committed to strengthening law enforcement and judicial partnerships in support of the rule of law, including through information sharing and enhanced cooperation on mutual legal assistance requests.


Both sides also exchanged information regarding priorities and procedures for designating various terrorist entities/groups and individuals.


The United States and India reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in the Quad Counterterrorism Working Group and other multilateral fora and processes such as United Nations, the Global Counterterrorism Forum and the Financial Action Task Force for advancing shared security interests within the region while supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.


End text.



Tags
Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs India Office of the Spokesperson


Secretary Blinken to Deliver Remarks at International Women’s Day Celebration
03/07/2024

Secretary Blinken to Deliver Remarks at International Women’s Day Celebration
03/07/2024 12:25 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken to Deliver Remarks at International Women’s Day Celebration
hide

Secretary Blinken to Deliver Remarks at International Women’s Day Celebration


Notice to the Press





March 7, 2024



Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will deliver remarks in honor of International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, at 4:30 p.m. ET at the U.S. Department of State during a celebration hosted by the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues. Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Gender Policy Council Jennifer Klein, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta, and 2024 International Women of Courage (IWOC) awardee Volha Harbunova of Belarus will also speak at the event. This celebration will honor the strength and innumerable contributions of women and girls across the world, including the recipients of the 2024 IWOC award, and civil society. It also will underscore the U.S. commitment to elevating gender equality as fundamental to democracy and a U.S. foreign policy priority.


Remarks will be open to the press and streamed live on the Department homepage and YouTube Channel.


Final access for cameras, writers and photographers is 3:50 p.m. from the 23rd Street entrance.


Registered Media representatives may attend this event upon presentation of one of the following: (1) a U.S. Government-issued photo media credential (e.g., Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense or Foreign Press Center), or (2) an official photo identification card issued by their news organization, or (3) a letter from their employer on official letterhead verifying their current employment as a journalist. Additionally, they must present an official government photo identification card (i.e., U.S. driver’s license or passport).


For additional information about this event, please contact the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues at StateGWI@state.gov.



Tags
Office of Global Women’s Issues Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Women's Issues


Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
03/07/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
03/07/2024 01:54 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
hide

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson


Remarks





March 7, 2024



MODERATOR: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here today. Prime Minister Kristersson, accompanied by Foreign Minister Billström, will now deposit Sweden’s instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty, with Secretary of State Blinken representing the United States of America as the depositary of the treaty.


(The instrument was deposited.)


SECRETARY BLINKEN: Welcome. (Applause.) Well, good things come to those who wait. (Laughter.) No better example. But with receipt of this instrument of accession, let me be the very first to welcome Sweden as a party to the Washington Treaty and the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (Applause.)


Prime Minister, to you, to my friend the foreign minister, a personal note of thanks for your extraordinary leadership, your extraordinary vision, and your resilience. This has been a little bit of a road, but I think we’ve known from day one, that we would be here today, and now we are. This is a historic moment for Sweden. It’s historic for our Alliance. It’s historic for the transatlantic relationship. Our NATO Alliance, our defensive alliance, is now stronger and larger than it’s ever been.


But I think if you step back and think of where we were three years ago, none of this was foreordained and in fact, none of this was foreseeable. Sweden had a 200-year-old policy of nonalignment. And before Putin’s re-invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, if you looked at the polling, less than one-third of Swedes supported joining NATO. This was part and parcel of Sweden’s history, and then everything changed. After the invasion, three-quarters of the Swedish people made clear their desire to join. Swedes realized something very profound: that if Putin was willing to try to erase one neighbor from the map, then he might well not stop there.


And if he was allowed to proceed with impunity, not only would his aggression potentially continue, but would-be aggressors everywhere would get the message that it was open season. And so, the Swedish people stood up – stood up not only for their own country, but stood up to the common responsibility that we share to try to make sure that the very foundations of the international system that we all rely on – to have peace, to have security, to have opportunity – when they were challenged, we were there to defend them. Sweden was there to defend them. And I think what this tells us even more profoundly is the reaffirmation of Sweden’s democratic character: change driven by its people, by its citizens.


There’s also no clearer example than today of the strategic debacle that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has become for Russia. We see a Russia that is now weaker militarily, economically, diplomatically. Its standing in Ukraine has changed dramatically, whereas before 2014 – the first invasion – people were open to positive relations with Russia; now, virtually the entire society – and not just today; probably for generations – has turned against Russia because of its aggression. And fundamentally our Alliance is now, as I said, both larger and stronger than it’s ever been. And we see again and again and again that everything Putin sought to prevent, he’s actually precipitated by his actions, by his aggression; and there’s no clearer example of that than Sweden becoming a member of this Alliance.


But even once that decision was made, none of this was easy. None of this was obvious. It’s taken two years – nearly two years – of tireless diplomacy, together with the extraordinary Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg to achieve ratification by every NATO member. And again, the determination of Sweden’s leadership, the extraordinary diplomacy that it’s exerted, making sure that every question was answered, every challenge was met, every obstacle was overcome – that’s what brought us to today.


Now, some doubted that we’d get here. We never did, and we are here.


This, of course, is also built on an extraordinary foundation of partnership between Sweden and NATO that goes back many, many years. Sweden has long been an active partner with NATO Allies – training together, exercising together, working together. And fundamentally, the reason this is such a strong, powerful fit is because Sweden embodies and promotes the core values that are at the heart of NATO: democracy, liberty, the rule of law. And it also brings some unique capabilities to this enterprise – unique capabilities in the Arctic and Baltic Seas. And this year, of course, Sweden will contribute more than 2 percent of its GDP to defense; and continue to show the way for all NATO members.


If you go back to 1949 at the signing of the NATO Treaty, President Truman said this, and I quote: “In taking steps to prevent aggression against our own peoples, we have no purpose of aggression against other peoples. We hope to create a shield against aggression and the fear of aggression, a bulwark which will permit us to get on with the real business of government and society – the business of achieving a fuller and happier life for all of our citizens.”


That is fundamentally what this enterprise is all about, what NATO is all about. It’s making sure that together we are creating an environment in which our people are safe, secure, and can meet their full potential. Today we have fortified this shield – fortified the shield against aggression. We brought more people under its protection so that together we can focus on the real work of delivering for our people.


With that, Mr. Prime Minister, the floor is yours. (Applause.)


PRIME MINISTER KRISTERSSON: Thank you so much Mr. Secretary, Antony. Thank you so much.


Today is a truly historic day. Sweden is now member of NATO. We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan congressional support for Sweden’s accession, and for the strong leadership from the U.S. administration leading the way on ratification and security assurances.


I would personally like to thank both President Biden and you, Secretary Blinken, for your invaluable efforts and personal commitments during the accession process. I would also like to thank all NATO Allies, who have supported our accession and welcome Sweden as the 32nd member of the Alliance.


We are humble, but we are also proud. We will live up to high expectations from all NATO Allies. United we stand. Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding light as a NATO member, where we share burdens, responsibilities, and risks with other Allies.


Today is, as Secretary Blinken said, it’s a victory for freedom today. Sweden has made a free, democratic, sovereign, and united choice to join NATO. There is an overwhelming support in our parliament and among our people. That is a strength, both for Sweden and for the Alliance. And as a strong democracy, Sweden will stand for the values in the Washington Treaty, signed just a few blocks from here 75 years ago: freedom, democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law.


Sweden is, as was mentioned, now leaving 200 years of neutrality and military non-alignment behind. It is a major step – but at the same time, a very natural step. Membership means that we are coming home to the Alliance for peace, and coming home to the Alliance for freedom, to which many democracies already belong – also home to our neighbors’ security cooperation, home to the circle of countries where we, for generations, have belonged. We will defend freedom together with the countries closest to us, both in terms of geography, culture, and values.


The security situation in our region has not been this serious since the Second World War. Russia will stay a serious threat to the Euro-Atlantic security for the foreseeable future. It was in this light that Sweden applied to join the NATO defense alliance – to gain security, but also to provide security. We have unique capabilities to contribute on land, in the air, at sea. Our support to Ukraine is a fundamental part of that. Ukraine is fighting bravely for its freedom, but they are also defending European freedom.


At the same time, we are strengthening our defense and doubling the defense budget right now. From this year onwards, Sweden meets NATO’s standard of 2 percent of GDP to defense spendings. This is important for NATO security, obviously, and to burden sharing. We are increasing the numbers of conscripts, strengthening civil defense, and reintroducing civilian service in Sweden. We have been prepared for this task for quite a while, and I’m very pleased to take this very final step.


Sweden is joining NATO is not the end of something. It’s a beginning of something new. I look forward to making the world safer and freer together with the United States and all other NATO Allies.


And allow me, finally, a very short summary in Swedish. (In Swedish.) Thank you all so much. (Applause.)



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of International Organization Affairs North Atlantic Treaty Organization Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Sweden


Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
03/07/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
03/07/2024 01:54 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
hide

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson


Remarks





March 7, 2024



MODERATOR: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here today. Prime Minister Kristersson, accompanied by Foreign Minister Billström, will now deposit Sweden’s instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty, with Secretary of State Blinken representing the United States of America as the depositary of the treaty.


(The instrument was deposited.)


SECRETARY BLINKEN: Welcome. (Applause.) Well, good things come to those who wait. (Laughter.) No better example. But with receipt of this instrument of accession, let me be the very first to welcome Sweden as a party to the Washington Treaty and the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (Applause.)


Prime Minister, to you, to my friend the foreign minister, a personal note of thanks for your extraordinary leadership, your extraordinary vision, and your resilience. This has been a little bit of a road, but I think we’ve known from day one, that we would be here today, and now we are. This is a historic moment for Sweden. It’s historic for our Alliance. It’s historic for the transatlantic relationship. Our NATO Alliance, our defensive alliance, is now stronger and larger than it’s ever been.


But I think if you step back and think of where we were three years ago, none of this was foreordained and in fact, none of this was foreseeable. Sweden had a 200-year-old policy of nonalignment. And before Putin’s re-invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, if you looked at the polling, less than one-third of Swedes supported joining NATO. This was part and parcel of Sweden’s history, and then everything changed. After the invasion, three-quarters of the Swedish people made clear their desire to join. Swedes realized something very profound: that if Putin was willing to try to erase one neighbor from the map, then he might well not stop there.


And if he was allowed to proceed with impunity, not only would his aggression potentially continue, but would-be aggressors everywhere would get the message that it was open season. And so, the Swedish people stood up – stood up not only for their own country, but stood up to the common responsibility that we share to try to make sure that the very foundations of the international system that we all rely on – to have peace, to have security, to have opportunity – when they were challenged, we were there to defend them. Sweden was there to defend them. And I think what this tells us even more profoundly is the reaffirmation of Sweden’s democratic character: change driven by its people, by its citizens.


There’s also no clearer example than today of the strategic debacle that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has become for Russia. We see a Russia that is now weaker militarily, economically, diplomatically. Its standing in Ukraine has changed dramatically, whereas before 2014 – the first invasion – people were open to positive relations with Russia; now, virtually the entire society – and not just today; probably for generations – has turned against Russia because of its aggression. And fundamentally our Alliance is now, as I said, both larger and stronger than it’s ever been. And we see again and again and again that everything Putin sought to prevent, he’s actually precipitated by his actions, by his aggression; and there’s no clearer example of that than Sweden becoming a member of this Alliance.


But even once that decision was made, none of this was easy. None of this was obvious. It’s taken two years – nearly two years – of tireless diplomacy, together with the extraordinary Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg to achieve ratification by every NATO member. And again, the determination of Sweden’s leadership, the extraordinary diplomacy that it’s exerted, making sure that every question was answered, every challenge was met, every obstacle was overcome – that’s what brought us to today.


Now, some doubted that we’d get here. We never did, and we are here.


This, of course, is also built on an extraordinary foundation of partnership between Sweden and NATO that goes back many, many years. Sweden has long been an active partner with NATO Allies – training together, exercising together, working together. And fundamentally, the reason this is such a strong, powerful fit is because Sweden embodies and promotes the core values that are at the heart of NATO: democracy, liberty, the rule of law. And it also brings some unique capabilities to this enterprise – unique capabilities in the Arctic and Baltic Seas. And this year, of course, Sweden will contribute more than 2 percent of its GDP to defense; and continue to show the way for all NATO members.


If you go back to 1949 at the signing of the NATO Treaty, President Truman said this, and I quote: “In taking steps to prevent aggression against our own peoples, we have no purpose of aggression against other peoples. We hope to create a shield against aggression and the fear of aggression, a bulwark which will permit us to get on with the real business of government and society – the business of achieving a fuller and happier life for all of our citizens.”


That is fundamentally what this enterprise is all about, what NATO is all about. It’s making sure that together we are creating an environment in which our people are safe, secure, and can meet their full potential. Today we have fortified this shield – fortified the shield against aggression. We brought more people under its protection so that together we can focus on the real work of delivering for our people.


With that, Mr. Prime Minister, the floor is yours. (Applause.)


PRIME MINISTER KRISTERSSON: Thank you so much Mr. Secretary, Antony. Thank you so much.


Today is a truly historic day. Sweden is now member of NATO. We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan congressional support for Sweden’s accession, and for the strong leadership from the U.S. administration leading the way on ratification and security assurances.


I would personally like to thank both President Biden and you, Secretary Blinken, for your invaluable efforts and personal commitments during the accession process. I would also like to thank all NATO Allies, who have supported our accession and welcome Sweden as the 32nd member of the Alliance.


We are humble, but we are also proud. We will live up to high expectations from all NATO Allies. United we stand. Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding light as a NATO member, where we share burdens, responsibilities, and risks with other Allies.


Today is, as Secretary Blinken said, it’s a victory for freedom today. Sweden has made a free, democratic, sovereign, and united choice to join NATO. There is an overwhelming support in our parliament and among our people. That is a strength, both for Sweden and for the Alliance. And as a strong democracy, Sweden will stand for the values in the Washington Treaty, signed just a few blocks from here 75 years ago: freedom, democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law.


Sweden is, as was mentioned, now leaving 200 years of neutrality and military non-alignment behind. It is a major step – but at the same time, a very natural step. Membership means that we are coming home to the Alliance for peace, and coming home to the Alliance for freedom, to which many democracies already belong – also home to our neighbors’ security cooperation, home to the circle of countries where we, for generations, have belonged. We will defend freedom together with the countries closest to us, both in terms of geography, culture, and values.


The security situation in our region has not been this serious since the Second World War. Russia will stay a serious threat to the Euro-Atlantic security for the foreseeable future. It was in this light that Sweden applied to join the NATO defense alliance – to gain security, but also to provide security. We have unique capabilities to contribute on land, in the air, at sea. Our support to Ukraine is a fundamental part of that. Ukraine is fighting bravely for its freedom, but they are also defending European freedom.


At the same time, we are strengthening our defense and doubling the defense budget right now. From this year onwards, Sweden meets NATO’s standard of 2 percent of GDP to defense spendings. This is important for NATO security, obviously, and to burden sharing. We are increasing the numbers of conscripts, strengthening civil defense, and reintroducing civilian service in Sweden. We have been prepared for this task for quite a while, and I’m very pleased to take this very final step.


Sweden is joining NATO is not the end of something. It’s a beginning of something new. I look forward to making the world safer and freer together with the United States and all other NATO Allies.


And allow me, finally, a very short summary in Swedish. (In Swedish.) Thank you all so much. (Applause.)



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of International Organization Affairs North Atlantic Treaty Organization Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Sweden


U.S. Department of State and Middleburg Film Festival Announce New Partnership to Elevate International Film, Culminates ‘Road to the Oscars’ Screening Series
03/07/2024

U.S. Department of State and Middleburg Film Festival Announce New Partnership to Elevate International Film, Culminates ‘Road to the Oscars’ Screening Series
03/07/2024 02:02 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…U.S. Department of State and Middleburg Film Festival Announce New Partnership to Elevate International Film, Culminates ‘Road to the Oscars’ Screening Series
hide

U.S. Department of State and Middleburg Film Festival Announce New Partnership to Elevate International Film, Culminates ‘Road to the Oscars’ Screening Series


Media Note





March 7, 2024



With the 96th Academy Awards just days away, the U.S. Department of State announced today a new partnership with Middleburg Film Festival to elevate film as a diplomatic tool to promote peace and democracy worldwide. Focused on sharing critically acclaimed international films with audiences across the United States throughout 2024, this new partnership kicked off in January with the ‘Road to the Oscars’ screening series, thereby highlighting this year’s Oscar nominees for Best International Feature Film, in collaboration with the Motion Picture Association. The ‘Road to the Oscars’ culminated this week at a celebration of international film hosted by Dame Karen Pierce, British Ambassador to the United States.


The ‘Road to the Oscars’ screening series brought together the diplomatic corps, film distributors, and filmmakers, to screen “The Teacher’s Lounge” (Germany), “Io Capitano” (Italy), and “Society of the Snow” (Spain). “The Zone of Interest” (United Kingdom), and “Perfect Days” (Japan) round out this year’s nominees for Best International Feature Film.


The new partnership builds on previously announced collaborations between the State Department and Middleburg Film Festival through the American Film Showcase, the Department’s flagship film diplomacy program that connects foreign filmmakers with the American entertainment industry. Last October, Middleburg Film Festival hosted a delegation of Ukrainian filmmakers and will host international filmmakers again at this year’s festival.


As part of the ‘Road to the Oscars’ screening series, the Department hosted a special screening of “20 Days in Mariupol” (Ukraine), which is nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film, just days after the second-year mark of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine.


Film diplomacy – both American film and international film – is part of the United States’ vast diplomatic efforts to promote peace and democracy worldwide through culture – including film, music, sport, and cultural heritage – in support of broader U.S. foreign policy goals. The United States works with filmmakers from around the world through exchange programs like American Film Showcase and Global Media Makers. Through global storytelling, the Department harnesses the power of film – from production to promotion – to not only promote peace and cross-cultural connections, but also empower emerging voices and expand access to economic opportunity and equity.


For more information on film diplomacy contact eca-press@state.gov.



Tags
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of the Spokesperson


Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
03/07/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
03/07/2024 01:54 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
hide

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson


Remarks





March 7, 2024



MODERATOR: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here today. Prime Minister Kristersson, accompanied by Foreign Minister Billström, will now deposit Sweden’s instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty, with Secretary of State Blinken representing the United States of America as the depositary of the treaty.


(The instrument was deposited.)


SECRETARY BLINKEN: Welcome. (Applause.) Well, good things come to those who wait. (Laughter.) No better example. But with receipt of this instrument of accession, let me be the very first to welcome Sweden as a party to the Washington Treaty and the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (Applause.)


Prime Minister, to you, to my friend the foreign minister, a personal note of thanks for your extraordinary leadership, your extraordinary vision, and your resilience. This has been a little bit of a road, but I think we’ve known from day one, that we would be here today, and now we are. This is a historic moment for Sweden. It’s historic for our Alliance. It’s historic for the transatlantic relationship. Our NATO Alliance, our defensive alliance, is now stronger and larger than it’s ever been.


But I think if you step back and think of where we were three years ago, none of this was foreordained and in fact, none of this was foreseeable. Sweden had a 200-year-old policy of nonalignment. And before Putin’s re-invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, if you looked at the polling, less than one-third of Swedes supported joining NATO. This was part and parcel of Sweden’s history, and then everything changed. After the invasion, three-quarters of the Swedish people made clear their desire to join. Swedes realized something very profound: that if Putin was willing to try to erase one neighbor from the map, then he might well not stop there.


And if he was allowed to proceed with impunity, not only would his aggression potentially continue, but would-be aggressors everywhere would get the message that it was open season. And so, the Swedish people stood up – stood up not only for their own country, but stood up to the common responsibility that we share to try to make sure that the very foundations of the international system that we all rely on – to have peace, to have security, to have opportunity – when they were challenged, we were there to defend them. Sweden was there to defend them. And I think what this tells us even more profoundly is the reaffirmation of Sweden’s democratic character: change driven by its people, by its citizens.


