Luxembourg National Day
06/23/2024
Luxembourg National Day
06/23/2024 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Luxembourg on the anniversary of the Grand Duke’s official birthday.
The United States and Luxembourg are strong Allies with a long history of shared values. We are innovators and partners on some of the biggest challenges of our time – addressing the climate crisis, strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring economic prosperity for our peoples and ensuring a secure and peaceful future, among many other priorities. Together we stand shoulder to shoulder in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s aggression and in holding Putin accountable for his unjustified war. I look forward to Luxembourg’s participation in the NATO Summit this summer, as we work to strengthen NATO and defend our future.
Luxembourg is investing in space, collective defense, and cyber capabilities, investments which position you for a bright and prosperous future. The United States values Luxembourg’s friendship and I welcome our continued partnership to make the world a better place.
I join you in celebrating Luxembourg National Day and send my best wishes for the health and prosperity of all Luxembourgish people.
Luxembourg National Day
06/23/2024
Luxembourg National Day
06/23/2024 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Luxembourg on the anniversary of the Grand Duke’s official birthday.
The United States and Luxembourg are strong Allies with a long history of shared values. We are innovators and partners on some of the biggest challenges of our time – addressing the climate crisis, strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring economic prosperity for our peoples and ensuring a secure and peaceful future, among many other priorities. Together we stand shoulder to shoulder in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s aggression and in holding Putin accountable for his unjustified war. I look forward to Luxembourg’s participation in the NATO Summit this summer, as we work to strengthen NATO and defend our future.
Luxembourg is investing in space, collective defense, and cyber capabilities, investments which position you for a bright and prosperous future. The United States values Luxembourg’s friendship and I welcome our continued partnership to make the world a better place.
I join you in celebrating Luxembourg National Day and send my best wishes for the health and prosperity of all Luxembourgish people.
Under Secretary Bass’s Travel to Belgium
06/23/2024
Under Secretary Bass’s Travel to Belgium
06/23/2024 08:30 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass will travel to Brussels, Belgium June 24 for a series of meetings with EU, NATO, and Belgian counterparts. Under Secretary Bass will discuss continued support for Ukraine, leveraging Russian sovereign assets, the need for hostage release and a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, and priorities for the NATO Summit to be held July 9-11 in Washington, D.C.
Under Secretary Bass’s Travel to Belgium
06/23/2024
Under Secretary Bass’s Travel to Belgium
06/23/2024 08:30 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass will travel to Brussels, Belgium June 24 for a series of meetings with EU, NATO, and Belgian counterparts. Under Secretary Bass will discuss continued support for Ukraine, leveraging Russian sovereign assets, the need for hostage release and a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, and priorities for the NATO Summit to be held July 9-11 in Washington, D.C.
Joint Statement by Senior Officials of the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan on DPRK-Russia Cooperation
06/23/2024
Joint Statement by Senior Officials of the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan on DPRK-Russia Cooperation
06/23/2024 10:13 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below text is a joint statement on behalf of U.S. Senior Official for the DPRK Jung Pak, ROK Vice Foreign Minister for Strategy and Intelligence Cho Koo-rae, and Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Namazu Hiroyuki following their June 24 call to discuss recent developments in DPRK-Russia relations.
Begin Text:
The United States, ROK, and Japan condemn in the strongest possible terms deepening military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including continued arms transfers from the DPRK to Russia that prolong the suffering of the Ukrainian people, violate multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and threaten stability in both Northeast Asia and Europe. The advancement of the DPRK-Russia partnership, as highlighted by the signing of the “Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” during Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s June 19 visit to Pyongyang, should be of grave concern to anyone with an interest in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, upholding the global non-proliferation regime, and supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence against Russia’s brutal aggression. The United States, ROK, and Japan reaffirm their intention to further strengthen diplomatic and security cooperation to counter the threats the DPRK poses to regional and global security and to prevent escalation of the situation. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the ROK and Japan remain ironclad. The United States, ROK, and Japan also reaffirm that the path to dialogue remains open and urge the DPRK to cease further provocations and return to negotiations.
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Joint Statement by Senior Officials of the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan on DPRK-Russia
Joint Statement by Senior Officials of the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan on DPRK-Russia Cooperation
06/23/2024 10:13 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below text is a joint statement on behalf of U.S. Senior Official for the DPRK Jung Pak, ROK Vice Foreign Minister for Strategy and Intelligence Cho Koo-rae, and Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Namazu Hiroyuki following their June 24 call to discuss recent developments in DPRK-Russia relations.