There’s also no clearer example than today of the strategic debacle that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has become for Russia. We see a Russia that is now weaker militarily, economically, diplomatically. Its standing in Ukraine has changed dramatically, whereas before 2014 – the first invasion – people were open to positive relations with Russia; now, virtually the entire society – and not just today; probably for generations – has turned against Russia because of its aggression. And fundamentally our Alliance is now, as I said, both larger and stronger than it’s ever been. And we see again and again and again that everything Putin sought to prevent, he’s actually precipitated by his actions, by his aggression; and there’s no clearer example of that than Sweden becoming a member of this Alliance.


But even once that decision was made, none of this was easy. None of this was obvious. It’s taken two years – nearly two years – of tireless diplomacy, together with the extraordinary Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg to achieve ratification by every NATO member. And again, the determination of Sweden’s leadership, the extraordinary diplomacy that it’s exerted, making sure that every question was answered, every challenge was met, every obstacle was overcome – that’s what brought us to today.


Now, some doubted that we’d get here. We never did, and we are here.


This, of course, is also built on an extraordinary foundation of partnership between Sweden and NATO that goes back many, many years. Sweden has long been an active partner with NATO Allies – training together, exercising together, working together. And fundamentally, the reason this is such a strong, powerful fit is because Sweden embodies and promotes the core values that are at the heart of NATO: democracy, liberty, the rule of law. And it also brings some unique capabilities to this enterprise – unique capabilities in the Arctic and Baltic Seas. And this year, of course, Sweden will contribute more than 2 percent of its GDP to defense; and continue to show the way for all NATO members.


If you go back to 1949 at the signing of the NATO Treaty, President Truman said this, and I quote: “In taking steps to prevent aggression against our own peoples, we have no purpose of aggression against other peoples. We hope to create a shield against aggression and the fear of aggression, a bulwark which will permit us to get on with the real business of government and society – the business of achieving a fuller and happier life for all of our citizens.”


That is fundamentally what this enterprise is all about, what NATO is all about. It’s making sure that together we are creating an environment in which our people are safe, secure, and can meet their full potential. Today we have fortified this shield – fortified the shield against aggression. We brought more people under its protection so that together we can focus on the real work of delivering for our people.


With that, Mr. Prime Minister, the floor is yours. (Applause.)


PRIME MINISTER KRISTERSSON: Thank you so much Mr. Secretary, Antony. Thank you so much.


Today is a truly historic day. Sweden is now member of NATO. We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan congressional support for Sweden’s accession, and for the strong leadership from the U.S. administration leading the way on ratification and security assurances.


I would personally like to thank both President Biden and you, Secretary Blinken, for your invaluable efforts and personal commitments during the accession process. I would also like to thank all NATO Allies, who have supported our accession and welcome Sweden as the 32nd member of the Alliance.


We are humble, but we are also proud. We will live up to high expectations from all NATO Allies. United we stand. Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding light as a NATO member, where we share burdens, responsibilities, and risks with other Allies.


Today is, as Secretary Blinken said, it’s a victory for freedom today. Sweden has made a free, democratic, sovereign, and united choice to join NATO. There is an overwhelming support in our parliament and among our people. That is a strength, both for Sweden and for the Alliance. And as a strong democracy, Sweden will stand for the values in the Washington Treaty, signed just a few blocks from here 75 years ago: freedom, democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law.


Sweden is, as was mentioned, now leaving 200 years of neutrality and military non-alignment behind. It is a major step – but at the same time, a very natural step. Membership means that we are coming home to the Alliance for peace, and coming home to the Alliance for freedom, to which many democracies already belong – also home to our neighbors’ security cooperation, home to the circle of countries where we, for generations, have belonged. We will defend freedom together with the countries closest to us, both in terms of geography, culture, and values.


The security situation in our region has not been this serious since the Second World War. Russia will stay a serious threat to the Euro-Atlantic security for the foreseeable future. It was in this light that Sweden applied to join the NATO defense alliance – to gain security, but also to provide security. We have unique capabilities to contribute on land, in the air, at sea. Our support to Ukraine is a fundamental part of that. Ukraine is fighting bravely for its freedom, but they are also defending European freedom.


At the same time, we are strengthening our defense and doubling the defense budget right now. From this year onwards, Sweden meets NATO’s standard of 2 percent of GDP to defense spendings. This is important for NATO security, obviously, and to burden sharing. We are increasing the numbers of conscripts, strengthening civil defense, and reintroducing civilian service in Sweden. We have been prepared for this task for quite a while, and I’m very pleased to take this very final step.


Sweden is joining NATO is not the end of something. It’s a beginning of something new. I look forward to making the world safer and freer together with the United States and all other NATO Allies.


And allow me, finally, a very short summary in Swedish. (In Swedish.) Thank you all so much. (Applause.)



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of International Organization Affairs North Atlantic Treaty Organization Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Sweden


Under Secretary Allen Travels to Austin for SXSW
03/07/2024

Under Secretary Allen Travels to Austin for SXSW
03/07/2024 01:42 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Under Secretary Allen Travels to Austin for SXSW
hide

Under Secretary Allen Travels to Austin for SXSW


Media Note





March 7, 2024



Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Liz Allen will travel to Austin, Texas, for SXSW from March 10-12 to advance the Department’s public diplomacy priorities including securing a healthy and resilient global information space, and promoting American culture and music as one of the United States’ best exports to build relationships around the world.


Under Secretary Allen will be featured on a SXSW panel dedicated to music diplomacy, exploring music’s integral contribution to U.S. foreign policy and cultural advocacy. Moderated by the Recording Academy’s Chief Awards & Industry Officer, Ruby Marchand, Under Secretary Allen will be joined by singer-songwriter and American Music Abroad & Arts Envoy alum Gina Chavez, to celebrate American music’s global resonance as a cornerstone of cultural diplomacy. In her visit, Under Secretary Allen will also shed light on the transformative influence of music in promoting peace, democracy, and economic prosperity. The Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, launched by Secretary Blinken in 2023, serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to amplify the reach of U.S. cultural diplomacy through music.


Under Secretary Allen will also participate in a panel hosted by the University of Texas (UT) Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs on building a healthy and resilient information space. The panel will explore collaborative and inclusive strategies across governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and individuals and will underscore the Administration’s prioritization of transparent and reliable information exchange. Following the panel, Under Secretary Allen will host foreign delegations attending SXSW, members of the media, and civil society leaders and partners for a music showcase at a local Austin venue to highlight the diversity and global impact of American music.


Under Secretary Allen will highlight the Administration’s focus on emerging technologies by touring the Capital Factory, a Texas-based venture capital firm, to spotlight the U.S. commitment to innovation and public-private partnerships in technology. In addition, the Under Secretary will meet with University of Texas System leadership to underscore the strides in tech leadership and international collaboration by U.S. institutions. The recent partnership between the UT System and the University Academic Alliance in Taiwan, facilitated by the CHIPS Act, advances semiconductor research and development—a cornerstone for global technological advancement and economic security.


For further details on Under Secretary Allen’s trip, please contact RMSGS@state.gov.



Tags
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Music Diplomacy Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Official Domestic Travel Texas


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson
03/07/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson
03/07/2024 04:24 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson
hide

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson


Readout





March 7, 2024



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Foreign Minister Tobias Billström on the historic occasion of the deposit of Sweden’s NATO instrument of accession in Washington. Secretary Blinken offered warmest congratulations on Sweden’s completion of its final step to becoming the 32nd NATO Ally. The Secretary and Prime Minister Kristersson discussed how Sweden can immediately contribute to Alliance priorities and preparations for the NATO summit in Washington in July. They also discussed support for Ukraine and deepening defense and economic cooperation between the United States and Sweden.



Tags
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Office of the Spokesperson Sweden


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson
03/07/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson
03/07/2024 04:24 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson
hide

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson


Readout





March 7, 2024



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Foreign Minister Tobias Billström on the historic occasion of the deposit of Sweden’s NATO instrument of accession in Washington. Secretary Blinken offered warmest congratulations on Sweden’s completion of its final step to becoming the 32nd NATO Ally. The Secretary and Prime Minister Kristersson discussed how Sweden can immediately contribute to Alliance priorities and preparations for the NATO summit in Washington in July. They also discussed support for Ukraine and deepening defense and economic cooperation between the United States and Sweden.



Tags
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Office of the Spokesperson Sweden


The United States Joins the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children
03/07/2024


The United States Joins the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children
03/07/2024 06:01 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

The United States announces it has joined the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children as a member state to support the safe return of all Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred by Russia, and to ensure those responsible face consequences. The United States also affirms its support of the following text of the “Joint Declaration on the Creation of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children” previously issued by Canada and Ukraine.

Begin text:

We, the representatives of states and international organizations, including those who gathered in Kyiv on December 8, 2023, express deep concern over the fate of children who have been illegally deported by the Russian Federation from Ukraine or forcibly transferred within the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation.

We note the report of the UN Secretary-General “Children and Armed Conflict” A/77/895–S/2023/363, in which Russia’s armed forces and affiliated armed groups are included in the list of parties committing grave violations against children in armed conflict. We also note that the immediate release and return of all unlawfully detained, forcibly transferred and illegally deported civilians, including children, have been repeatedly emphasized in the documents of the United Nations, particularly in the UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/ES-11/6 “Principles of the Charter of the United Nations underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”.

Therefore, we state our common adherence to the following principles:The high importance and priority of ensuring the best interests of the child, and the protection of children’s rights and freedoms, consistent with international law as applicable, in the context of the Russian Federation’s armed aggression;International humanitarian law and human rights law must be respected in the context of the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including by addressing the illegal deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation;The importance of adherence to international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols thereto, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Optional Protocols, among others, as applicable.

Existing members of the International Coalition are engaged in supporting a just outcome of the situation of illegally deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children, including in the following ways:Expressing support for the principles of point 4 of the Peace Formula of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Action Plan “Bring Kids Back UA”, as well as the continuation of the fruitful consultations of national security and foreign policy advisors that took place in Copenhagen, Jeddah, and Malta in the year 2023 and in Davos in January of 2024;Exerting all possible efforts to return Ukrainian children, in accordance with international best practices, who have been illegally deported or forcibly transferred by the Russian Federation and supporting the process of their reintegration and reunification with families or placement in family-based care settings, consistent with the best interests of the child;Facilitating the delivery of all necessary humanitarian, medical, and psychological assistance to children and their families affected by the illegal deportation and forced transfer by the Russian Federation, with the aim of their reintegration, and the restoration of their well-being, health, and welfare;Supporting efforts to bring those responsible for organizing the illegal deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to justice consistent with international law.

We invite other states and international organizations to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and support its efforts.

End text.


The United States Joins the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children
03/07/2024


The United States Joins the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children
03/07/2024 06:01 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

The United States announces it has joined the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children as a member state to support the safe return of all Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred by Russia, and to ensure those responsible face consequences. The United States also affirms its support of the following text of the “Joint Declaration on the Creation of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children” previously issued by Canada and Ukraine.

Begin text:

We, the representatives of states and international organizations, including those who gathered in Kyiv on December 8, 2023, express deep concern over the fate of children who have been illegally deported by the Russian Federation from Ukraine or forcibly transferred within the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation.

We note the report of the UN Secretary-General “Children and Armed Conflict” A/77/895–S/2023/363, in which Russia’s armed forces and affiliated armed groups are included in the list of parties committing grave violations against children in armed conflict. We also note that the immediate release and return of all unlawfully detained, forcibly transferred and illegally deported civilians, including children, have been repeatedly emphasized in the documents of the United Nations, particularly in the UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/ES-11/6 “Principles of the Charter of the United Nations underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”.

Therefore, we state our common adherence to the following principles:The high importance and priority of ensuring the best interests of the child, and the protection of children’s rights and freedoms, consistent with international law as applicable, in the context of the Russian Federation’s armed aggression;International humanitarian law and human rights law must be respected in the context of the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including by addressing the illegal deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation;The importance of adherence to international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols thereto, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Optional Protocols, among others, as applicable.

Existing members of the International Coalition are engaged in supporting a just outcome of the situation of illegally deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children, including in the following ways:Expressing support for the principles of point 4 of the Peace Formula of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Action Plan “Bring Kids Back UA”, as well as the continuation of the fruitful consultations of national security and foreign policy advisors that took place in Copenhagen, Jeddah, and Malta in the year 2023 and in Davos in January of 2024;Exerting all possible efforts to return Ukrainian children, in accordance with international best practices, who have been illegally deported or forcibly transferred by the Russian Federation and supporting the process of their reintegration and reunification with families or placement in family-based care settings, consistent with the best interests of the child;Facilitating the delivery of all necessary humanitarian, medical, and psychological assistance to children and their families affected by the illegal deportation and forced transfer by the Russian Federation, with the aim of their reintegration, and the restoration of their well-being, health, and welfare;Supporting efforts to bring those responsible for organizing the illegal deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to justice consistent with international law.

We invite other states and international organizations to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and support its efforts.

End text.


Government of Zimbabwe Forcibly Removed USAID Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Assessment Team
03/08/2024

Government of Zimbabwe Forcibly Removed USAID Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Assessment Team
03/08/2024 11:51 AM EST



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Government of Zimbabwe Forcibly Removed USAID Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Assessment Team
hide

Government of Zimbabwe Forcibly Removed USAID Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Assessment Team


Press Statement





March 8, 2024



Last month, Zimbabwean officials abruptly detained and deported USAID officials and contractors, who were conducting an assessment of the development and governance context in Zimbabwe. Members of the assessment team were subject to aggressive handling, prolonged interrogation and intimidation, unsafe and forced nighttime transportation, overnight detention and confinement, and forced removal from the country. As we have made clear in the strongest possible terms to the Government of Zimbabwe, these actions against a team of development professionals legally admitted to Zimbabwe to support the Government of Zimbabwe’s expressed commitment to democratic reform are egregious, unjustified and unacceptable.


The Government of Zimbabwe has said it wants to pursue international reengagement and democratic reforms. Its actions undermine those claims. We take the safety and security of U.S. citizens seriously and demand accountability from the Government of Zimbabwe. The people of Zimbabwe deserve better and we will continue to support them as we work to build a more inclusive, democratic society with accountable political leaders and government institutions.



Tags
Bureau of African Affairs Human Rights and Democracy Office of the Spokesperson U.S. Agency for International Development Zimbabwe


Secretary Blinken’s Call with Haitian Prime Minister Henry
03/08/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Haitian Prime Minister Henry
03/08/2024 12:11 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Call with Haitian Prime Minister Henry
hide

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Haitian Prime Minister Henry


Readout





March 8, 2024



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Haitian Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry on March 7 to discuss the ongoing political, security, and humanitarian crisis in Haiti. For more than a year, the United States has encouraged Prime Minister Henry and other key stakeholders in Haiti to reach a compromise that will end the ongoing political stalemate. In the past week, the political crisis in Haiti, combined with escalating violence and civil unrest, has created an untenable situation which threatens the country’s citizens and security.


In his conversation with Prime Minister Henry, Secretary Blinken expressed support for a proposal developed in partnership with CARICOM and Haitian stakeholders to expedite a political transition through the creation of a broad-based, independent presidential college to steer the country toward the deployment of a Multinational Security Support mission and free and fair elections. The Secretary urged Henry to support this proposal in the interest of restoring peace and stability to Haiti so the Haitian people can resume their daily lives free from violence and despair.



Tags
Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Haiti Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State


Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
03/08/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
03/08/2024 01:24 PM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
hide

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson


Remarks





March 7, 2024




MODERATOR: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here today. Prime Minister Kristersson, accompanied by Foreign Minister Billström, will now deposit Sweden’s instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty, with Secretary of State Blinken representing the United States of America as the depositary of the treaty.


(The instrument was deposited.)


SECRETARY BLINKEN: Welcome. (Applause.) Well, good things come to those who wait. (Laughter.) No better example. But with receipt of this instrument of accession, let me be the very first to welcome Sweden as a party to the Washington Treaty and the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (Applause.)


Prime Minister, to you, to my friend the foreign minister, a personal note of thanks for your extraordinary leadership, your extraordinary vision, and your resilience. This has been a little bit of a road, but I think we’ve known from day one, that we would be here today, and now we are. This is a historic moment for Sweden. It’s historic for our Alliance. It’s historic for the transatlantic relationship. Our NATO Alliance, our defensive alliance, is now stronger and larger than it’s ever been.


But I think if you step back and think of where we were three years ago, none of this was foreordained and in fact, none of this was foreseeable. Sweden had a 200-year-old policy of nonalignment. And before Putin’s re-invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, if you looked at the polling, less than one-third of Swedes supported joining NATO. This was part and parcel of Sweden’s history, and then everything changed. After the invasion, three-quarters of the Swedish people made clear their desire to join. Swedes realized something very profound: that if Putin was willing to try to erase one neighbor from the map, then he might well not stop there.


And if he was allowed to proceed with impunity, not only would his aggression potentially continue, but would-be aggressors everywhere would get the message that it was open season. And so, the Swedish people stood up – stood up not only for their own country, but stood up to the common responsibility that we share to try to make sure that the very foundations of the international system that we all rely on – to have peace, to have security, to have opportunity – when they were challenged, we were there to defend them. Sweden was there to defend them. And I think what this tells us even more profoundly is the reaffirmation of Sweden’s democratic character: change driven by its people, by its citizens.


There’s also no clearer example than today of the strategic debacle that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has become for Russia. We see a Russia that is now weaker militarily, economically, diplomatically. Its standing in Ukraine has changed dramatically, whereas before 2014 – the first invasion – people were open to positive relations with Russia; now, virtually the entire society – and not just today; probably for generations – has turned against Russia because of its aggression. And fundamentally our Alliance is now, as I said, both larger and stronger than it’s ever been. And we see again and again and again that everything Putin sought to prevent, he’s actually precipitated by his actions, by his aggression; and there’s no clearer example of that than Sweden becoming a member of this Alliance.


But even once that decision was made, none of this was easy. None of this was obvious. It’s taken two years – nearly two years – of tireless diplomacy, together with the extraordinary Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg to achieve ratification by every NATO member. And again, the determination of Sweden’s leadership, the extraordinary diplomacy that it’s exerted, making sure that every question was answered, every challenge was met, every obstacle was overcome – that’s what brought us to today.


Now, some doubted that we’d get here. We never did, and we are here.


This, of course, is also built on an extraordinary foundation of partnership between Sweden and NATO that goes back many, many years. Sweden has long been an active partner with NATO Allies – training together, exercising together, working together. And fundamentally, the reason this is such a strong, powerful fit is because Sweden embodies and promotes the core values that are at the heart of NATO: democracy, liberty, the rule of law. And it also brings some unique capabilities to this enterprise – unique capabilities in the Arctic and Baltic Seas. And this year, of course, Sweden will contribute more than 2 percent of its GDP to defense; and continue to show the way for all NATO members.


If you go back to 1949 at the signing of the NATO Treaty, President Truman said this, and I quote: “In taking steps to prevent aggression against our own peoples, we have no purpose of aggression against other peoples. We hope to create a shield against aggression and the fear of aggression, a bulwark which will permit us to get on with the real business of government and society – the business of achieving a fuller and happier life for all of our citizens.”


That is fundamentally what this enterprise is all about, what NATO is all about. It’s making sure that together we are creating an environment in which our people are safe, secure, and can meet their full potential. Today we have fortified this shield – fortified the shield against aggression. We brought more people under its protection so that together we can focus on the real work of delivering for our people.


With that, Mr. Prime Minister, the floor is yours. (Applause.)


PRIME MINISTER KRISTERSSON: Thank you so much Mr. Secretary, Antony. Thank you so much.


Today is a truly historic day. Sweden is now member of NATO. We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan congressional support for Sweden’s accession, and for the strong leadership from the U.S. administration leading the way on ratification and security assurances.


I would personally like to thank both President Biden and you, Secretary Blinken, for your invaluable efforts and personal commitments during the accession process. I would also like to thank all NATO Allies, who have supported our accession and welcome Sweden as the 32nd member of the Alliance.