Begin Text:
The United States, ROK, and Japan condemn in the strongest possible terms deepening military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including continued arms transfers from the DPRK to Russia that prolong the suffering of the Ukrainian people, violate multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and threaten stability in both Northeast Asia and Europe. The advancement of the DPRK-Russia partnership, as highlighted by the signing of the “Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” during Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s June 19 visit to Pyongyang, should be of grave concern to anyone with an interest in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, upholding the global non-proliferation regime, and supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and independence against Russia’s brutal aggression. The United States, ROK, and Japan reaffirm their intention to further strengthen diplomatic and security cooperation to counter the threats the DPRK poses to regional and global security and to prevent escalation of the situation. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the ROK and Japan remain ironclad. The United States, ROK, and Japan also reaffirm that the path to dialogue remains open and urge the DPRK to cease further provocations and return to negotiations.
End Text
Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Molly Phee Travels to Minneapolis, Minnesota for Global Minnesota
06/24/2024
Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Molly Phee Travels to Minneapolis, Minnesota for Global Minnesota
06/24/2024 07:09 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee is traveling to Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 23-25 to participate in a series of events focused on the importance of U.S. – Africa relations organized by Global Minnesota. During the visit, she will also speak at the East Africa Leadership Summit, a conference hosted by the Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies that will bring together the diverse community of East African diaspora Minnesotans.
Follow her trip on Twitter/X @AsstSecStateAF. Media can contact AF-Press@state.gov with questions.
On the Departure of Derek Chollet and Appointment of Tom Sullivan as Counselor
06/24/2024
On the Departure of Derek Chollet and Appointment of Tom Sullivan as Counselor
06/24/2024 09:44 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
For the past three and a half years, I have depended on Derek Chollet’s wise counsel and steady hand in helping navigate the toughest issues the United States faces. Derek is a quintessential five-tool player. Over the course of his career, he has served in positions across the national security community and academia, building a breadth of experience that the rest of us rely on every day. During his time at the State Department, he has taken on some of the toughest diplomatic assignments, from the Balkans and Burma to Pakistan and Northern Ireland, and for the past nine months has been key to shaping our response to the crisis in the Middle East.
While I am sad to lose Derek from our team at the State Department, I know the country will continue to benefit from his service at the Pentagon. Secretary Austin couldn’t have made a better choice for his next Chief of Staff.
I am appointing Tom Sullivan as the next Counselor of the United States Department of State. Tom has been my Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy since my first day as Secretary, serving in a position he previously held under Secretary Kerry. Tom has an unmatched depth of knowledge about how national security policy is formulated and implemented, one that he brings to bear every day on behalf of the American people. He has traveled the world with me and been by my side for meetings with heads of state, foreign ministers, and other world leaders as we rebuilt our alliances and partnerships, confronted Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, stabilized our relationship with China while standing up for American interests, and worked to build lasting peace, security, and stability in the Middle East. I look forward to continuing to draw on his wit and wisdom in this new role.
On the Departure of Derek Chollet and Appointment of Tom Sullivan as Counselor
06/24/2024
On the Departure of Derek Chollet and Appointment of Tom Sullivan as Counselor
06/24/2024 09:44 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
For the past three and a half years, I have depended on Derek Chollet’s wise counsel and steady hand in helping navigate the toughest issues the United States faces. Derek is a quintessential five-tool player. Over the course of his career, he has served in positions across the national security community and academia, building a breadth of experience that the rest of us rely on every day. During his time at the State Department, he has taken on some of the toughest diplomatic assignments, from the Balkans and Burma to Pakistan and Northern Ireland, and for the past nine months has been key to shaping our response to the crisis in the Middle East.
While I am sad to lose Derek from our team at the State Department, I know the country will continue to benefit from his service at the Pentagon. Secretary Austin couldn’t have made a better choice for his next Chief of Staff.
I am appointing Tom Sullivan as the next Counselor of the United States Department of State. Tom has been my Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy since my first day as Secretary, serving in a position he previously held under Secretary Kerry. Tom has an unmatched depth of knowledge about how national security policy is formulated and implemented, one that he brings to bear every day on behalf of the American people. He has traveled the world with me and been by my side for meetings with heads of state, foreign ministers, and other world leaders as we rebuilt our alliances and partnerships, confronted Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, stabilized our relationship with China while standing up for American interests, and worked to build lasting peace, security, and stability in the Middle East. I look forward to continuing to draw on his wit and wisdom in this new role.
Secretary of State Participation in the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit
06/24/2024
Secretary of State Participation in the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit
06/24/2024 10:02 AM EDT
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will deliver remarks at the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit on June 25, 2024 at 10:55 a.m. ET.
The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the highest profile event in the United States to facilitate business investment by connecting thousands of investors, companies, economic development organizations, and industry experts to make deals happen. SelectUSA Investment Summits have attracted thousands of international companies, generating more than $110 billion in new investment projects and supporting more than 85,000 jobs across the United States.
Media representatives wishing to attend the remarks must register for a press pass at SelectUSA, with video camera preset time at 8:30 a.m. ET and final call time for still photographers and writers at 10:30 a.m. ET. The Summit will take place at the Gaylord National Convention Center 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745.
The Secretary’s remarks will be streamed live on state.gov and the Department’s YouTube channel.
For more information contact the Economic and Business Affairs Press Office at EB-Press-Inquiry@state.gov.
Secretary of State Participation in the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit
06/24/2024
Secretary of State Participation in the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit
06/24/2024 10:02 AM EDT
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will deliver remarks at the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit on June 25, 2024 at 10:55 a.m. ET.
The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the highest profile event in the United States to facilitate business investment by connecting thousands of investors, companies, economic development organizations, and industry experts to make deals happen. SelectUSA Investment Summits have attracted thousands of international companies, generating more than $110 billion in new investment projects and supporting more than 85,000 jobs across the United States.
Media representatives wishing to attend the remarks must register for a press pass at SelectUSA, with video camera preset time at 8:30 a.m. ET and final call time for still photographers and writers at 10:30 a.m. ET. The Summit will take place at the Gaylord National Convention Center 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745.
The Secretary’s remarks will be streamed live on state.gov and the Department’s YouTube channel.
For more information contact the Economic and Business Affairs Press Office at EB-Press-Inquiry@state.gov.
Deputy Secretary Verma Travels to New Hampshire and Massachusetts
06/24/2024
Deputy Secretary Verma Travels to New Hampshire and Massachusetts
06/24/2024 11:46 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
On June 25, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will travel to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Boston, Massachusetts.
In Portsmouth, the Deputy Secretary will welcome new U.S. citizens participating in a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony at the Department of State’s National Visa Center, which has carried out immigrant visa processing for 30 years. He will also visit the National Passport Center to acknowledge the team’s significant contributions toward the issuance of a record-breaking 24 million passport books and cards last year.
The Deputy Secretary will also participate in a roundtable discussion with local and national elected officials, business leaders, and other dignitaries. They will discuss how the State Department advances a foreign policy that elevates the voice, vision, and role of local government and the private sector to benefit all Americans by addressing climate change, fostering tourism, and promoting safe international travel, academic and cultural exchanges, and international trade and investment.
In Boston, Deputy Secretary Verma will participate in a fireside chat on the State of the State Department and National Security, hosted by WorldBoston at the Boston Public Library. WorldBoston is a non-governmental organization partner in the Global Ties U.S. network that manages the International Visitor Leadership Program, which brings current and emerging foreign leaders to the United States to experience this country firsthand and cultivate relationships.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Release of the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report
06/24/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Release of the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report
06/24/2024 01:29 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Benjamin Franklin Room
AMBASSADOR DYER: Good morning, everyone. My name is Cindy Dyer, and I have the privilege of serving as the ambassador-at-large for the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Thank you all for joining us today to mark the release of the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report or TIP Report. This is a particularly exciting year as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of our TIP Report Heroes program, as highlighted in the video we just watched. We extend our deepest thanks to Mira Sorvino, UNODC goodwill ambassador in the global fight against human trafficking, for supporting this effort and lending her voice to the video.
Since 2004, the department has recognized more than 170 TIP Report Heroes from around the world. These individuals have made significant contributions to the antitrafficking movement. It is both an honor and a humbling experience to share this stage with the 2024 heroes we are recognizing here today.
During today’s program, Secretary Blinken will deliver remarks on the 2024 TIP Report. Next we will honor the 10 TIP Report Heroes for their outstanding efforts in combating human trafficking in the face of hardships and challenging environments. We will also hear from one of the heroes who will speak on behalf of this year’s honorees. After the ceremony, we invite you to visit state.gov to read this year’s report and learn more about these extraordinary individuals. To those gathered here, we invite you to join us for a reception in the Delegates’ Lounge.