We are humble, but we are also proud. We will live up to high expectations from all NATO Allies. United we stand. Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding light as a NATO member, where we share burdens, responsibilities, and risks with other Allies.


Today is, as Secretary Blinken said, it’s a victory for freedom today. Sweden has made a free, democratic, sovereign, and united choice to join NATO. There is an overwhelming support in our parliament and among our people. That is a strength, both for Sweden and for the Alliance. And as a strong democracy, Sweden will stand for the values in the Washington Treaty, signed just a few blocks from here 75 years ago: freedom, democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law.


Sweden is, as was mentioned, now leaving 200 years of neutrality and military non-alignment behind. It is a major step – but at the same time, a very natural step. Membership means that we are coming home to the Alliance for peace, and coming home to the Alliance for freedom, to which many democracies already belong – also home to our neighbors’ security cooperation, home to the circle of countries where we, for generations, have belonged. We will defend freedom together with the countries closest to us, both in terms of geography, culture, and values.


The security situation in our region has not been this serious since the Second World War. Russia will stay a serious threat to the Euro-Atlantic security for the foreseeable future. It was in this light that Sweden applied to join the NATO defense alliance – to gain security, but also to provide security. We have unique capabilities to contribute on land, in the air, at sea. Our support to Ukraine is a fundamental part of that. Ukraine is fighting bravely for its freedom, but they are also defending European freedom.


At the same time, we are strengthening our defense and doubling the defense budget right now. From this year onwards, Sweden meets NATO’s standard of 2 percent of GDP to defense spendings. This is important for NATO security, obviously, and to burden sharing. We are increasing the numbers of conscripts, strengthening civil defense, and reintroducing civilian service in Sweden. We have been prepared for this task for quite a while, and I’m very pleased to take this very final step.


Sweden is joining NATO is not the end of something. It’s a beginning of something new. I look forward to making the world safer and freer together with the United States and all other NATO Allies.


And allow me, finally, a very short summary in Swedish. (In Swedish.) Thank you all so much. (Applause.)



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of International Organization Affairs North Atlantic Treaty Organization Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Sweden


Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
03/08/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
03/08/2024 01:24 PM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
hide

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson


Remarks





March 7, 2024




MODERATOR: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here today. Prime Minister Kristersson, accompanied by Foreign Minister Billström, will now deposit Sweden’s instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty, with Secretary of State Blinken representing the United States of America as the depositary of the treaty.


(The instrument was deposited.)


SECRETARY BLINKEN: Welcome. (Applause.) Well, good things come to those who wait. (Laughter.) No better example. But with receipt of this instrument of accession, let me be the very first to welcome Sweden as a party to the Washington Treaty and the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (Applause.)


Prime Minister, to you, to my friend the foreign minister, a personal note of thanks for your extraordinary leadership, your extraordinary vision, and your resilience. This has been a little bit of a road, but I think we’ve known from day one, that we would be here today, and now we are. This is a historic moment for Sweden. It’s historic for our Alliance. It’s historic for the transatlantic relationship. Our NATO Alliance, our defensive alliance, is now stronger and larger than it’s ever been.


But I think if you step back and think of where we were three years ago, none of this was foreordained and in fact, none of this was foreseeable. Sweden had a 200-year-old policy of nonalignment. And before Putin’s re-invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, if you looked at the polling, less than one-third of Swedes supported joining NATO. This was part and parcel of Sweden’s history, and then everything changed. After the invasion, three-quarters of the Swedish people made clear their desire to join. Swedes realized something very profound: that if Putin was willing to try to erase one neighbor from the map, then he might well not stop there.


And if he was allowed to proceed with impunity, not only would his aggression potentially continue, but would-be aggressors everywhere would get the message that it was open season. And so, the Swedish people stood up – stood up not only for their own country, but stood up to the common responsibility that we share to try to make sure that the very foundations of the international system that we all rely on – to have peace, to have security, to have opportunity – when they were challenged, we were there to defend them. Sweden was there to defend them. And I think what this tells us even more profoundly is the reaffirmation of Sweden’s democratic character: change driven by its people, by its citizens.


There’s also no clearer example than today of the strategic debacle that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has become for Russia. We see a Russia that is now weaker militarily, economically, diplomatically. Its standing in Ukraine has changed dramatically, whereas before 2014 – the first invasion – people were open to positive relations with Russia; now, virtually the entire society – and not just today; probably for generations – has turned against Russia because of its aggression. And fundamentally our Alliance is now, as I said, both larger and stronger than it’s ever been. And we see again and again and again that everything Putin sought to prevent, he’s actually precipitated by his actions, by his aggression; and there’s no clearer example of that than Sweden becoming a member of this Alliance.


But even once that decision was made, none of this was easy. None of this was obvious. It’s taken two years – nearly two years – of tireless diplomacy, together with the extraordinary Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg to achieve ratification by every NATO member. And again, the determination of Sweden’s leadership, the extraordinary diplomacy that it’s exerted, making sure that every question was answered, every challenge was met, every obstacle was overcome – that’s what brought us to today.


Now, some doubted that we’d get here. We never did, and we are here.


This, of course, is also built on an extraordinary foundation of partnership between Sweden and NATO that goes back many, many years. Sweden has long been an active partner with NATO Allies – training together, exercising together, working together. And fundamentally, the reason this is such a strong, powerful fit is because Sweden embodies and promotes the core values that are at the heart of NATO: democracy, liberty, the rule of law. And it also brings some unique capabilities to this enterprise – unique capabilities in the Arctic and Baltic Seas. And this year, of course, Sweden will contribute more than 2 percent of its GDP to defense; and continue to show the way for all NATO members.


If you go back to 1949 at the signing of the NATO Treaty, President Truman said this, and I quote: “In taking steps to prevent aggression against our own peoples, we have no purpose of aggression against other peoples. We hope to create a shield against aggression and the fear of aggression, a bulwark which will permit us to get on with the real business of government and society – the business of achieving a fuller and happier life for all of our citizens.”


That is fundamentally what this enterprise is all about, what NATO is all about. It’s making sure that together we are creating an environment in which our people are safe, secure, and can meet their full potential. Today we have fortified this shield – fortified the shield against aggression. We brought more people under its protection so that together we can focus on the real work of delivering for our people.


With that, Mr. Prime Minister, the floor is yours. (Applause.)


PRIME MINISTER KRISTERSSON: Thank you so much Mr. Secretary, Antony. Thank you so much.


Today is a truly historic day. Sweden is now member of NATO. We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan congressional support for Sweden’s accession, and for the strong leadership from the U.S. administration leading the way on ratification and security assurances.


I would personally like to thank both President Biden and you, Secretary Blinken, for your invaluable efforts and personal commitments during the accession process. I would also like to thank all NATO Allies, who have supported our accession and welcome Sweden as the 32nd member of the Alliance.


We are humble, but we are also proud. We will live up to high expectations from all NATO Allies. United we stand. Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding light as a NATO member, where we share burdens, responsibilities, and risks with other Allies.


Today is, as Secretary Blinken said, it’s a victory for freedom today. Sweden has made a free, democratic, sovereign, and united choice to join NATO. There is an overwhelming support in our parliament and among our people. That is a strength, both for Sweden and for the Alliance. And as a strong democracy, Sweden will stand for the values in the Washington Treaty, signed just a few blocks from here 75 years ago: freedom, democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law.


Sweden is, as was mentioned, now leaving 200 years of neutrality and military non-alignment behind. It is a major step – but at the same time, a very natural step. Membership means that we are coming home to the Alliance for peace, and coming home to the Alliance for freedom, to which many democracies already belong – also home to our neighbors’ security cooperation, home to the circle of countries where we, for generations, have belonged. We will defend freedom together with the countries closest to us, both in terms of geography, culture, and values.


The security situation in our region has not been this serious since the Second World War. Russia will stay a serious threat to the Euro-Atlantic security for the foreseeable future. It was in this light that Sweden applied to join the NATO defense alliance – to gain security, but also to provide security. We have unique capabilities to contribute on land, in the air, at sea. Our support to Ukraine is a fundamental part of that. Ukraine is fighting bravely for its freedom, but they are also defending European freedom.


At the same time, we are strengthening our defense and doubling the defense budget right now. From this year onwards, Sweden meets NATO’s standard of 2 percent of GDP to defense spendings. This is important for NATO security, obviously, and to burden sharing. We are increasing the numbers of conscripts, strengthening civil defense, and reintroducing civilian service in Sweden. We have been prepared for this task for quite a while, and I’m very pleased to take this very final step.


Sweden is joining NATO is not the end of something. It’s a beginning of something new. I look forward to making the world safer and freer together with the United States and all other NATO Allies.


And allow me, finally, a very short summary in Swedish. (In Swedish.) Thank you all so much. (Applause.)



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of International Organization Affairs North Atlantic Treaty Organization Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Sweden


Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
03/08/2024


Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
03/08/2024 01:24 PM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
hide

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson


Remarks





March 7, 2024




MODERATOR: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here today. Prime Minister Kristersson, accompanied by Foreign Minister Billström, will now deposit Sweden’s instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty, with Secretary of State Blinken representing the United States of America as the depositary of the treaty.


(The instrument was deposited.)


SECRETARY BLINKEN: Welcome. (Applause.) Well, good things come to those who wait. (Laughter.) No better example. But with receipt of this instrument of accession, let me be the very first to welcome Sweden as a party to the Washington Treaty and the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (Applause.)


Prime Minister, to you, to my friend the foreign minister, a personal note of thanks for your extraordinary leadership, your extraordinary vision, and your resilience. This has been a little bit of a road, but I think we’ve known from day one, that we would be here today, and now we are. This is a historic moment for Sweden. It’s historic for our Alliance. It’s historic for the transatlantic relationship. Our NATO Alliance, our defensive alliance, is now stronger and larger than it’s ever been.


But I think if you step back and think of where we were three years ago, none of this was foreordained and in fact, none of this was foreseeable. Sweden had a 200-year-old policy of nonalignment. And before Putin’s re-invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, if you looked at the polling, less than one-third of Swedes supported joining NATO. This was part and parcel of Sweden’s history, and then everything changed. After the invasion, three-quarters of the Swedish people made clear their desire to join. Swedes realized something very profound: that if Putin was willing to try to erase one neighbor from the map, then he might well not stop there.


And if he was allowed to proceed with impunity, not only would his aggression potentially continue, but would-be aggressors everywhere would get the message that it was open season. And so, the Swedish people stood up – stood up not only for their own country, but stood up to the common responsibility that we share to try to make sure that the very foundations of the international system that we all rely on – to have peace, to have security, to have opportunity – when they were challenged, we were there to defend them. Sweden was there to defend them. And I think what this tells us even more profoundly is the reaffirmation of Sweden’s democratic character: change driven by its people, by its citizens.


There’s also no clearer example than today of the strategic debacle that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has become for Russia. We see a Russia that is now weaker militarily, economically, diplomatically. Its standing in Ukraine has changed dramatically, whereas before 2014 – the first invasion – people were open to positive relations with Russia; now, virtually the entire society – and not just today; probably for generations – has turned against Russia because of its aggression. And fundamentally our Alliance is now, as I said, both larger and stronger than it’s ever been. And we see again and again and again that everything Putin sought to prevent, he’s actually precipitated by his actions, by his aggression; and there’s no clearer example of that than Sweden becoming a member of this Alliance.


But even once that decision was made, none of this was easy. None of this was obvious. It’s taken two years – nearly two years – of tireless diplomacy, together with the extraordinary Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg to achieve ratification by every NATO member. And again, the determination of Sweden’s leadership, the extraordinary diplomacy that it’s exerted, making sure that every question was answered, every challenge was met, every obstacle was overcome – that’s what brought us to today.


Now, some doubted that we’d get here. We never did, and we are here.


This, of course, is also built on an extraordinary foundation of partnership between Sweden and NATO that goes back many, many years. Sweden has long been an active partner with NATO Allies – training together, exercising together, working together. And fundamentally, the reason this is such a strong, powerful fit is because Sweden embodies and promotes the core values that are at the heart of NATO: democracy, liberty, the rule of law. And it also brings some unique capabilities to this enterprise – unique capabilities in the Arctic and Baltic Seas. And this year, of course, Sweden will contribute more than 2 percent of its GDP to defense; and continue to show the way for all NATO members.


If you go back to 1949 at the signing of the NATO Treaty, President Truman said this, and I quote: “In taking steps to prevent aggression against our own peoples, we have no purpose of aggression against other peoples. We hope to create a shield against aggression and the fear of aggression, a bulwark which will permit us to get on with the real business of government and society – the business of achieving a fuller and happier life for all of our citizens.”


That is fundamentally what this enterprise is all about, what NATO is all about. It’s making sure that together we are creating an environment in which our people are safe, secure, and can meet their full potential. Today we have fortified this shield – fortified the shield against aggression. We brought more people under its protection so that together we can focus on the real work of delivering for our people.


With that, Mr. Prime Minister, the floor is yours. (Applause.)


PRIME MINISTER KRISTERSSON: Thank you so much Mr. Secretary, Antony. Thank you so much.


Today is a truly historic day. Sweden is now member of NATO. We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan congressional support for Sweden’s accession, and for the strong leadership from the U.S. administration leading the way on ratification and security assurances.


I would personally like to thank both President Biden and you, Secretary Blinken, for your invaluable efforts and personal commitments during the accession process. I would also like to thank all NATO Allies, who have supported our accession and welcome Sweden as the 32nd member of the Alliance.


We are humble, but we are also proud. We will live up to high expectations from all NATO Allies. United we stand. Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding light as a NATO member, where we share burdens, responsibilities, and risks with other Allies.


Today is, as Secretary Blinken said, it’s a victory for freedom today. Sweden has made a free, democratic, sovereign, and united choice to join NATO. There is an overwhelming support in our parliament and among our people. That is a strength, both for Sweden and for the Alliance. And as a strong democracy, Sweden will stand for the values in the Washington Treaty, signed just a few blocks from here 75 years ago: freedom, democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law.


Sweden is, as was mentioned, now leaving 200 years of neutrality and military non-alignment behind. It is a major step – but at the same time, a very natural step. Membership means that we are coming home to the Alliance for peace, and coming home to the Alliance for freedom, to which many democracies already belong – also home to our neighbors’ security cooperation, home to the circle of countries where we, for generations, have belonged. We will defend freedom together with the countries closest to us, both in terms of geography, culture, and values.


The security situation in our region has not been this serious since the Second World War. Russia will stay a serious threat to the Euro-Atlantic security for the foreseeable future. It was in this light that Sweden applied to join the NATO defense alliance – to gain security, but also to provide security. We have unique capabilities to contribute on land, in the air, at sea. Our support to Ukraine is a fundamental part of that. Ukraine is fighting bravely for its freedom, but they are also defending European freedom.


At the same time, we are strengthening our defense and doubling the defense budget right now. From this year onwards, Sweden meets NATO’s standard of 2 percent of GDP to defense spendings. This is important for NATO security, obviously, and to burden sharing. We are increasing the numbers of conscripts, strengthening civil defense, and reintroducing civilian service in Sweden. We have been prepared for this task for quite a while, and I’m very pleased to take this very final step.


Sweden is joining NATO is not the end of something. It’s a beginning of something new. I look forward to making the world safer and freer together with the United States and all other NATO Allies.


And allow me, finally, a very short summary in Swedish. (In Swedish.) Thank you all so much. (Applause.)



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of International Organization Affairs North Atlantic Treaty Organization Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Sweden


Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Before Their Meeting
03/08/2024


Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Before Their Meeting
03/08/2024 01:42 PM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Thomas Jefferson Room

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone. It’s a pleasure to welcome Foreign Minister Fidan, my friend Hakan, here to the State Department, to Washington, and all of our colleagues. The United States and Türkiye are very close and critical allies at a time when we have many challenges on our plate together. But we are facing them together, and that makes all the difference.

Yesterday I had the honor of welcoming – formally welcoming Sweden into our Alliance, our shared Alliance – the 32nd NATO Ally. And I again want to thank the foreign minister, thank President Erdogan, thank Türkiye for the very good and important work that was done to bring us to the point of welcoming Sweden into the Alliance.

We’re very focused together on Alliance issues – of course, on the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, where Türkiye has been playing a critical role in supporting Ukraine in a whole variety of ways that we’ll talk about today. And of course, we’re intensely focused on the Middle East and the conflict in Gaza, the strong, shared desire to minimize and end the suffering of innocent women, children, and men who are caught in the crossfire.

With the greater provision humanitarian assistance we – the President announced last night, a maritime initiative, which will be critical – but we know as well that it is absolutely essentially not only to maintain but to expand the land crossings into Gaza. That’s the primary vehicle through which we will get assistance to those who need it, as well as air drops and other methods that we’re using. But also once within Gaza, the assistance has to be distributed more effectively to people who need it.

And in this moment, in this hour, we’re also intensely focused on seeing if we can get a ceasefire with the release of hostages, the expansion of humanitarian assistance, and an environment for working on an enduring resolution. And there, the issue is Hamas. The issue is whether Hamas will decide or not to have a ceasefire that would benefit everyone. The ball is in their court, we’re working intensely on it, and we’ll see what – we’ll see what they do. But there’s no doubt in my mind that getting to this ceasefire with the release of hostages would be a profound benefit to everyone involved.

With that, Hakan, welcome. The floor is yours.

FOREIGN MINISTER FIDAN: Well, thank you, Tony. I’d like to start by thanking to Secretary Blinken and his team for the very warm hospitality that they extended to myself and to my delegation.

And we are here today to hold our seventh Strategic Mechanism meeting, which was established by President Biden and President Erdogan back in 2021. And our teams yesterday had an extensive discussions on a wide range of topics, ranging from security, regional cooperation, regional issues, trade, energy, and other issues.

For the last couple months – this is my third meeting that I am meeting with Tony, because the developments, Euro-political developments and regional developments, dictate our close cooperation and work – especially, as he stated in his opening remarks, the dire situation in Gaza requires our urgent attention as international community to stop the suffering of the innocent people. And they need immediate humanitarian assistance. So that’s why, I mean, we need to work hard together to make sure that the – we have a ceasefire and we have unhindered humanitarian assistance inside Gaza.

And there are other – a number of regional issues as well: Ukraine; the Black Sea security, one of the key issues that we discussed. And we’ve been also discussing about some key NATO issues, primarily the membership of new states that we have successfully managed to finalize the process. Again, we have a lot of important issues on our table to discuss today, and I am once again very happy to be here with my delegation, and I once again thank Tony and his team for their hospitality.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you very much. Thanks, everyone.




Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Before Their Meeting
03/08/2024


Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Before Their Meeting
03/08/2024 01:42 PM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Thomas Jefferson Room

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone. It’s a pleasure to welcome Foreign Minister Fidan, my friend Hakan, here to the State Department, to Washington, and all of our colleagues. The United States and Türkiye are very close and critical allies at a time when we have many challenges on our plate together. But we are facing them together, and that makes all the difference.

Yesterday I had the honor of welcoming – formally welcoming Sweden into our Alliance, our shared Alliance – the 32nd NATO Ally. And I again want to thank the foreign minister, thank President Erdogan, thank Türkiye for the very good and important work that was done to bring us to the point of welcoming Sweden into the Alliance.

We’re very focused together on Alliance issues – of course, on the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, where Türkiye has been playing a critical role in supporting Ukraine in a whole variety of ways that we’ll talk about today. And of course, we’re intensely focused on the Middle East and the conflict in Gaza, the strong, shared desire to minimize and end the suffering of innocent women, children, and men who are caught in the crossfire.

With the greater provision humanitarian assistance we – the President announced last night, a maritime initiative, which will be critical – but we know as well that it is absolutely essentially not only to maintain but to expand the land crossings into Gaza. That’s the primary vehicle through which we will get assistance to those who need it, as well as air drops and other methods that we’re using. But also once within Gaza, the assistance has to be distributed more effectively to people who need it.

And in this moment, in this hour, we’re also intensely focused on seeing if we can get a ceasefire with the release of hostages, the expansion of humanitarian assistance, and an environment for working on an enduring resolution. And there, the issue is Hamas. The issue is whether Hamas will decide or not to have a ceasefire that would benefit everyone. The ball is in their court, we’re working intensely on it, and we’ll see what – we’ll see what they do. But there’s no doubt in my mind that getting to this ceasefire with the release of hostages would be a profound benefit to everyone involved.

With that, Hakan, welcome. The floor is yours.

FOREIGN MINISTER FIDAN: Well, thank you, Tony. I’d like to start by thanking to Secretary Blinken and his team for the very warm hospitality that they extended to myself and to my delegation.

And we are here today to hold our seventh Strategic Mechanism meeting, which was established by President Biden and President Erdogan back in 2021. And our teams yesterday had an extensive discussions on a wide range of topics, ranging from security, regional cooperation, regional issues, trade, energy, and other issues.

For the last couple months – this is my third meeting that I am meeting with Tony, because the developments, Euro-political developments and regional developments, dictate our close cooperation and work – especially, as he stated in his opening remarks, the dire situation in Gaza requires our urgent attention as international community to stop the suffering of the innocent people. And they need immediate humanitarian assistance. So that’s why, I mean, we need to work hard together to make sure that the – we have a ceasefire and we have unhindered humanitarian assistance inside Gaza.

And there are other – a number of regional issues as well: Ukraine; the Black Sea security, one of the key issues that we discussed. And we’ve been also discussing about some key NATO issues, primarily the membership of new states that we have successfully managed to finalize the process. Again, we have a lot of important issues on our table to discuss today, and I am once again very happy to be here with my delegation, and I once again thank Tony and his team for their hospitality.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you very much. Thanks, everyone.




Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Before Their Meeting
03/08/2024


Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Before Their Meeting
03/08/2024 01:42 PM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Thomas Jefferson Room

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone. It’s a pleasure to welcome Foreign Minister Fidan, my friend Hakan, here to the State Department, to Washington, and all of our colleagues. The United States and Türkiye are very close and critical allies at a time when we have many challenges on our plate together. But we are facing them together, and that makes all the difference.

Yesterday I had the honor of welcoming – formally welcoming Sweden into our Alliance, our shared Alliance – the 32nd NATO Ally. And I again want to thank the foreign minister, thank President Erdogan, thank Türkiye for the very good and important work that was done to bring us to the point of welcoming Sweden into the Alliance.

We’re very focused together on Alliance issues – of course, on the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, where Türkiye has been playing a critical role in supporting Ukraine in a whole variety of ways that we’ll talk about today. And of course, we’re intensely focused on the Middle East and the conflict in Gaza, the strong, shared desire to minimize and end the suffering of innocent women, children, and men who are caught in the crossfire.

With the greater provision humanitarian assistance we – the President announced last night, a maritime initiative, which will be critical – but we know as well that it is absolutely essentially not only to maintain but to expand the land crossings into Gaza. That’s the primary vehicle through which we will get assistance to those who need it, as well as air drops and other methods that we’re using. But also once within Gaza, the assistance has to be distributed more effectively to people who need it.

And in this moment, in this hour, we’re also intensely focused on seeing if we can get a ceasefire with the release of hostages, the expansion of humanitarian assistance, and an environment for working on an enduring resolution. And there, the issue is Hamas. The issue is whether Hamas will decide or not to have a ceasefire that would benefit everyone. The ball is in their court, we’re working intensely on it, and we’ll see what – we’ll see what they do. But there’s no doubt in my mind that getting to this ceasefire with the release of hostages would be a profound benefit to everyone involved.

With that, Hakan, welcome. The floor is yours.

FOREIGN MINISTER FIDAN: Well, thank you, Tony. I’d like to start by thanking to Secretary Blinken and his team for the very warm hospitality that they extended to myself and to my delegation.

And we are here today to hold our seventh Strategic Mechanism meeting, which was established by President Biden and President Erdogan back in 2021. And our teams yesterday had an extensive discussions on a wide range of topics, ranging from security, regional cooperation, regional issues, trade, energy, and other issues.

For the last couple months – this is my third meeting that I am meeting with Tony, because the developments, Euro-political developments and regional developments, dictate our close cooperation and work – especially, as he stated in his opening remarks, the dire situation in Gaza requires our urgent attention as international community to stop the suffering of the innocent people. And they need immediate humanitarian assistance. So that’s why, I mean, we need to work hard together to make sure that the – we have a ceasefire and we have unhindered humanitarian assistance inside Gaza.

And there are other – a number of regional issues as well: Ukraine; the Black Sea security, one of the key issues that we discussed. And we’ve been also discussing about some key NATO issues, primarily the membership of new states that we have successfully managed to finalize the process. Again, we have a lot of important issues on our table to discuss today, and I am once again very happy to be here with my delegation, and I once again thank Tony and his team for their hospitality.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you very much. Thanks, everyone.




Designating Entities Linked to Russia’s Malign Activities in Africa
03/08/2024


Designating Entities Linked to Russia’s Malign Activities in Africa
03/08/2024 02:49 PM EST



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Designating Entities Linked to Russia’s Malign Activities in Africa
hide

Designating Entities Linked to Russia’s Malign Activities in Africa


Press Statement





March 8, 2024



The United States is today designating one Russia-based entity and one Central African Republic-based entity for their efforts in advancing malign activities of the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group in Africa.


The targets being designated have played an important role in supporting the Russian Federation by seeking monetary gain from illicit resource extraction and providing logistical support to elements of the Wagner Group’s commercial endeavors.


Today’s action reflects the United States’ commitment to disrupting the Wagner Group’s damaging and destabilizing presence in Africa. We will continue to use the tools at our disposal to disrupt Putin’s ability to arm and equip his war machine.


The Department of the Treasury actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 14024, as amended. For more information on today’s action, see Treasury’s press release.



Tags
Bureau of African Affairs Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Central African Republic Office of the Spokesperson Russia


Designating Entities Linked to Russia’s Malign Activities in Africa
03/08/2024

Designating Entities Linked to Russia’s Malign Activities in Africa
03/08/2024 02:49 PM EST



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Designating Entities Linked to Russia’s Malign Activities in Africa
hide

Designating Entities Linked to Russia’s Malign Activities in Africa


Press Statement





March 8, 2024



The United States is today designating one Russia-based entity and one Central African Republic-based entity for their efforts in advancing malign activities of the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group in Africa.


The targets being designated have played an important role in supporting the Russian Federation by seeking monetary gain from illicit resource extraction and providing logistical support to elements of the Wagner Group’s commercial endeavors.


Today’s action reflects the United States’ commitment to disrupting the Wagner Group’s damaging and destabilizing presence in Africa. We will continue to use the tools at our disposal to disrupt Putin’s ability to arm and equip his war machine.


The Department of the Treasury actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 14024, as amended. For more information on today’s action, see Treasury’s press release.



Tags
Bureau of African Affairs Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Central African Republic Office of the Spokesperson Russia


Secretary Blinken’s Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud
03/08/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud
03/08/2024 03:27 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud
hide

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud


Readout





March 8, 2024



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Secretary Blinken and the Foreign Minister discussed efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza for a period of at least six weeks as part of a deal that would release hostages held by Hamas and surge humanitarian assistance. Secretary Blinken pledged to continue close coordination with regional and international partners to promote calm during the holy month of Ramadan and prepare for the post-conflict phase. The Secretary affirmed continued cooperation among international partners to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed the importance of ending the conflict in Sudan and preventing further widespread civilian harm.



Tags
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Saudi Arabia The Secretary of State


Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar
03/08/2024


Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar
03/08/2024 06:03 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar
hide

Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar


Readout





March 8, 2024



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell met today with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Burak Akcapar in Washington. Deputy Secretary Campbell and Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar discussed ways to further enhance U.S.-Türkiye strategic cooperation on regional and global priorities. The two focused on economic cooperation in Central Asia, peace in the South Caucasus, and other opportunities to work together in Asia and beyond.



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Deputy Secretary of State Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Office of the Spokesperson Turkey


Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar
03/08/2024

Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar
03/08/2024 06:03 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar
hide

Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar


Readout





March 8, 2024



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell met today with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Burak Akcapar in Washington. Deputy Secretary Campbell and Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar discussed ways to further enhance U.S.-Türkiye strategic cooperation on regional and global priorities. The two focused on economic cooperation in Central Asia, peace in the South Caucasus, and other opportunities to work together in Asia and beyond.



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Deputy Secretary of State Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Office of the Spokesperson Turkey


On the 2nd U.S.- Japan Strategic Dialogue on Democratic Resilience
03/08/2024

On the 2nd U.S.- Japan Strategic Dialogue on Democratic Resilience
03/08/2024 06:10 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…On the 2nd U.S.- Japan Strategic Dialogue on Democratic Resilience
hide

On the 2nd U.S.- Japan Strategic Dialogue on Democratic Resilience


Media Note





March 8, 2024



On March 7-8, the United States and Japan held the second annual U.S.-Japan Strategic Dialogue on Democratic Resilience in Washington, D.C.


The U.S. and Japanese delegations were led by Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya and Deputy Minister and Director General of the Foreign Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Kobe Yasuhiro, joined by senior representatives from their respective agencies. Both sides affirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance and our countries’ shared efforts to strengthen democracy and respect for human rights globally.


The dialogue included discussions on our bilateral efforts to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific and promote human rights internationally, including through the rights-respecting design, development, deployment, and use of technologies. Under Secretary Zeya and Deputy Minister Kobe committed to deepening multilateral cooperation, including in the Human Rights Council, UN General Assembly Third Committee, and the UN Security Council. They further discussed building democratic resilience at home and abroad through business and human rights, women’s economic empowerment, advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized communities.



Tags
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Democracy Human Rights Human Rights and Democracy Indo-Pacific Japan LGBT Rights Office of the Spokesperson Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights United Nations General Assembly Women’s Economic Empowerment


Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar
03/08/2024

Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar
03/08/2024 06:03 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar
hide

Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar


Readout





March 8, 2024



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell met today with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Burak Akcapar in Washington. Deputy Secretary Campbell and Deputy Foreign Minister Akcapar discussed ways to further enhance U.S.-Türkiye strategic cooperation on regional and global priorities. The two focused on economic cooperation in Central Asia, peace in the South Caucasus, and other opportunities to work together in Asia and beyond.



Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Deputy Secretary of State Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Office of the Spokesperson Turkey


Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with the ASEAN Committee of Washington
03/08/2024


Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with the ASEAN Committee of Washington
03/08/2024 06:21 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with the ASEAN Committee of Washington
hide

Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with the ASEAN Committee of Washington


Readout





March 8, 2024



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell met in Washington, D.C. with representatives from the ASEAN Committee of Washington on March 8 to discuss our ongoing efforts to implement the U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance the Mekong-U.S. Partnership. Both sides discussed upcoming U.S.-ASEAN senior-level engagements, furthering cooperation on technology, and how to support the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, including through the U.S. role as the region’s number one source of foreign direct investment. The Deputy Secretary reaffirmed ASEAN centrality by emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and expressed appreciation towards Laos as ASEAN Chair for continuing to press Burma’s military regime to implement the Five Point Consensus.



Tags
Association of Southeast Asian Nations Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Deputy Secretary of State Office of the Spokesperson


Secretary Blinken’s Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry
03/08/2024


Secretary Blinken’s Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry
03/08/2024 08:05 PM EST


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry
hide

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry


Readout





March 8, 2024



The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:


Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Shoukry discussed efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza for a period of at least six weeks as part of a deal that would release hostages held by Hamas and surge humanitarian assistance. Secretary Blinken underscored close coordination with regional partners to promote calm during the holy month of Ramadan and prepare for the post-conflict phase. The Secretary affirmed continued cooperation among international partners to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed efforts to end the conflict in Sudan and prevent further widespread civilian harm.



Tags
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Egypt Hostage Recovery Human Rights and Democracy Office of the Spokesperson Red Sea The Secretary of State


Joint Statement on the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism
03/09/2024

Joint Statement on the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism
03/09/2024 10:12 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Türkiye on the occasion of the seventh meeting of the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism.

Begin Text:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan presided over the seventh meeting of the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism on March 7-8, 2024, in Washington. The Strategic Mechanism featured open, collaborative, strategic discussions led by senior-level officials from the U.S. Department of State and Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 7, followed by a meeting between Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan on March 8.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan reiterated their commitment to a results-oriented, forward-looking, positive bilateral agenda that advances shared objectives and addresses emerging global challenges. They discussed strengthening the U.S.-Türkiye relationship on a wide range of issues, including regional priorities, counterterrorism, defense cooperation, economic growth, trade, energy security and climate change, and people-to-people ties.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan reiterated the support of the United States and Türkiye for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s unacceptable war. The United States welcomed Türkiye’s efforts in the Black Sea, including the recently announced mine countermeasure task group and the facilitation of vital safe routes for grain and other international commerce.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed the ongoing crisis in Gaza and reviewed their respective diplomatic engagements. They underlined the importance of finding a path towards ending the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis immediately. They also reaffirmed their commitment to a durable two-state solution.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan reiterated the need to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The United States and Türkiye relaunched the Türkiye-U.S. Counterterrorism Consultations during the Strategic Mechanism to expand cooperation against terrorism and addressing related networks engaged in organized crime and drug trafficking, as threats to their respective national security. The Secretary reiterated the United States’ condemnation of the PKK terrorist organization, DHKP-C, as well as ISIS/DAESH targeting Türkiye and Turkish interests. The United States and Türkiye reiterated their shared commitment to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS/DAESH in Syria and Iraq and discussed cooperation to counter the threat of ISIS/DAESH and al-Qa’ida affiliates present in Africa and Central Asia.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed all aspects of the Syrian crisis and reiterated the commitment of the United States and Türkiye to a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Türkiye and the United States reiterated the importance of the repatriation of ISIS affiliated detainees and displaced persons from northeast Syria to their countries of origin, where they can be rehabilitated and reintegrated into their communities of origin, and, as appropriate, brought to justice.

The two sides also addressed broader issues in the Middle East and Africa, including the need to build regional stability and connections through increased economic and security cooperation.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and underscored the importance of preserving stability and channels for communication. The Secretary welcomed ongoing engagement between Türkiye and Greece, including the Fifth High-Level Cooperation Council in December 2023, in Athens and the signing of a Türkiye-Greece Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness.

On the South Caucasus, Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan committed to work together to promote a balanced and lasting peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and concurred that this would promote regional stability, cooperation, and welfare.

Looking ahead to the 75th NATO Summit in Washington, Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed ways to bolster NATO coordination and solidarity in the face of current threats and challenges. They reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to collective defense as Allies, as well as to NATO’s Open Door Policy. As NATO’s two largest armed forces, both sides reiterated the importance of our commitments, as well as our renewed, two-way defense trade relationship to enhance capabilities, ensure interoperability and increase the strength of our collective security. The two ministers welcomed Sweden’s accession as the 32nd NATO Ally that will strengthen the Alliance and Euro-Atlantic security.

Looking forward, Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed opportunities to transform the U.S.-Türkiye security and defense relationship to build upon each country’s significant capabilities and innovation to meet strategic challenges and opportunities. In this regard, they announced the U.S.-Türkiye Defense Trade Dialogue would meet in 2024 and both countries would pursue opportunities to advance defense industrial cooperation.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan appreciated the continuous growth in U.S.-Türkiye-bilateral trade, which has reached over 30 billion. They reaffirmed the importance of expanding economic and commercial cooperation and building upon existing bilateral fora—such as the Digital Dialogue, held on March 4 in Türkiye—to broaden and deepen our economic cooperation. The two sides discussed capitalizing on financing opportunities under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment to create high standards for infrastructure in developing nations. Both sides endorsed an Energy and Climate Dialogue (ECD), which will be launched and co-chaired by the U.S. Department of Energy and Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources together with the participation of the U.S. State Department and Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ECD will advance energy security and the energy transition in both countries and cooperation on climate change. Both sides acknowledged, particularly in light of net zero targets, the growing importance of civil nuclear energy, both conventional and Small Modular Reactors, developed to the highest standards of safety, security, and nonproliferation, and encouraged Turkish and US public and private sectors to explore opportunities and develop concrete proposals for cooperation in this field.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan also recognized people-to-people relations between the two countries as one of the pillars of the bilateral relationship. This year’s 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Türkiye Fulbright program is illustrative of this connection. The two sides acknowledged the 2021 Cultural Property Agreement through which 72 Turkish cultural and historic artifacts have been returned to Türkiye since the Agreement’s entry into force as a reference point for the strength of our partnership.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan welcomed their opportunity to use the Strategic Mechanism to build a positive, forward-looking, strategic vision to advance shared objectives. The two sides look forward to the continued advancement of the U.S.-Turkish strategic relationship and welcomed increased bilateral meetings.

End Text.




Joint Statement on the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism
03/09/2024


Joint Statement on the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism
03/09/2024 10:12 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Türkiye on the occasion of the seventh meeting of the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism.

Begin Text:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan presided over the seventh meeting of the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism on March 7-8, 2024, in Washington. The Strategic Mechanism featured open, collaborative, strategic discussions led by senior-level officials from the U.S. Department of State and Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 7, followed by a meeting between Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan on March 8.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan reiterated their commitment to a results-oriented, forward-looking, positive bilateral agenda that advances shared objectives and addresses emerging global challenges. They discussed strengthening the U.S.-Türkiye relationship on a wide range of issues, including regional priorities, counterterrorism, defense cooperation, economic growth, trade, energy security and climate change, and people-to-people ties.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan reiterated the support of the United States and Türkiye for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s unacceptable war. The United States welcomed Türkiye’s efforts in the Black Sea, including the recently announced mine countermeasure task group and the facilitation of vital safe routes for grain and other international commerce.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed the ongoing crisis in Gaza and reviewed their respective diplomatic engagements. They underlined the importance of finding a path towards ending the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis immediately. They also reaffirmed their commitment to a durable two-state solution.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan reiterated the need to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The United States and Türkiye relaunched the Türkiye-U.S. Counterterrorism Consultations during the Strategic Mechanism to expand cooperation against terrorism and addressing related networks engaged in organized crime and drug trafficking, as threats to their respective national security. The Secretary reiterated the United States’ condemnation of the PKK terrorist organization, DHKP-C, as well as ISIS/DAESH targeting Türkiye and Turkish interests. The United States and Türkiye reiterated their shared commitment to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS/DAESH in Syria and Iraq and discussed cooperation to counter the threat of ISIS/DAESH and al-Qa’ida affiliates present in Africa and Central Asia.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed all aspects of the Syrian crisis and reiterated the commitment of the United States and Türkiye to a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Türkiye and the United States reiterated the importance of the repatriation of ISIS affiliated detainees and displaced persons from northeast Syria to their countries of origin, where they can be rehabilitated and reintegrated into their communities of origin, and, as appropriate, brought to justice.

The two sides also addressed broader issues in the Middle East and Africa, including the need to build regional stability and connections through increased economic and security cooperation.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and underscored the importance of preserving stability and channels for communication. The Secretary welcomed ongoing engagement between Türkiye and Greece, including the Fifth High-Level Cooperation Council in December 2023, in Athens and the signing of a Türkiye-Greece Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness.

On the South Caucasus, Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan committed to work together to promote a balanced and lasting peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and concurred that this would promote regional stability, cooperation, and welfare.

Looking ahead to the 75th NATO Summit in Washington, Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed ways to bolster NATO coordination and solidarity in the face of current threats and challenges. They reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to collective defense as Allies, as well as to NATO’s Open Door Policy. As NATO’s two largest armed forces, both sides reiterated the importance of our commitments, as well as our renewed, two-way defense trade relationship to enhance capabilities, ensure interoperability and increase the strength of our collective security. The two ministers welcomed Sweden’s accession as the 32nd NATO Ally that will strengthen the Alliance and Euro-Atlantic security.

Looking forward, Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed opportunities to transform the U.S.-Türkiye security and defense relationship to build upon each country’s significant capabilities and innovation to meet strategic challenges and opportunities. In this regard, they announced the U.S.-Türkiye Defense Trade Dialogue would meet in 2024 and both countries would pursue opportunities to advance defense industrial cooperation.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan appreciated the continuous growth in U.S.-Türkiye-bilateral trade, which has reached over 30 billion. They reaffirmed the importance of expanding economic and commercial cooperation and building upon existing bilateral fora—such as the Digital Dialogue, held on March 4 in Türkiye—to broaden and deepen our economic cooperation. The two sides discussed capitalizing on financing opportunities under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment to create high standards for infrastructure in developing nations. Both sides endorsed an Energy and Climate Dialogue (ECD), which will be launched and co-chaired by the U.S. Department of Energy and Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources together with the participation of the U.S. State Department and Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ECD will advance energy security and the energy transition in both countries and cooperation on climate change. Both sides acknowledged, particularly in light of net zero targets, the growing importance of civil nuclear energy, both conventional and Small Modular Reactors, developed to the highest standards of safety, security, and nonproliferation, and encouraged Turkish and US public and private sectors to explore opportunities and develop concrete proposals for cooperation in this field.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan also recognized people-to-people relations between the two countries as one of the pillars of the bilateral relationship. This year’s 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Türkiye Fulbright program is illustrative of this connection. The two sides acknowledged the 2021 Cultural Property Agreement through which 72 Turkish cultural and historic artifacts have been returned to Türkiye since the Agreement’s entry into force as a reference point for the strength of our partnership.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan welcomed their opportunity to use the Strategic Mechanism to build a positive, forward-looking, strategic vision to advance shared objectives. The two sides look forward to the continued advancement of the U.S.-Turkish strategic relationship and welcomed increased bilateral meetings.

End Text.




Joint Statement on the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism
03/09/2024


Joint Statement on the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism
03/09/2024 10:12 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Türkiye on the occasion of the seventh meeting of the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism.

Begin Text:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan presided over the seventh meeting of the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism on March 7-8, 2024, in Washington. The Strategic Mechanism featured open, collaborative, strategic discussions led by senior-level officials from the U.S. Department of State and Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 7, followed by a meeting between Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan on March 8.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan reiterated their commitment to a results-oriented, forward-looking, positive bilateral agenda that advances shared objectives and addresses emerging global challenges. They discussed strengthening the U.S.-Türkiye relationship on a wide range of issues, including regional priorities, counterterrorism, defense cooperation, economic growth, trade, energy security and climate change, and people-to-people ties.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan reiterated the support of the United States and Türkiye for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s unacceptable war. The United States welcomed Türkiye’s efforts in the Black Sea, including the recently announced mine countermeasure task group and the facilitation of vital safe routes for grain and other international commerce.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed the ongoing crisis in Gaza and reviewed their respective diplomatic engagements. They underlined the importance of finding a path towards ending the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis immediately. They also reaffirmed their commitment to a durable two-state solution.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan reiterated the need to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The United States and Türkiye relaunched the Türkiye-U.S. Counterterrorism Consultations during the Strategic Mechanism to expand cooperation against terrorism and addressing related networks engaged in organized crime and drug trafficking, as threats to their respective national security. The Secretary reiterated the United States’ condemnation of the PKK terrorist organization, DHKP-C, as well as ISIS/DAESH targeting Türkiye and Turkish interests. The United States and Türkiye reiterated their shared commitment to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS/DAESH in Syria and Iraq and discussed cooperation to counter the threat of ISIS/DAESH and al-Qa’ida affiliates present in Africa and Central Asia.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed all aspects of the Syrian crisis and reiterated the commitment of the United States and Türkiye to a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Türkiye and the United States reiterated the importance of the repatriation of ISIS affiliated detainees and displaced persons from northeast Syria to their countries of origin, where they can be rehabilitated and reintegrated into their communities of origin, and, as appropriate, brought to justice.

The two sides also addressed broader issues in the Middle East and Africa, including the need to build regional stability and connections through increased economic and security cooperation.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and underscored the importance of preserving stability and channels for communication. The Secretary welcomed ongoing engagement between Türkiye and Greece, including the Fifth High-Level Cooperation Council in December 2023, in Athens and the signing of a Türkiye-Greece Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness.

On the South Caucasus, Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan committed to work together to promote a balanced and lasting peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and concurred that this would promote regional stability, cooperation, and welfare.

Looking ahead to the 75th NATO Summit in Washington, Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed ways to bolster NATO coordination and solidarity in the face of current threats and challenges. They reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to collective defense as Allies, as well as to NATO’s Open Door Policy. As NATO’s two largest armed forces, both sides reiterated the importance of our commitments, as well as our renewed, two-way defense trade relationship to enhance capabilities, ensure interoperability and increase the strength of our collective security. The two ministers welcomed Sweden’s accession as the 32nd NATO Ally that will strengthen the Alliance and Euro-Atlantic security.

Looking forward, Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan discussed opportunities to transform the U.S.-Türkiye security and defense relationship to build upon each country’s significant capabilities and innovation to meet strategic challenges and opportunities. In this regard, they announced the U.S.-Türkiye Defense Trade Dialogue would meet in 2024 and both countries would pursue opportunities to advance defense industrial cooperation.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan appreciated the continuous growth in U.S.-Türkiye-bilateral trade, which has reached over 30 billion. They reaffirmed the importance of expanding economic and commercial cooperation and building upon existing bilateral fora—such as the Digital Dialogue, held on March 4 in Türkiye—to broaden and deepen our economic cooperation. The two sides discussed capitalizing on financing opportunities under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment to create high standards for infrastructure in developing nations. Both sides endorsed an Energy and Climate Dialogue (ECD), which will be launched and co-chaired by the U.S. Department of Energy and Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources together with the participation of the U.S. State Department and Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ECD will advance energy security and the energy transition in both countries and cooperation on climate change. Both sides acknowledged, particularly in light of net zero targets, the growing importance of civil nuclear energy, both conventional and Small Modular Reactors, developed to the highest standards of safety, security, and nonproliferation, and encouraged Turkish and US public and private sectors to explore opportunities and develop concrete proposals for cooperation in this field.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan also recognized people-to-people relations between the two countries as one of the pillars of the bilateral relationship. This year’s 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Türkiye Fulbright program is illustrative of this connection. The two sides acknowledged the 2021 Cultural Property Agreement through which 72 Turkish cultural and historic artifacts have been returned to Türkiye since the Agreement’s entry into force as a reference point for the strength of our partnership.

Secretary Blinken and Minister Fidan welcomed their opportunity to use the Strategic Mechanism to build a positive, forward-looking, strategic vision to advance shared objectives. The two sides look forward to the continued advancement of the U.S.-Turkish strategic relationship and welcomed increased bilateral meetings.

End Text.




Special Advisor for the Americas Christopher J. Dodd Leads Delegation to Dominican Republic
03/09/2024


Special Advisor for the Americas Christopher J. Dodd Leads Delegation to Dominican Republic
03/09/2024 10:19 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Special Presidential Advisor for the Americas Christopher J. Dodd will travel to the Dominican Republic from March 7-9. Dodd will co-chair with Treasury Assistant Secretary for International Trade and Development Alexia Latortue a meeting of the Finance Track of the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity on the sidelines of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Annual Meetings in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Dodd will also meet with finance ministers and the private sector to follow up on commitments President Biden made at the inaugural Leaders’ Summit of the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity. This visit underscores the United States pledge to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth, defend democratic governance and the rule of law, and strengthen security cooperation in the Western Hemisphere.





CARE Coordinator Tekach’s Travel to Texas
03/09/2024

CARE Coordinator Tekach’s Travel to Texas
03/09/2024 11:35 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts Mara Tekach will participate in a panel at the South by Southwest Conference with National Security Council Chief of Staff Curtis Ried, AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver, and Honor the Promise CEO Lyla Kohistany in Austin, Texas on March 10, 2024. The event will take place from 4-5 p.m. CT at the Hilton Austin Downtown Hotel in Salon Room A.

The panel, “AfghanEvac: Civic Engagement Changed the Course of History ,” will cover the unprecedented partnership between the U.S. government and civil society that enabled the safe resettlement of tens of thousands of Afghan allies and partners following the August 2021 withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces from Afghanistan. Panelists will highlight how Americans can get involved with their community, including supporting Afghan newcomers through Welcome Corps.

The event is open to the press. For more information on obtaining a media pass to attend South by Southwest Conference and Festival, please click here.




Special Advisor for the Americas Christopher J. Dodd Leads Delegation to Dominican Republic
03/09/2024

Special Advisor for the Americas Christopher J. Dodd Leads Delegation to Dominican Republic
03/09/2024 10:19 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Special Presidential Advisor for the Americas Christopher J. Dodd will travel to the Dominican Republic from March 7-9. Dodd will co-chair with Treasury Assistant Secretary for International Trade and Development Alexia Latortue a meeting of the Finance Track of the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity on the sidelines of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Annual Meetings in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Dodd will also meet with finance ministers and the private sector to follow up on commitments President Biden made at the inaugural Leaders’ Summit of the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity. This visit underscores the United States pledge to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth, defend democratic governance and the rule of law, and strengthen security cooperation in the Western Hemisphere.





Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
03/09/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
03/09/2024 11:47 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met yesterday in Washington with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Fidan discussed U.S.-Türkiye cooperation regarding Syria, the South Caucasus, and achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East. The Secretary and Foreign Minister agreed to enhance trade and investment between the United States and Türkiye and reaffirmed that, notwithstanding Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Black Sea region must remain safe and secure. They also recognized the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Türkiye Fulbright program and welcomed the accession of Sweden as the 32nd NATO Ally. Their meeting capped two days of senior-level bilateral discussions held under the auspices of the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism.





Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
03/09/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan
03/09/2024 11:47 AM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met yesterday in Washington with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Fidan discussed U.S.-Türkiye cooperation regarding Syria, the South Caucasus, and achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East. The Secretary and Foreign Minister agreed to enhance trade and investment between the United States and Türkiye and reaffirmed that, notwithstanding Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Black Sea region must remain safe and secure. They also recognized the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Türkiye Fulbright program and welcomed the accession of Sweden as the 32nd NATO Ally. Their meeting capped two days of senior-level bilateral discussions held under the auspices of the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism.





Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Rao Gupta Travels to New York
03/09/2024


Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Rao Gupta Travels to New York
03/09/2024 12:17 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta will travel to New York City from March 11-15, 2024, as the co-head of the U.S. Delegation to the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), alongside U.S. Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

Ambassador Rao Gupta will represent the United States in formal CSW meetings, conduct bilateral meetings, and participate in several side events to highlight U.S. priorities related to CSW’s priority theme for 2024, “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.”

For media inquiries, please contact stategwi@state.gov.




Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Rao Gupta Travels to New York
03/09/2024


Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Rao Gupta Travels to New York
03/09/2024 12:17 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta will travel to New York City from March 11-15, 2024, as the co-head of the U.S. Delegation to the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), alongside U.S. Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

Ambassador Rao Gupta will represent the United States in formal CSW meetings, conduct bilateral meetings, and participate in several side events to highlight U.S. priorities related to CSW’s priority theme for 2024, “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.”

For media inquiries, please contact stategwi@state.gov.




Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with International Organization for Migration Director General Pope
03/09/2024


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with International Organization for Migration Director General Pope
03/09/2024 12:22 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy E. Pope yesterday in Washington, D.C. Secretary Blinken and IOM Director General Pope discussed the importance of IOM in supporting safe, orderly, regular, and humane migration, including through the Safe Mobility Office (SMO) initiative in the Western Hemisphere. The Secretary and IOM Director General discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict and IOM’s operations in Gaza. They recognized the urgent need to scale up assistance for Palestinian civilians and increase the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. The Secretary thanked IOM for providing lifesaving assistance for vulnerable people worldwide.




Secretary Blinken’s Call with Kenyan President Ruto
03/09/2024


Secretary Blinken’s Call with Kenyan President Ruto
03/09/2024 03:25 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss the ongoing political and security crisis in Haiti. They underscored unwavering commitment to the deployment of a Multinational Security Support mission to support the Haitian National Police in creating the security conditions necessary to conduct free and fair elections. Secretary Blinken also offered his appreciation for Kenya’s diplomatic work to support peace and security in the Horn of Africa.




Special Envoy for Sudan Perriello Travels to Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
03/09/2024


Special Envoy for Sudan Perriello Travels to Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
03/09/2024 03:59 PM EST



Office of the Spokesperson

Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello will travel to Africa and the Middle East March 11-23, demonstrating the priority the Administration places on ending the Sudan conflict, meeting the immediate and dire humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people, and charting a path toward civilian, democratic government.

In Kampala, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Cairo, the Special Envoy will meet with a broad range of Sudanese civilians, including civil society, Resistance Committees, Emergency Response Room members, women, youth, and other Sudanese grassroots organizations and parties to hear their perspectives on how to bolster their efforts to respond to urgent needs, demand an end to the conflict, and prepare for a democratic transition in Sudan.

In each of these capitals, as well as in, Djibouti, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi, he will meet key African, regional, and multilateral partners to align efforts to bring an end to the devastating Sudan conflict.




On the Enactment of Compact-Related Legislation
03/09/2024


On the Enactment of Compact-Related Legislation
03/09/2024 07:59 PM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

The Department welcomes the enactment of legislation providing approval and funding to bring into force new assistance agreements under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA). Passage of this legislation, which was signed into law by the President today, serves as another milestone in our relationships with the Freely Associated States (FAS) of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

This step follows the successful negotiation of the Compact-related economic assistance agreements between the United States and the Freely Associated States. The 20-year duration and commitment of $7.1 billion of mandatory funding is reflective of our steadfast commitment to these strategically important partners. We appreciate the continued strong bipartisan support for COFA in Congress.

Our special and uniquely close relationships with the Freely Associated States, underpinned by the Compacts, have been an anchor of U.S. engagement in the Pacific for decades. Extending Compact-related assistance is a critical component of the Administration’s Pacific Partnership, Indo-Pacific, and National Security Strategies. We look forward to working with our partners in the Freely Associated States over the next two decades of COFA-related cooperation.




On the Enactment of Compact-Related Legislation
03/09/2024

On the Enactment of Compact-Related Legislation
03/09/2024 07:59 PM EST



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

The Department welcomes the enactment of legislation providing approval and funding to bring into force new assistance agreements under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA). Passage of this legislation, which was signed into law by the President today, serves as another milestone in our relationships with the Freely Associated States (FAS) of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

This step follows the successful negotiation of the Compact-related economic assistance agreements between the United States and the Freely Associated States. The 20-year duration and commitment of $7.1 billion of mandatory funding is reflective of our steadfast commitment to these strategically important partners. We appreciate the continued strong bipartisan support for COFA in Congress.

Our special and uniquely close relationships with the Freely Associated States, underpinned by the Compacts, have been an anchor of U.S. engagement in the Pacific for decades. Extending Compact-related assistance is a critical component of the Administration’s Pacific Partnership, Indo-Pacific, and National Security Strategies. We look forward to working with our partners in the Freely Associated States over the next two decades of COFA-related cooperation.




Under Secretary Zeya’s Travel to Canada
03/10/2024


Under Secretary Zeya’s Travel to Canada
03/10/2024 08:11 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya will travel to Ottawa, Canada from March 11-12, 2024.

In Ottawa, Under Secretary Zeya will meet with senior Canadian officials to advance our close partnership on regional and global issues, including human rights, humanitarian relief, civilian security, and migration. In addition, she will provide keynote remarks at a seminar on the human rights situation in Tibet, hosted by the University of Ottawa in partnership with Canada Tibet Committee and the U.S. Embassy in Canada.

For further information, please follow @UnderSecStateJ on X/Twitter.




Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to the Dominican Republic
03/10/2024

Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to the Dominican Republic
03/10/2024 03:11 PM EDT



Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, March 10-12, to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen strategic partnerships to advance more sustainable and resilient global supply chains and foster preparedness for future pandemics in the Western Hemisphere.

The Under Secretary will co-host the second high-level meeting of the Economic and Health Dialogue of the Americas (EHA). The EHA is a regional, multilateral initiative that encourages governments to strengthen health systems and protect economies by assessing gaps in their public health sector, sharing best practices and tools to support sustainable and effective health financing, and build resilience into health supply chains. The meeting will convene ministers and vice ministers from the ministries of health, finance, economy, and foreign affairs across 19countries. EHA members will be announcing commitments around health systems strengthening and supply chains.

During the visit, he will also participate in the U.S.-Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD) Joint Consultative Dialogue on Supply Chains between the United States, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Panama. The dialogue will advance our countries’ work together to strengthen supply chain resiliency in the health sector and deliver concrete action items for implementation.

The Under Secretary intends to meet with senior leadership from the Dominican Republic to deepen economic cooperation, advance the Dominican Republic’s leadership in the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, and promote the Dominican Republic’s role in critical supply chains, including medical products, semiconductors, and apparel. He also plans to engage with private sector leaders to learn about opportunities and challenges for U.S. companies.

To stay up to date, follow Under Secretary Fernandez on X: @State_E , LinkedIn: @State-E , and Facebook: @StateDeptE .

For further media information, please contact E_Communications@state.gov.




Special Representative to the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar’s Travel to Belgium, Kosovo, Austria, and Montenegro
03/10/2024


Special Representative to the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar’s Travel to Belgium, Kosovo, Austria, and Montenegro
03/10/2024 08:06 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs and Special Representative to the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar is traveling to Belgium, Kosovo, Austria, and Montenegro March 10-18, 2024. His visit will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the countries of the Western Balkans as they pursue Euro-Atlantic integration and deeper regional cooperation.

While in Belgium, Special Representative Escobar will meet with EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák and other European Union and NATO officials to discuss efforts to advance reforms that will bring lasting peace, stability, and prosperity to the Western Balkan region. In Kosovo, he will meet with Kosovan government leaders, civil society, and Kosovan Serb communities to underscore the United States’ continued strong support for the EU-facilitated Dialogue on normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

The Special Representative will conduct meetings on the impact of the new Central Bank of Kosovo regulations on cash operations and urge steps to ensure that the needs of Kosovans citizens are met fully and without interruption. In Austria, Special Representative Escobar will meet with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to discuss Serbia’s December elections and upcoming municipal elections in Serbia and national elections in North Macedonia. The Special Representative will also travel to Montenegro, where he will emphasize U.S. support for a democratic Montenegro firmly rooted in the Euro-Atlantic community in meetings with Montenegrin government, civil society, and business leaders.




Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Jamaica to Attend High Level Meeting on Haiti
03/11/2024


Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Jamaica to Attend High Level Meeting on Haiti
03/11/2024 07:58 AM EDT



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

Secretary Antony J. Blinken will travel to Kingston, Jamaica today to attend the High-Level Meeting on Haiti convened by the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The Secretary will discuss the proposal developed in partnership with CARICOM and Haitian stakeholders to expedite a political transition in Haiti through the creation of a broad-based, independent presidential college as well as the deployment of a Multinational Security Support Mission to address the ongoing security crisis.

The Secretary will also meet with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness to discuss bilateral and regional issues and reaffirm our strong and enduring ties with Jamaica.




Ambassador Fick’s Travel to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy
03/11/2024

Ambassador Fick’s Travel to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy
03/11/2024 08:11 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson


U.S. Ambassador at Large for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) Nathaniel C. Fick will travel to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy from March 11-16. From March 11 to 13, he will be in Brussels and The Hague for consultations with Allies and partners from NATO, the EU, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Ambassador Fick’s engagements will focus on cyber cooperation, secure information and communications technology infrastructure, digital policy priorities, and advancement of digital freedom, including efforts to promote information integrity and counter the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware.


The Government of Italy is hosting the G7 Industry, Tech and Digital Ministerial in Verona and Trento. In Verona on March 14, Ambassador Fick will represent the United States during a ministerial session on AI for sustainable development, and bilat meetings with G7 counterparts. He will lead the U.S. delegation in Trento on March 15, which includes sessions on advancing the outcomes of the Hiroshima AI Process, particularly the Code of Conduct for AI developers. Work conducted under the G7 Digital and Tech track is key to advancing the U.S. approach to digital policy and to promoting an innovative digital economy and the safe, secure, and trustworthy use of AI and related emerging technologies.


For further information, please contact CDP-Press@state.gov. Follow CDP on social media accounts for updates from the road: @StateCDP on X/Twitter, and the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy on LinkedIn.



Tags
Belgium Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Cyber Issues Italy Netherlands Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel


Ambassador Fick’s Travel to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy
03/11/2024


Ambassador Fick’s Travel to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy
03/11/2024 08:11 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson


U.S. Ambassador at Large for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) Nathaniel C. Fick will travel to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy from March 11-16. From March 11 to 13, he will be in Brussels and The Hague for consultations with Allies and partners from NATO, the EU, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Ambassador Fick’s engagements will focus on cyber cooperation, secure information and communications technology infrastructure, digital policy priorities, and advancement of digital freedom, including efforts to promote information integrity and counter the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware.


The Government of Italy is hosting the G7 Industry, Tech and Digital Ministerial in Verona and Trento. In Verona on March 14, Ambassador Fick will represent the United States during a ministerial session on AI for sustainable development, and bilat meetings with G7 counterparts. He will lead the U.S. delegation in Trento on March 15, which includes sessions on advancing the outcomes of the Hiroshima AI Process, particularly the Code of Conduct for AI developers. Work conducted under the G7 Digital and Tech track is key to advancing the U.S. approach to digital policy and to promoting an innovative digital economy and the safe, secure, and trustworthy use of AI and related emerging technologies.


For further information, please contact CDP-Press@state.gov. Follow CDP on social media accounts for updates from the road: @StateCDP on X/Twitter, and the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy on LinkedIn.



Tags
Belgium Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Cyber Issues Italy Netherlands Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel


United States and European Union Release Joint Guidance for Online Platforms on Protecting Human Rights Defenders Online
03/11/2024

United States and European Union Release Joint Guidance for Online Platforms on Protecting Human Rights Defenders Online
03/11/2024 09:54 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson


The text of the following joint statement was issued by the Government of the United States and the European Union:


Begin text:


The United States and European Union are pleased to announce the release of joint guidance for online platforms, which sets out 10 practical steps platforms can take globally to prevent, mitigate, and provide remedy for attacks targeting human rights defenders (HRDs) online. This guidance is part of our broader joint efforts through the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council Working Group 6 to address the misuse of technology and promote the protection of HRDs online.


Human rights defenders – as per the United Nations (UN) Declaration – play a crucial role in the protection of human rights offline and online. HRDs may include, but are not limited to, members of nongovernmental organizations, trade unionists, journalists, lawyers, environmental and land activists, women’s rights advocates, anti-corruption advocates, and representatives of Indigenous peoples. Elevating the critical role of HRDs and supporting and protecting them in doing their work safely is not only a shared foreign policy priority for the United States and European Union, but an imperative for advancing human rights for all.


We developed this guidance in response to the rapid growth of online threats against HRDs around the world. HRDs are often targeted online because of their work to defend human rights. HRDs face significant threats online, including through malicious cyber activity, online censorship, targeted Internet shutdowns, arbitrary or unlawful online surveillance, harassment, smear campaigns, disinformation, and doxxing. Online attacks often pave the way for physical human rights violations and abuses, including beatings, killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention. Women HRDs, LGBTI HRDs, and defenders from other marginalized groups who experience multiple and intersecting discriminations and oppressions are disproportionately impacted by such threats and attacks.


Online platforms have the potential to leverage their resources and influence to reinforce respect for human rights and protect those who stand up and risk their well-being to defend these rights. We recommend 10 actions that online platforms can take in partnership with stakeholders to improve HRD safety globally and to further respect for the human rights of all:


Recommended Actions for Online Platforms to Improve Human Rights Defender Protection
Commit to an HRD Protection Policy
Identify Risks to HRDs
Exchange Information with HRDs, CSOs, and Industry Peers
Create a Policy Implementation Plan to Mitigate Risk and Prevent Adverse Impacts with Monitoring Benchmarks to Measure Success
Resource and Staff HRD Protection Efforts
Build Capacity to Address Risks in Local Contexts
Provide Safety Tools and Security Education to HRDs
Create and Maintain Accessible Incident Reporting Channels for HRDs
Contribute to and Provide Access to Remedy for HRDs
Commit to Transparency, Public Reporting, and Continuous Improvement


These recommendations were informed by extensive stakeholder consultations organized by the United States and the European Union from January 2023 to February 2024. Participants included CSOs, HRDs, UN experts, private technology companies, experts in digital and physical safety, organizations that have served as trusted partners, trust and safety experts, and mental health professionals.


The United States and the European Union intend to take further actions to address the needs of HRDs around the world. We will engage with all relevant stakeholders to promote the recommended actions and facilitate their implementation.


These recommendations reflect commitments we made with global partners through the Declaration of the Future of the Internet. They also reflect key principles of U.S. and EU legislation, initiatives, and policies to safeguard human rights online, such as the EU Digital Services Act. The recommendations in this document do not impose or supersede requirements under U.S. or EU law.


End text.



Tags
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor European Union Human Rights Office of the Spokesperson


United States and European Union Release Joint Guidance for Online Platforms on Protecting Human Rights Defenders Online
03/11/2024


United States and European Union Release Joint Guidance for Online Platforms on Protecting Human Rights Defenders Online
03/11/2024 09:54 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson


The text of the following joint statement was issued by the Government of the United States and the European Union:


Begin text:


The United States and European Union are pleased to announce the release of joint guidance for online platforms, which sets out 10 practical steps platforms can take globally to prevent, mitigate, and provide remedy for attacks targeting human rights defenders (HRDs) online. This guidance is part of our broader joint efforts through the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council Working Group 6 to address the misuse of technology and promote the protection of HRDs online.


Human rights defenders – as per the United Nations (UN) Declaration – play a crucial role in the protection of human rights offline and online. HRDs may include, but are not limited to, members of nongovernmental organizations, trade unionists, journalists, lawyers, environmental and land activists, women’s rights advocates, anti-corruption advocates, and representatives of Indigenous peoples. Elevating the critical role of HRDs and supporting and protecting them in doing their work safely is not only a shared foreign policy priority for the United States and European Union, but an imperative for advancing human rights for all.


We developed this guidance in response to the rapid growth of online threats against HRDs around the world. HRDs are often targeted online because of their work to defend human rights. HRDs face significant threats online, including through malicious cyber activity, online censorship, targeted Internet shutdowns, arbitrary or unlawful online surveillance, harassment, smear campaigns, disinformation, and doxxing. Online attacks often pave the way for physical human rights violations and abuses, including beatings, killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention. Women HRDs, LGBTI HRDs, and defenders from other marginalized groups who experience multiple and intersecting discriminations and oppressions are disproportionately impacted by such threats and attacks.


Online platforms have the potential to leverage their resources and influence to reinforce respect for human rights and protect those who stand up and risk their well-being to defend these rights. We recommend 10 actions that online platforms can take in partnership with stakeholders to improve HRD safety globally and to further respect for the human rights of all:


Recommended Actions for Online Platforms to Improve Human Rights Defender Protection
Commit to an HRD Protection Policy
Identify Risks to HRDs
Exchange Information with HRDs, CSOs, and Industry Peers
Create a Policy Implementation Plan to Mitigate Risk and Prevent Adverse Impacts with Monitoring Benchmarks to Measure Success
Resource and Staff HRD Protection Efforts
Build Capacity to Address Risks in Local Contexts
Provide Safety Tools and Security Education to HRDs
Create and Maintain Accessible Incident Reporting Channels for HRDs
Contribute to and Provide Access to Remedy for HRDs
Commit to Transparency, Public Reporting, and Continuous Improvement


These recommendations were informed by extensive stakeholder consultations organized by the United States and the European Union from January 2023 to February 2024. Participants included CSOs, HRDs, UN experts, private technology companies, experts in digital and physical safety, organizations that have served as trusted partners, trust and safety experts, and mental health professionals.


The United States and the European Union intend to take further actions to address the needs of HRDs around the world. We will engage with all relevant stakeholders to promote the recommended actions and facilitate their implementation.


These recommendations reflect commitments we made with global partners through the Declaration of the Future of the Internet. They also reflect key principles of U.S. and EU legislation, initiatives, and policies to safeguard human rights online, such as the EU Digital Services Act. The recommendations in this document do not impose or supersede requirements under U.S. or EU law.


End text.



Tags
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor European Union Human Rights Office of the Spokesperson


Taking Action in Response to Charter Transportation Companies Facilitating Irregular Migration to the United States
03/11/2024

Taking Action in Response to Charter Transportation Companies Facilitating Irregular Migration to the United States
03/11/2024 10:58 AM EDT



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson


The United States has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on air charter company executives for facilitating irregular migration to the United States. These actions respond to the growing trend of charter airlines offering flights into Nicaragua designed primarily for irregular migrants and are the first restrictions imposed under the expansion of our visa restriction policy last month.


These visa restriction actions target transportation companies’ predatory practice of profiting from vulnerable migrants and facilitating irregular migration to the United States. No one should profit from vulnerable migrants — not smugglers, private companies, public officials, or governments. We will continue engaging with governments within and outside the Western Hemisphere, as well as with the private sector, to work toward eliminating this exploitative practice, and will put in place additional visa restrictions as needed.


The visa restriction policy was announced in November 2023 and expanded on February 21, 2024.



Tags
Bureau of Consular Affairs Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Office of the Spokesperson


Designating Transnational Network Supporting al-Shabaab
03/11/2024

Designating Transnational Network Supporting al-Shabaab
03/11/2024 11:06 AM EDT



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson


The United States is designating sixteen entities and individuals in a transnational network that spans the Horn of Africa, United Arab Emirates, and Cyprus, for facilitating financing and money laundering for the al-Shabaab terrorist organization.


The threat posed by al-Shabaab is not limited to Somalia. Al-Shabaab’s revenues are disbursed to other al-Qa’ida-linked groups worldwide and help fund al-Qa’ida’s global ambitions to commit acts of terrorism and undermine good governance.


Today’s action reflects the United States’ counterterrorism priorities in Somalia and supports the dynamic relationship we have established with the Somali government to counter the terrorist threats endangering the Somali people and undermining their communities. The United States also remains focused on disrupting al-Qa’i’da’s access to the international financial system.


The Department of the Treasury actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended. For more information on today’s action, see Treasury’s press release.



Tags
Bureau of African Affairs Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Counterterrorism Cyprus Division for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions Office of the Spokesperson Sanctions Somalia United Arab Emirates


Designating Transnational Network Supporting al-Shabaab
03/11/2024

Designating Transnational Network Supporting al-Shabaab
03/11/2024 11:06 AM EDT



Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson


The United States is designating sixteen entities and individuals in a transnational network that spans the Horn of Africa, United Arab Emirates, and Cyprus, for facilitating financing and money laundering for the al-Shabaab terrorist organization.


The threat posed by al-Shabaab is not limited to Somalia. Al-Shabaab’s revenues are disbursed to other al-Qa’ida-linked groups worldwide and help fund al-Qa’ida’s global ambitions to commit acts of terrorism and undermine good governance.


Today’s action reflects the United States’ counterterrorism priorities in Somalia and supports the dynamic relationship we have established with the Somali government to counter the terrorist threats endangering the Somali people and undermining their communities. The United States also remains focused on disrupting al-Qa’i’da’s access to the international financial system.


The Department of the Treasury actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended. For more information on today’s action, see Treasury’s press release.



Tags
Bureau of African Affairs Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Counterterrorism Cyprus Division for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions Office of the Spokesperson Sanctions Somalia United Arab Emirates


Office of the Historian, Foreign Service Institute  Release of Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume IV, National Security Policy
03/11/2024


Office of the Historian, Foreign Service Institute  Release of Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume IV, National Security Policy
03/11/2024 11:17 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson


The Department of State released today Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume IV, National Security Policy. 


This volume is part of a subseries of volumes of the Foreign Relations series that documents the foreign policy decision making of the administration of President Jimmy Carter. It focuses on the Carter administration’s efforts to modernize U.S. nuclear and conventional forces; undertake a comprehensive net assessment of the global balance of power; craft national security strategies; sustain the NATO alliance; preserve telecommunications security; devise a system for crisis management; prepare for national emergencies; and update nuclear war planning. Documentation is also included on budget decisions that initially reflected the Carter administration’s efforts to cut spending without damaging national security. 


At the core of this volume is the Carter administration’s efforts to reduce the prospects of a nuclear war. While the president aspired to sign arms control agreements that he hoped would deaccelerate the nuclear arms race, he and top members of his administration also wanted to strengthen nuclear deterrence with respect to the Soviet Union amidst relentless domestic political criticism—and allied concern—that they were not doing enough. Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979, Carter withdrew from Senate consideration the unratified SALT II Treaty that he and Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev signed earlier that year. Meanwhile, nuclear attack false alarms in November 1979 and June 1980 intensified preexisting White House concerns about U.S. command, control, and communications, and accentuated the prospect that a nuclear war could happen by accident. The volume includes documentation on the preparation of three subsequent Presidential Directives: PD–58, “Continuity of Government,” which President Carter signed on June 30, 1980; PD–59, “Nuclear Weapons Employment Policy,” which he signed on July 25, 1980; and PD-62, “Modifications in U.S. National Strategy,” which he signed on January 15, 1981. 


This volume was compiled and edited by James Graham Wilson. The GPO S/N is 044-000-02704-6; the ISBN is 978-0-16-095832-8. For further information, contact the Office of the Historian at history@state.gov. 



Tags
Foreign Service Institute Office of the Historian Office of the Spokesperson


FY 2025 Budget: Secure the Future and Sustain Commitments to Key Allies and Partners
03/11/2024

FY 2025 Budget: Secure the Future and Sustain Commitments to Key Allies and Partners
03/11/2024 12:43 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The United States’ allies and partners are essential to addressing shared global challenges and crises, and share our vision of building a more open, inclusive, secure, and prosperous world. Strengthening and sustaining these partnerships is critical to our national security interests, including by promoting U.S. leadership and investments abroad and at home. The President’s FY 2025 Budget Request provides resources to the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to strengthen our partnerships and expand collaboration with international partners to promote economic prosperity, regional security and stability, and revitalize shared democratic values.

With the President’s FY 2025 budget, we have requested:$224.9 million in direct bilateral assistance to support safe, orderly, lawful, and humane migration management, advanced through the framework of the 2022 Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, in collaboration with our Western Hemisphere partners.
Over $1 billion to support the implementation of the Root Causes Strategy in Central America, including efforts to combat gender-based violence, support citizen security, build economic resilience, and strengthen the rule of law and democratic governance.
$7.6 billion to support our enduring commitments to key partners in the Middle East and North Africa region on joint economic, development, and security partnerships, including Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. This also includes increased assistance to support the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza and investments in peacebuilding and security sector needs.
$4 billion to invest in our Indo-Pacific Partnerships and Alliances. This includes $2.1 billion in critical bilateral and regional foreign assistance such as:$62.0 million dedicated solely to engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and efforts to strengthen ASEAN priorities, including but not limited to: maritime security; economic governance and trade; connectivity; global health security; gender; and democracy and human rights. Funds will also support the Young South-East Asian Leaders Initiative.
$256.5 million dedicated toward strengthening East Asia and Pacific Regional frameworks – including but not limited to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Quad, the Mekong-U.S. Partnership, and Pacific Islands Forum – to enhance cyber and digital connectivity to build resilience to transnational threats, bolster regional security through maritime law enforcement support, and promote economic prosperity.
$100.0 million for an historic investment in Taiwan’s security including new bilateral Foreign Military Financing request, to strengthen deterrence and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.$322.5 million to support 2022 Africa Leaders Summit deliverables, including commitments to build more stable, inclusive African economies; tackle the climate crisis; revitalize democracies and champion human rights; counterbalance the influence of the People’s Republic of China and Russia; and renew alliances and partnerships across the continent.$2.9 billion to renew, strengthen, and leverage U.S. leadership in multilateral diplomacy including contributions to the United Nations (UN), UNESCO and NATO as well as timely payment of UN peacekeeping assessments.$63 million for critical FY 2025 investments necessary to prepare for the United States hosting the G-20 summit in 2026.




FY 2025 Budget: Supporting Ukraine and Ensuring Russia’s Strategic Failure
03/11/2024


FY 2025 Budget: Supporting Ukraine and Ensuring Russia’s Strategic Failure
03/11/2024 12:51 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

As President Biden said about Russia’s brutal war of aggression, “The stakes in this fight extend far beyond Ukraine. If we don’t stop Putin’s appetite for power and control in Ukraine, he won’t limit himself just to Ukraine and the costs for America and our allies and partners is going to rise.” The President’s FY 2025 Budget Request includes $1.5 billion for countering the Kremlin’s aggression. The $482 million requested for Ukraine, along with the National Security Supplemental Request, will assist with Ukraine’s economic recovery, bolster Ukraine’s resilience and ability to defend itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion, and ensure progress toward reforms needed for Ukraine’s EU accession.

With the support of its partners, Ukraine can and will defend its sovereignty and democracy. We know from history that dictators are not stopped, they keep going, and the cost for America rises. it will signal to autocrats and malign actors around the world that they can use force to overturn the global order, which threatens the political, security, and economic interests of the United States and the world for decades to come.

To date, more than 50 countries worldwide have answered the U.S. call to provide funds to support Ukraine, and collectively they have now delivered more than double the amount of economic and humanitarian support that we have provided. United, continued support will provide Ukraine what it needs to win. The Request assumes continuation of this strong backing.

Breakdown of FY 2025 Request for Ukraine ($482 million):$250.0 million for economic and development assistance to support reforms in Ukraine, civil society, rule of law, and election integrity. This also includes programming to bolster economic growth, strengthen energy security, support EU accession, and fortify the resilience of the Ukrainian people by restoring critical public services across the country, particularly in liberated communities.
$95 million in security-sector assistance for FMF for immediate and medium-term capabilities to help Ukraine win the war against Russian aggression.
$71 million for health programs.$66 million for other security assistance activities such as supporting civilian security, rule of law, and for demining and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.



The FY 2025 Request does not include resources for certain requirements that were part of the October 2023 National Security Supplemental Request to address critical and pressing needs, which cannot wait until FY 2025, and which are appropriately funded through a supplemental request.
Beyond Ukraine

Another $999 million across Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia will be used to counter malign Kremlin and PRC influence in the regions by building the resilience of our allies and partners, advancing democratic reforms, countering Russian disinformation, improving citizen’s access to factual and unbiased media, bolstering energy and cyber security, and stabilizing economies impacted by the conflict.

The FY 2025 Request reflects the United States’ sustained support for volatile environments countries like Moldova and Georgia, and will advance efforts for a democratic future in Belarus; build Armenia’s economic and democratic resilience and ties to the West; and support the transition of the countries of the Western Balkans to EU membership. U.S. assistance will also support regional programs that increase transparency of foreign investments; foster professional investigative journalism, particularly through regional journalist networks; and promote people-to-people ties and economic integration to advance regional stability.

The requested $204.2 million for Foreign Military Financing includes $150 million for the European and Eurasian Regional operating unit, $9.75 million for each of the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), and $25.0 million for Georgia.  These programs will continue to build capacity of Allies and partners to defend themselves against Putin’s war of aggression in the region and help Allies backfill material and capabilities donated to Ukraine.




The President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development
03/11/2024

The President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development
03/11/2024 04:02 PM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request released by the President today makes critical, targeted investments on behalf of the American people that will promote greater prosperity and economic growth for decades to come. The President’s budget proposal will enable us to continue using our diplomacy, assistance, and accountability tools to advance our vision of a free, open, secure, and prosperous world and to deliver on the issues that matter most to the lives and livelihoods of the American people. It is critical that the United States lead international efforts to shape the terms of our technological future; bolster economic, energy, food, and health security; counter synthetic drugs; and take ambitious action to mitigate the climate crisis and address irregular migration. Each of these global challenges increasingly affects Americans at home, and the President’s Budget Request will allow us to address them on behalf of the American people.

At the Department of State and USAID, the Foreign Affairs Budget will:

Ensure Russia’s Strategic Failure in Ukraine by enabling Ukraine to protect its democracy and rebuild its economy. The FY 2025 Request of $482 million in foreign assistance, in addition to the Administration’s National Security Supplemental Request, reflects the depth of our commitment to securing the future of a free Ukraine – and more broadly, to European and Transatlantic security. These funds provide essential assistance to bolster Ukraine’s defense, law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions; support reform efforts; boost the Ukrainian economy; investigate and prosecute war crimes; rebuild and protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure; and make Ukraine more independent of foreign donations. The vast majority of U.S. military assistance funds provided to Ukraine have supported the U.S. defense industrial base, bolstering the U.S. economy.

Invest, Align, and Compete with People’s Republic of China (PRC). The PRC is the United States’ only competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do so. Funding, including Countering PRC Influence Fund (CPIF) and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Fund, will prevent the PRC’s direct and indirect inroads detrimental to U.S. interests, raise the cost of problematic PRC activity, and provide direct alternatives to PRC offerings. In addition, the President’s Budget includes $4 billion in mandatory spending over five years to make game changing investments in the Indo-Pacific and international infrastructure to outcompete China.

Invest in our Indo-Pacific Partnerships and Alliances. The Indo-Pacific region is of vital importance to U.S. security and prosperity. The $4 billion Request will strengthen the U.S. role in the Indo-Pacific, including by strengthening our alliances and partnerships. This includes critical bilateral and regional foreign assistance, as well as resources to increase personnel directly supporting the Indo-Pacific Strategy, including recently opened or expanded embassies in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Advance Peace and Security in the Middle East by maintaining $3.3 billion in the Budget’s base security assistance consistent with the U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, and in addition to the Administration’s October Supplemental Request. This Request demonstrates our enduring support for U.S. partners in the region, including Jordan and Egypt, and bolsters regional stability against terrorist groups like Hamas, Iran-backed proxies and partners, and economic shocks and instability exacerbated by the conflict. It also maintains lifesaving assistance for the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza and continues investments in peacebuilding as a foundation for a sustainable, two-state solution with Israel.

Deliver Solutions for Shared Global Challenges. We must continue to address pressing global challenges such as irregular migration, countering synthetic drugs, global food insecurity, global health challenges, a rapidly changing climate, and growing humanitarian crises.$1.2 billion to support the ongoing U.S. government response to the global food security crisis, including $100 million for the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils. Resources will support inclusive and sustainable agricultural-led economic growth, the deployment of enhanced agricultural practices, promote a more resilient agricultural sector, and integrating nutrition-sensitive approaches supporting a well-nourished population.
$169.4 million to counter the production and trafficking of fentanyl and other synthetics that endanger public health and safety and contribute to tens of thousands of drug-overdose deaths in the United States annually.
$500 million in mandatory FY 2025 funding for the Green Climate Fund (GCF), as part of a four-year mandatory proposal to provide $3 billion to the GCF. Paired with GCF reforms, this funding will unlock private capital that will enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources, help countries to reduce their emissions, enable the most vulnerable to adapt to climate change, and strengthen the resilience of their economies and critical infrastructure.
$9.8 billion to advance U.S. leadership in addressing global health challenges, strengthening health systems, and bolstering pandemic preparedness, including through a contribution to the Pandemic Fund to support low- and middle-income countries in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
$10.3 billion to deliver lifesaving humanitarian assistance to millions of people who have been impacted or displaced by conflicts like those in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. It will also enable State and USAID to address the human suffering and displacement that have been compounded by multi-season droughts and climate induced disasters, worsening malnutrition, and food insecurity worldwide. These funds will be used to assist more than 330 million people globally who face acute food insecurity.

The Request also includes funding to unlock $36 billion in new World Bank lending. Recognizing that the challenges cannot be solved by the Request alone, we must continue to leverage multilateral institutions, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and urge others to do their part to comprehensively address these issues.

Modernize Diplomacy and Bolster our Workforce. To achieve our strategic objectives, our workforce must be equipped to meet critical challenges and take advantage of opportunities. The Request will drive an ambitious modernization of American diplomacy and development by filling 200 vacancies and establishing nearly 350 new positions, for a total workforce growth of almost 550. State’s Request adds 52 Foreign Service positions and 150 Civil Service positions, and the USAID Request adds 145 positions. The Request advances our presence in the Indo-Pacific, reduces Foreign Service vacancies, strengthens the Civil Service, enhances workplace flexibilities, and redresses long-standing inequities in compensation for our Locally Employed (LE) staff around the world. It also sustains ongoing initiatives to advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) across the foreign affairs workforce.

Protect our Diplomats, Embassies, and Data. Excluding rescissions of prior year funds, this Request includes $5.8 billion to keep our global workforce secure from an array of threats to their health and safety, address infrastructure vulnerabilities, and protect sensitive data. $3.9 billion for Diplomatic Security and related programs will protect U.S. diplomatic operations abroad, including our expanded presence in the Indo-Pacific, Libya, and Eastern Caribbean. $1.9 billion for Embassy, Security, Construction and Maintenance will provide diplomatic and consular missions overseas with secure, safe, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation. An additional $694 million is requested for cybersecurity.

Improve Consular Services through $5.1 billion in projected spending from fee revenues to increase hiring and technology investments that will improve the accessibility and efficiency of consular services, such as through the electronic Consular Report of Birth Abroad application and Online Passport Renewal. Newly requested authorities will enhance the flexibility of the fee-funded Consular and Border Security Programs (CBSP) account.

For more information on the President’s FY 2025 Budget, please visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/

###

For a copy of the Department of State and USAID Congressional Budget Justification, please visit https://www.state.gov/fy-2025-international-affairs-budget/












FY 2025 Budget: Deliver Solutions for Shared Global Challenges
03/11/2024


FY 2025 Budget: Deliver Solutions for Shared Global Challenges
03/11/2024 03:43 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesperson

The United States is committed to addressing global challenges and crises to build a secure, open, connected, and prosperous world that delivers on the issues that matter most to the livelihoods and security of the American people. The President’s FY 2025 Budget Request allows the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to work with our allies and partners to deliver solutions for shared global challenges and collaborate to promote economic prosperity, address global food insecurity, take ambitious action on the climate crisis, empower local leaders and communities, uphold democratic values and human rights, and strengthen health systems.

Within the President’s FY 2025 budget, we have requested:$1.2 billion to support the ongoing U.S. government response to the global food security crisis, including $100 million for the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils. Resources will support inclusive and sustainable agricultural-led economic growth, the deployment of enhanced agricultural practices, promote a more resilient agricultural sector, and integrating nutrition-sensitive approaches supporting a well-nourished population.
$169.4 million to counter the production and trafficking of fentanyl and other synthetics that endanger public health and safety and contribute to tens of thousands of drug-overdose deaths in the United States annually.
$3.0 billion for strategic climate investments at State and USAID that support bilateral, plurilateral, and global programs and initiatives to reduce emissions and address critical climate threats, enhance U.S. national and economic security, and promote human health and economic growth.
$500.0 million in mandatory FY 2025 funding for the Green Climate Fund (GCF), as part of a four-year, mandatory proposal to provide $3 billion to the GCF. Paired with GCF reforms, this funding will unlock private capital that will enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources, help countries to reduce their emissions, enable the most vulnerable to adapt to climate change, and strengthen the resilience of their economies and critical infrastructure.
$1.0 billion for loan guarantee and grants at the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development that will unlock $36 billion in new World Bank lending, addressing global challenges and providing an alternative to coercive and non-transparent PRC lending.
$250.0 million for the Partnership for Global Investment and Infrastructure (PGI) Fund, specifically aimed at addressing emerging infrastructure priorities across PGI priorities. Such foreign assistance seeks to prepare and mature projects for investments in critical infrastructure efforts – those that are at the intersection of U.S. direct interest and vulnerable to problematic influence by strategic competitors.
$9.8 billion to Global Health Programs, including more than $900 million for global health security, including $250 million for the Pandemic Fund, and support for strengthening health systems and lifesaving global health programs.
$3.0 billion for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance programming – including $345 million for the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal and meeting Summit for Democracy deliverables – to advance inclusive democratic governance, including efforts to strengthen free and independent media and civil society, counter corruption, bolster democratic reforms, advance technology for democracy, promote human rights and justice, and defend free and fair elections and political processes. Total includes foreign assistance and National Endowment for Democracy.
$500.0 million to expand State and USAID’s investment in new and ongoing global cyber and digital development initiatives to promote the expansion of open, inclusive, and secure technological ecosystems in partner countries and help secure U.S. competitiveness and equitable development in the digital age.
$10.3 billion to deliver lifesaving humanitarian assistance to millions of people who have been impacted or displaced by conflicts like those in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. It will also enable State and USAID to address the human suffering and displacement that have been compounded by multi-season droughts and climate induced disasters, worsening malnutrition, and food insecurity worldwide. These funds will be used to assist more than 330 million people globally who face acute food insecurity.




The President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development
03/11/2024


The President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development
03/11/2024 04:02 PM EDT



Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request released by the President today makes critical, targeted investments on behalf of the American people that will promote greater prosperity and economic growth for decades to come. The President’s budget proposal will enable us to continue using our diplomacy, assistance, and accountability tools to advance our vision of a free, open, secure, and prosperous world and to deliver on the issues that matter most to the lives and livelihoods of the American people. It is critical that the United States lead international efforts to shape the terms of our technological future; bolster economic, energy, food, and health security; counter synthetic drugs; and take ambitious action to mitigate the climate crisis and address irregular migration. Each of these global challenges increasingly affects Americans at home, and the President’s Budget Request will allow us to address them on behalf of the American people.

At the Department of State and USAID, the Foreign Affairs Budget will:

Ensure Russia’s Strategic Failure in Ukraine by enabling Ukraine to protect its democracy and rebuild its economy. The FY 2025 Request of $482 million in foreign assistance, in addition to the Administration’s National Security Supplemental Request, reflects the depth of our commitment to securing the future of a free Ukraine – and more broadly, to European and Transatlantic security. These funds provide essential assistance to bolster Ukraine’s defense, law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions; support reform efforts; boost the Ukrainian economy; investigate and prosecute war crimes; rebuild and protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure; and make Ukraine more independent of foreign donations. The vast majority of U.S. military assistance funds provided to Ukraine have supported the U.S. defense industrial base, bolstering the U.S. economy.

Invest, Align, and Compete with People’s Republic of China (PRC). The PRC is the United States’ only competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do so. Funding, including Countering PRC Influence Fund (CPIF) and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Fund, will prevent the PRC’s direct and indirect inroads detrimental to U.S. interests, raise the cost of problematic PRC activity, and provide direct alternatives to PRC offerings. In addition, the President’s Budget includes $4 billion in mandatory spending over five years to make game changing investments in the Indo-Pacific and international infrastructure to outcompete China.

Invest in our Indo-Pacific Partnerships and Alliances. The Indo-Pacific region is of vital importance to U.S. security and prosperity. The $4 billion Request will strengthen the U.S. role in the Indo-Pacific, including by strengthening our alliances and partnerships. This includes critical bilateral and regional foreign assistance, as well as resources to increase personnel directly supporting the Indo-Pacific Strategy, including recently opened or expanded embassies in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Advance Peace and Security in the Middle East by maintaining $3.3 billion in the Budget’s base security assistance consistent with the U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, and in addition to the Administration’s October Supplemental Request. This Request demonstrates our enduring support for U.S. partners in the region, including Jordan and Egypt, and bolsters regional stability against terrorist groups like Hamas, Iran-backed proxies and partners, and economic shocks and instability exacerbated by the conflict. It also maintains lifesaving assistance for the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza and continues investments in peacebuilding as a foundation for a sustainable, two-state solution with Israel.

Deliver Solutions for Shared Global Challenges. We must continue to address pressing global challenges such as irregular migration, countering synthetic drugs, global food insecurity, global health challenges, a rapidly changing climate, and growing humanitarian crises.$1.2 billion to support the ongoing U.S. government response to the global food security crisis, including $100 million for the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils. Resources will support inclusive and sustainable agricultural-led economic growth, the deployment of enhanced agricultural practices, promote a more resilient agricultural sector, and integrating nutrition-sensitive approaches supporting a well-nourished population.
$169.4 million to counter the production and trafficking of fentanyl and other synthetics that endanger public health and safety and contribute to tens of thousands of drug-overdose deaths in the United States annually.
$500 million in mandatory FY 2025 funding for the Green Climate Fund (GCF), as part of a four-year mandatory proposal to provide $3 billion to the GCF. Paired with GCF reforms, this funding will unlock private capital that will enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources, help countries to reduce their emissions, enable the most vulnerable to adapt to climate change, and strengthen the resilience of their economies and critical infrastructure.
$9.8 billion to advance U.S. leadership in addressing global health challenges, strengthening health systems, and bolstering pandemic preparedness, including through a contribution to the Pandemic Fund to support low- and middle-income countries in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
$10.3 billion to deliver lifesaving humanitarian assistance to millions of people who have been impacted or displaced by conflicts like those in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. It will also enable State and USAID to address the human suffering and displacement that have been compounded by multi-season droughts and climate induced disasters, worsening malnutrition, and food insecurity worldwide. These funds will be used to assist more than 330 million people globally who face acute food insecurity.

The Request also includes funding to unlock $36 billion in new World Bank lending. Recognizing that the challenges cannot be solved by the Request alone, we must continue to leverage multilateral institutions, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and urge others to do their part to comprehensively address these issues.

Modernize Diplomacy and Bolster our Workforce. To achieve our strategic objectives, our workforce must be equipped to meet critical challenges and take advantage of opportunities. The Request will drive an ambitious modernization of American diplomacy and development by filling 200 vacancies and establishing nearly 350 new positions, for a total workforce growth of almost 550. State’s Request adds 52 Foreign Service positions and 150 Civil Service positions, and the USAID Request adds 145 positions. The Request advances our presence in the Indo-Pacific, reduces Foreign Service vacancies, strengthens the Civil Service, enhances workplace flexibilities, and redresses long-standing inequities in compensation for our Locally Employed (LE) staff around the world. It also sustains ongoing initiatives to advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) across the foreign affairs workforce.

Protect our Diplomats, Embassies, and Data. Excluding rescissions of prior year funds, this Request includes $5.8 billion to keep our global workforce secure from an array of threats to their health and safety, address infrastructure vulnerabilities, and protect sensitive data. $3.9 billion for Diplomatic Security and related programs will protect U.S. diplomatic operations abroad, including our expanded presence in the Indo-Pacific, Libya, and Eastern Caribbean. $1.9 billion for Embassy, Security, Construction and Maintenance will provide diplomatic and consular missions overseas with secure, safe, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation. An additional $694 million is requested for cybersecurity.

Improve Consular Services through $5.1 billion in projected spending from fee revenues to increase hiring and technology investments that will improve the accessibility and efficiency of consular services, such as through the electronic Consular Report of Birth Abroad application and Online Passport Renewal. Newly requested authorities will enhance the flexibility of the fee-funded Consular and Border Security Programs (CBSP) account.

For more information on the President’s FY 2025 Budget, please visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/

###

For a copy of the Department of State and USAID Congressional Budget Justification, please visit https://www.state.gov/fy-2025-international-affairs-budget/












Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s Remarks at an International Women’s Day Reception
03/11/2024


Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s Remarks at an International Women’s Day Reception
03/11/2024 04:36 PM EDT


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s Remarks at an International Women’s Day Reception
hide

Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s Remarks at an International Women’s Day Reception


Remarks

Benjamin Franklin Room

Washington, D.C.

March 8, 2024





AMBASSADOR RAO GUPTA: Good afternoon to all of you. Thank you so much for joining us to mark International Women’s Day. I also want to say a sincere thank you to Secretary Blinken and to Director Jen Klein for their leadership and for all that they do every day to elevate women’s voices and power. (Applause.)


And most of all, thank you to each of you for being here. Together we are here to honor the unwavering bravery and fierce determination of women around the world and to remember together why we must continue to be brave, to be fierce, to be unyielding in our quest to achieve gender equality.


This has been an extraordinary week because I have had – have had the honor and the privilege to spend time and get to know each of our 2024 International Women of Courage awardees, who are here with us today. Raise your hands. (Cheers and applause.) You will hear from one of them soon, but I want to take the short time I have right now to share with you some of the insights that I have gained from my conversations with them this week.


What I’ve realized and what we’ve talked about together is that courage is not the absence of fear. These women here today and far too many around the world, they all know fear. Far too many of us are living in conflict, in displacement, without adequate access to water or food. Far too many of us are living under the thumb of an autocrat determined to squash our collective power. Far too many of us have experienced violence, whether in times of war or in times of peace, whether that’s in our homes, online, or on the street. There’s really no shortage of things to fear.


Courage, though, as one of our awardees told me, is about being scared but nevertheless doing our job – the work that we must do to advance the rights of women and girls everywhere despite that fear – a job born of compassion, a job born of empathy, a job born of love. Courage is a quiet grace. It’s about letting that love of family, of community, of country, of freedom speak louder than your fear. As another awardee told me, courage isn’t really a choice. Courage is love in action. (Applause.)


Before I turn the microphone over, I want to take a moment to acknowledge my entire team, and especially Candace, Katie, and Allison, who worked tirelessly to ensure that we could honor – (cheers and applause) – that we could honor these women today, through this week, and moving forward as they all travel to L.A.


With that, I would like to welcome my esteemed colleague and friend, Jen Klein, to the podium. It won’t surprise some of you to learn that Jen is an alum of S/GWI, and now she serves as assistant to President Biden and the director of the White House Gender Policy Council. Jen. (Applause.)


MS KLEIN: I was standing behind her to symbolize that I will always have her back. (Laughter.) Thank you, Geeta, Ambassador Rao Gupta, for your introduction, and as I said, for your partnership and your friendship, and happy International Women’s Day to all. Thank you so much for being here today.


I’d also like to extend a particular note of gratitude to Secretary Blinken, who is a true friend and a true champion for the rights of women and girls around the world. (Applause.) And I’d also like to recognize the 2024 International Women of Courage awardees here with us today, the Washington diplomatic corps, and our many civil society partners who are here.


As President Biden has said, every domestic and foreign policy we pursue rests on a foundation of dignity and equity for women. The administration’s establishment three years ago today of the Gender Policy Council I am privileged to lead has worked to elevate the status of women and girls both here at home and around the world. This is both a moral and a strategic imperative. Societies, including our own, do better when women participate and have equal opportunities. Economies grow, education rates and health outcomes decrease – increase, excuse me – political instability and violence decline, and, put simply, the status of women and girls and the stability of security of nations are inextricably linked.


To achieve this vision, this administration has marshaled historic resources, mobilized new partnerships, and spoken out in support of the rights of women and girls everywhere. We’ve increased our investment in care infrastructure globally and committed to cutting the global gender digital divide in half by 2030. We continue to be the largest donor to family planning assistance worldwide, and we’re taking action to combat the maternal health crisis both at home and abroad. We’re strengthening our government’s exercise of financial, diplomatic, and legal tools against conflict-related sexual violence and imposing sanctions driven by a focus on this abhorrent human rights abuse. And we’re addressing the alarming rise of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and its chilling effect on women’s political participation.


This is just a sample of the tremendous work that all of us have done together through all the work that colleagues across the U.S. Government, working in partnership with the private sector and civil society, are leading every day. Thank you, all of you, for your contributions to these efforts and for your tireless work to improve the lives of women and girls. Let me once again congratulate this year’s IWOC awardees, who we were proud to welcome to the White House earlier this week and who have served as an inspiration to us all and to me personally.


I now have the distinct pleasure of welcoming Secretary Blinken, who is not only, as I said, an impressive leader but a sincere advocate who embodies the principles of equity and fairness. (Applause.)


SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon and welcome to the State Department. Now, I’m sorry that you have to listen to all of us, and you’re standing there; there are no chairs. (Laughter.) Now, if it were the State of the Union you’d be standing and sitting and standing and sitting. (Laughter.) But I’m so delighted to see all of you here, and I especially also want to emphasize how pleased I am to see the awardees from this week from the International Women of Courage Award. It was the most inspiring moment of the week – maybe of many weeks – that we had at the White House with the First Lady. And to hear your stories is to be reminded – I think Geeta just said it so well – of what courage really is; and we’re grateful for your presence this afternoon.


Let me start by saying to Jen how grateful I am for your extraordinary leadership. Three years ago today, President Biden established the White House Gender Policy Council, and every day since then Jen Klein has worked with tenacity and with vision to achieve its mission: simply stated, equality, dignity, opportunity for every woman and girl. Thank you, Jen. (Applause.)


And to our indomitable Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, thank you. (Cheers and applause.) Now, so I’ve really – I’ve learned something this week from Geeta, because we had the wonderful ceremony at the White House, and the all-star lineup of extraordinary women leaders in our administration was introduced one by one, but the reception that Geeta got was unlike anything. (Laughter.) Samantha Power, Karine Jean-Pierre, Jen Klein – all very strong receptions. But Geeta – so clearly there’s something going on in this room – (laughter) – and I want my team to take some notes from this. (Laughter.)


But here’s the truth: Around the world, Ambassador Rao Gupta and her team are working to unlock opportunities for women and girls. And this is a mission, a focus, that is designed to produce results – to bring more women into decision-making roles in political and civic life; to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.


As Jen and Geeta know so well, as we work toward greater equality, it’s essential that we look to and learn from partners outside government, human rights defenders, development workers, journalists, community leaders, and survivors, and so many of you are represented in this room.


Now, I also have to tell you that for me, every single day is International Women’s Day, and it starts at home with my wife, Evan Ryan, the White House cabinet secretary who is here with us today as well. (Applause.) Although I think as Evan will acknowledge, it probably starts even more with our daughter – (laughter) – who is very much a young woman, a very young woman of – of real courage. (Laughter.) And she demonstrates this every – she’s four years old. (Laughter.)


But there is no more fitting day for – fitting way, excuse me – to mark International Women’s Day than to be with some of the individuals who inspire and inform our work, including our 2024 International Women of Courage awardees.


When I had the opportunity to be with the awardees along with the First Lady on Monday, like so many of you, I heard their extraordinary stories, their extraordinary work. In the face of incredible personal risk, they’re championing the vulnerable; they’re championing the underserved – children, the LGBTQI+ community, people living with disabilities, survivors of rape and domestic violence. The United States, by the ceremony that we had but also by the work that our leaders are doing every day, is committed to standing with them and all women who work toward a better and brighter future for their communities.


President Biden has put the empowerment and the inclusion of women and girls at the heart of our foreign policy. As the President often says, history shows us again and again and again that when women are safe and free and treated with equality, their communities are better off, their countries are better off, the world is better off. Advancing their rights – (applause) – as you heard my colleagues say, we believe strongly that advancing women’s rights, advancing their representation, is also, simply put, a moral imperative.


At the State Department, we’re working around the clock to promote greater gender equality and women’s rights around the world. And we’re putting into action a comprehensive strategy to help women contribute to and benefit from economic growth and prosperity, and that means a few things. It means providing training and education so that women can lead in all sectors. It means expanding access to childcare so that women can enter, return to, and remain in the workforce. And by the way – so many of you know this – if we were able to achieve workforce participation parity for women around the world, we would add $28 trillion to the global economy.


Just imagine what our countries, what our societies, what our world could do with those resources. Holding women back, denying their participation, simply put, is bad for everyone. Enhancing it would be good for everyone, dismantling the legal and societal barriers that stand in the way of a level playing field. In short, helping women gain their rightful autonomy over their own lives while working to close the gender gaps which cost so much to so many of us.


We’re also working to deliver on our Women, Peace, and Security Action Plan to increase women’s participation in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. And each day, in communities around the world, American diplomats and our partners are advancing women’s rights and opportunities and harnessing the benefits that come when they can realize their full potential.


But here’s the thing: For all the efforts we’re making, we simply cannot do this alone. The struggle for women’s rights is rooted in solidarity. International Women’s Day was founded in honor of the women from all backgrounds, all walks of life, who came together to demand equality. Garment workers protecting unfair pay – protesting unfair pay and horrific working conditions. Russian mothers striking for bread and peace and the right to vote. Eleanor Roosevelt advocating in the United Nations for women’s full participation in the life and responsibility of global affairs. Side by side, these great leaders with women from around the world – that includes Hansa Mehta of India, who changed the phrase “all men are born free and equal” to “all human beings are born free and equal” in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.


We see that same spirit of solidarity today – women around the world driving solutions to the challenges of our time, of our moment, from climate action to health security to internet freedom. So for me, this is an opportunity to come by and say, simply, thank you. Thank you for your extraordinary leadership. Thank you for your exploratory partnership. We will continue to listen to, to learn from, to work with each and every one of you because the reality is we have a lot more work to do. But the energy in this room, and not just from Geeta’s team – (laughter) – makes it clear that nothing is going to get in our way.


Now, the three of us have been the opening act for our main attraction because I want to turn it over now to an incredibly valued partner, one of the Department of State’s 2024 IWOC awardees, a tremendous human rights advocate, Volha Harbunova. (Applause.) After the fraudulent 2020 elections in Belarus, Volha was imprisoned by the Lukashenka regime for organizing women’s rights marches. She is now one of the leaders of the Belarusian democratic movement, where she’s working to secure the release of political prisoners and to support them upon their release. This is truly a woman of extraordinary courage, extraordinary conviction, and extraordinary leadership. Thank you. The floor is yours.


MS HARBUNOVA: (Via interpreter) Greetings, everyone. It’s a great honor for me to be here. Also, receiving this award and being here is a source of great pride. I’m also immensely grateful to you because you recognized that I was a courageous woman way before I did. I’m still getting used to that thought. (Laughter and applause.)


Two years ago today I was in a pretrial detention center, having been detained for taking part in peaceful protest. I was put in a cell for six months only for speaking out. There, I was subjected to violence, to torture, and they threatened to take my parental rights from me. They tortured all of us with cold, with lack of medical care. I didn’t receive a single letter from my daughter, even though she wrote to me every single day. Political prisoners in Belarus are made to wear a yellow tag like this, like the one I’m wearing. It’s not a badge. Five people have already died in custody. Six people have disappeared; we don’t know where they are. They are held incommunicado.


After an unfair trial, I was sentenced to three years of house arrest. In fear of further criminal prosecution, I was forced to leave my home. I was desperate. I feared for my life, and saying goodbye to my family was extremely difficult. In the middle of the night, I had to climb over a tall fence at the international border between Belarus and Lithuania and ask for political asylum. It made me very angry, and I did not give up. I became the representative for social policy at the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, which is working in exile. Every day I work to help political prisoners and their families. Every day I look for work – for ways to secure their release.


I am extremely happy to meet all of you, and I’m very happy to have met my fellow awardees, my dear sisters. During this time we’ve gained so much energy from each other, so much knowledge, so much new – so many new contacts.


During this program we’ve discussed the issues that our countries are facing. We look for solutions. We discussed different options. You are my inspiration. Because of you I am not going to give up. You shine like a diamond in my heart. (Applause.)


Women and girls in Belarus often think, “I am not anybody. I am not anything special. There are people who are more worthy than me. I don’t deserve any award.” This is how we’re being brought up by patriarchy and dictatorship in Belarus. We’re taught that we’re nobody.


For them, March 8th is just about celebrating the spring and beauty, and women are considered a mere decoration at a workplace and just homekeepers. We’re never told that we should fight for our rights. They never talk about equal opportunities and equal rights. They never let us be heard.


There is no law against domestic violence in Belarus. There is a list of 88 jobs that women are banned from holding, and currently there are at least 187 female political prisoners in custody in Belarus, where they are subjected to torture and violence.


I am not the first woman from Belarus to receive this prestigious award. There was Nasta Dashkevich before me and Maria Kolesnikova. They have both been subjected to persecution, and Maria Kolesnikova, a 2021 IWOC awardee, is now in custody and is being held incommunicado. For over a year, her family have not heard from her. She has been deprived of an attorney, of a right to receive letters and visits, and we must do everything to find out where she is and to secure her release and the release of all political prisoners. (Applause.)


Since 2020, over 8,000 women have been put through detentions and unfair trials; 1,033 of them have faced criminal charges, and repressions do not stop. Courage for women in Belarus is not a manifestation of bravery. It’s a necessary condition of survival in a totalitarian and patriarchal country.


Two years ago today, they shut down a shelter for domestic violence victims that I had worked at for over 20 years. We helped thousands of women who were beaten, sexually assaulted, persecuted online, sold into slavery, and had their children kidnapped from them.


But the Lukashenka government keeps turning a blind eye to this issue. Moreover, in the last two years, over 1,500 NGOs have been shut down, and thousands of women and girls have been left without any support. He threw the most courageous and rebellious among us in prison – Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, Halina Dzerbysh. They kicked the most unpredictable and resilient among us out of the country – Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Svetlana Alexievich. And they still can’t find the most cautious and daring among us, because we’re everywhere. We’re in every city, town, and village in Belarus. (Applause.)


I know that all political prisoners will be released and we will all return home, and I will return home. Belarus will be free, and there will be true gender equality there. (Applause.) Thank you and Happy International Women’s Day to all of you. (Cheers and applause.)



Tags
Office of Global Women’s Issues Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Women's Issues Women's Rights


Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s Remarks at an International Women’s Day Reception
03/11/2024


Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s Remarks at an International Women’s Day Reception
03/11/2024 04:36 PM EDT


HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s Remarks at an International Women’s Day Reception
hide

Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s Remarks at an International Women’s Day Reception


Remarks

Benjamin Franklin Room

Washington, D.C.

March 8, 2024





AMBASSADOR RAO GUPTA: Good afternoon to all of you. Thank you so much for joining us to mark International Women’s Day. I also want to say a sincere thank you to Secretary Blinken and to Director Jen Klein for their leadership and for all that they do every day to elevate women’s voices and power. (Applause.)


And most of all, thank you to each of you for being here. Together we are here to honor the unwavering bravery and fierce determination of women around the world and to remember together why we must continue to be brave, to be fierce, to be unyielding in our quest to achieve gender equality.


This has been an extraordinary week because I have had – have had the honor and the privilege to spend time and get to know each of our 2024 International Women of Courage awardees, who are here with us today. Raise your hands. (Cheers and applause.) You will hear from one of them soon, but I want to take the short time I have right now to share with you some of the insights that I have gained from my conversations with them this week.


What I’ve realized and what we’ve talked about together is that courage is not the absence of fear. These women here today and far too many around the world, they all know fear. Far too many of us are living in conflict, in displacement, without adequate access to water or food. Far too many of us are living under the thumb of an autocrat determined to squash our collective power. Far too many of us have experienced violence, whether in times of war or in times of peace, whether that’s in our homes, online, or on the street. There’s really no shortage of things to fear.


Courage, though, as one of our awardees told me, is about being scared but nevertheless doing our job – the work that we must do to advance the rights of women and girls everywhere despite that fear – a job born of compassion, a job born of empathy, a job born of love. Courage is a quiet grace. It’s about letting that love of family, of community, of country, of freedom speak louder than your fear. As another awardee told me, courage isn’t really a choice. Courage is love in action. (Applause.)


Before I turn the microphone over, I want to take a moment to acknowledge my entire team, and especially Candace, Katie, and Allison, who worked tirelessly to ensure that we could honor – (cheers and applause) – that we could honor these women today, through this week, and moving forward as they all travel to L.A.


With that, I would like to welcome my esteemed colleague and friend, Jen Klein, to the podium. It won’t surprise some of you to learn that Jen is an alum of S/GWI, and now she serves as assistant to President Biden and the director of the White House Gender Policy Council. Jen. (Applause.)


MS KLEIN: I was standing behind her to symbolize that I will always have her back. (Laughter.) Thank you, Geeta, Ambassador Rao Gupta, for your introduction, and as I said, for your partnership and your friendship, and happy International Women’s Day to all. Thank you so much for being here today.


I’d also like to extend a particular note of gratitude to Secretary Blinken, who is a true friend and a true champion for the rights of women and girls around the world. (Applause.) And I’d also like to recognize the 2024 International Women of Courage awardees here with us today, the Washington diplomatic corps, and our many civil society partners who are here.


As President Biden has said, every domestic and foreign policy we pursue rests on a foundation of dignity and equity for women. The administration’s establishment three years ago today of the Gender Policy Council I am privileged to lead has worked to elevate the status of women and girls both here at home and around the world. This is both a moral and a strategic imperative. Societies, including our own, do better when women participate and have equal opportunities. Economies grow, education rates and health outcomes decrease – increase, excuse me – political instability and violence decline, and, put simply, the status of women and girls and the stability of security of nations are inextricably linked.


To achieve this vision, this administration has marshaled historic resources, mobilized new partnerships, and spoken out in support of the rights of women and girls everywhere. We’ve increased our investment in care infrastructure globally and committed to cutting the global gender digital divide in half by 2030. We continue to be the largest donor to family planning assistance worldwide, and we’re taking action to combat the maternal health crisis both at home and abroad. We’re strengthening our government’s exercise of financial, diplomatic, and legal tools against conflict-related sexual violence and imposing sanctions driven by a focus on this abhorrent human rights abuse. And we’re addressing the alarming rise of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and its chilling effect on women’s political participation.


This is just a sample of the tremendous work that all of us have done together through all the work that colleagues across the U.S. Government, working in partnership with the private sector and civil society, are leading every day. Thank you, all of you, for your contributions to these efforts and for your tireless work to improve the lives of women and girls. Let me once again congratulate this year’s IWOC awardees, who we were proud to welcome to the White House earlier this week and who have served as an inspiration to us all and to me personally.


I now have the distinct pleasure of welcoming Secretary Blinken, who is not only, as I said, an impressive leader but a sincere advocate who embodies the principles of equity and fairness. (Applause.)


SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon and welcome to the State Department. Now, I’m sorry that you have to listen to all of us, and you’re standing there; there are no chairs. (Laughter.) Now, if it were the State of the Union you’d be standing and sitting and standing and sitting. (Laughter.) But I’m so delighted to see all of you here, and I especially also want to emphasize how pleased I am to see the awardees from this week from the International Women of Courage Award. It was the most inspiring moment of the week – maybe of many weeks – that we had at the White House with the First Lady. And to hear your stories is to be reminded – I think Geeta just said it so well – of what courage really is; and we’re grateful for your presence this afternoon.


Let me start by saying to Jen how grateful I am for your extraordinary leadership. Three years ago today, President Biden established the White House Gender Policy Council, and every day since then Jen Klein has worked with tenacity and with vision to achieve its mission: simply stated, equality, dignity, opportunity for every woman and girl. Thank you, Jen. (Applause.)


And to our indomitable Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, thank you. (Cheers and applause.) Now, so I’ve really – I’ve learned something this week from Geeta, because we had the wonderful ceremony at the White House, and the all-star lineup of extraordinary women leaders in our administration was introduced one by one, but the reception that Geeta got was unlike anything. (Laughter.) Samantha Power, Karine Jean-Pierre, Jen Klein – all very strong receptions. But Geeta – so clearly there’s something going on in this room – (laughter) – and I want my team to take some notes from this. (Laughter.)


But here’s the truth: Around the world, Ambassador Rao Gupta and her team are working to unlock opportunities for women and girls. And this is a mission, a focus, that is designed to produce results – to bring more women into decision-making roles in political and civic life; to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.


As Jen and Geeta know so well, as we work toward greater equality, it’s essential that we look to and learn from partners outside government, human rights defenders, development workers, journalists, community leaders, and survivors, and so many of you are represented in this room.


Now, I also have to tell you that for me, every single day is International Women’s Day, and it starts at home with my wife, Evan Ryan, the White House cabinet secretary who is here with us today as well. (Applause.) Although I think as Evan will acknowledge, it probably starts even more with our daughter – (laughter) – who is very much a young woman, a very young woman of – of real courage. (Laughter.) And she demonstrates this every – she’s four years old. (Laughter.)


But there is no more fitting day for – fitting way, excuse me – to mark International Women’s Day than to be with some of the individuals who inspire and inform our work, including our 2024 International Women of Courage awardees.


When I had the opportunity to be with the awardees along with the First Lady on Monday, like so many of you, I heard their extraordinary stories, their extraordinary work. In the face of incredible personal risk, they’re championing the vulnerable; they’re championing the underserved – children, the LGBTQI+ community, people living with disabilities, survivors of rape and domestic violence. The United States, by the ceremony that we had but also by the work that our leaders are doing every day, is committed to standing with them and all women who work toward a better and brighter future for their communities.


President Biden has put the empowerment and the inclusion of women and girls at the heart of our foreign policy. As the President often says, history shows us again and again and again that when women are safe and free and treated with equality, their communities are better off, their countries are better off, the world is better off. Advancing their rights – (applause) – as you heard my colleagues say, we believe strongly that advancing women’s rights, advancing their representation, is also, simply put, a moral imperative.


At the State Department, we’re working around the clock to promote greater gender equality and women’s rights around the world. And we’re putting into action a comprehensive strategy to help women contribute to and benefit from economic growth and prosperity, and that means a few things. It means providing training and education so that women can lead in all sectors. It means expanding access to childcare so that women can enter, return to, and remain in the workforce. And by the way – so many of you know this – if we were able to achieve workforce participation parity for women around the world, we would add $28 trillion to the global economy.


Just imagine what our countries, what our societies, what our world could do with those resources. Holding women back, denying their participation, simply put, is bad for everyone. Enhancing it would be good for everyone, dismantling the legal and societal barriers that stand in the way of a level playing field. In short, helping women gain their rightful autonomy over their own lives while working to close the gender gaps which cost so much to so many of us.


We’re also working to deliver on our Women, Peace, and Security Action Plan to increase women’s participation in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. And each day, in communities around the world, American diplomats and our partners are advancing women’s rights and opportunities and harnessing the benefits that come when they can realize their full potential.


But here’s the thing: For all the efforts we’re making, we simply cannot do this alone. The struggle for women’s rights is rooted in solidarity. International Women’s Day was founded in honor of the women from all backgrounds, all walks of life, who came together to demand equality. Garment workers protecting unfair pay – protesting unfair pay and horrific working conditions. Russian mothers striking for bread and peace and the right to vote. Eleanor Roosevelt advocating in the United Nations for women’s full participation in the life and responsibility of global affairs. Side by side, these great leaders with women from around the world – that includes Hansa Mehta of India, who changed the phrase “all men are born free and equal” to “all human beings are born free and equal” in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.


We see that same spirit of solidarity today – women around the world driving solutions to the challenges of our time, of our moment, from climate action to health security to internet freedom. So for me, this is an opportunity to come by and say, simply, thank you. Thank you for your extraordinary leadership. Thank you for your exploratory partnership. We will continue to listen to, to learn from, to work with each and every one of you because the reality is we have a lot more work to do. But the energy in this room, and not just from Geeta’s team – (laughter) – makes it clear that nothing is going to get in our way.


Now, the three of us have been the opening act for our main attraction because I want to turn it over now to an incredibly valued partner, one of the Department of State’s 2024 IWOC awardees, a tremendous human rights advocate, Volha Harbunova. (Applause.) After the fraudulent 2020 elections in Belarus, Volha was imprisoned by the Lukashenka regime for organizing women’s rights marches. She is now one of the leaders of the Belarusian democratic movement, where she’s working to secure the release of political prisoners and to support them upon their release. This is truly a woman of extraordinary courage, extraordinary conviction, and extraordinary leadership.  Thank you.  The floor is yours.

This email was sent to politikimx@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520