The TIP Report stands as a key cornerstone of our collective global efforts to fight human trafficking. This year’s – the report introduction focuses on the intersection of technology and human trafficking. As traffickers exploit technological advancements to conduct their crimes and obscure their identities, we must also take advantage of new innovations while continuing to strengthen traditional methods and practices to identify victims, disrupt criminal networks, and hold traffickers accountable.
This year’s report also explores creative practices used in the field, developed in consultation with survivors that result in more victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches. For instance, you will find information on innovative strategies in human trafficking investigations and prosecutions that can reduce reliance on victim testimony. As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand how employing these strategies provides greater protection and support for victims, strengthens the criminal case, and enhances accountability and justice.
Innovative partnerships can help us build prevention and protection efforts that are responsive to ever-evolving challenges. Our office recently launched the first ever Partnership to Prevent Trafficking in Persons, or P2P – it’s D.C., it’s got to have an acronym – P2P with Zambia. The P2P program is based on the successful Child Protection Compact program and utilizes a co-developed multi-year action plan to strengthen government efforts and civil society collaboration to combat trafficking. We plan to launch future P2P agreements to draw on the best practices gleaned from the CPC program but which will benefit all human trafficking victims no matter their age. Many adult human trafficking victims were first exploited as children but never identified and never assisted, and we shouldn’t stop caring about victims just because they turn 18.
I am also thrilled to announce that our office is planning to make an award in September to an organization that will provide technical assistance to support foreign governments and partners in their efforts to establish survivor partnership structures and engage survivor leadership. It is essential that antitrafficking advocates continually and intentionally connect and partner with communities who are most impacted by trafficking, especially those from historically marginalized populations who are often excluded during the development of policies directly affecting them.
To this end, the United States continues to prioritize establishing a new and innovative ways to incorporate survivor input into federal antitrafficking policy and programs, primarily through the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking and the department’s Human Trafficking Expert Consultant Network. Engaging with individuals who have lived experience of human trafficking and incorporating their knowledge and expertise ensures our antitrafficking initiatives benefit from diverse perspectives and insights and leads to survivor-informed policies that are more effective. These innovative partnerships and methods are crucial in our fight against human trafficking, and fortunately we have a leader who shares that vision and commitment. Thank you, Secretary Blinken, for hosting today’s events and for your continued leadership in advancing efforts to combat human trafficking both in the United States and globally.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. (Applause.)
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Very good to have you here today at the State Department, in the Benjamin Franklin Room, especially with our very honored guests. To Cindy, thank you. To everyone involved, I’m so glad we’re coming together today.
The 2024 Trafficking in Human Persons Report is a comprehensive, objective assessment of the state of antitrafficking efforts across 188 countries and territories, including the United States. For more than two decades, this report has documented emerging trends, highlighted areas of progress and setback, identified effective initiatives combatting human trafficking. Let me start by saying how grateful I am to Ambassador Dyer and the entire team. I’d also like to thank our colleagues at posts across the world for your work in gathering the information, meeting with host governments, engaging survivors to enrich the report and further our missions.
As always, our diplomacy – American diplomacy – is at its best when it reflects strong, bipartisan support. That’s why we’re also grateful for the partnership from both sides of the aisle in Congress on this crucial and, alas, enduring issue. And thank you to the Human Trafficking Expert Consultant Network and the U.S. Advisory Council, who ensure that our policies are centered where they belong: on the experiences and on the perspectives of the survivors.
We’re honored to be joined today by these 10 TIP Report Heroes, remarkably courageous individuals who are driving change, driving change in the face of daunting obstacles – often at great personal risk.
Each hero bring a unique approach to tackling this challenge, but their efforts, like those of our government, are rooted in a shared belief – a shared belief in the fundamental rights and freedoms of all people. Trafficking violates that shared belief. It also undermines the rule of law. It weakens border security. It limits people’s economic opportunity. And while trafficking is as old as humanity itself, perpetrators continue to evolve their methods.
The 2024 report examines in depth one of those emerging practices, the growing role of digital technology in trafficking, and I commend it to you for that reason among many others. Around the world, trafficking networks target and recruit victims online – through social media, through dating apps, through gaming platforms. Perpetrators conduct financial transactions in opaque cryptocurrencies. They use encryption to make it harder to detect their activities or ascertain the countries where they’re operating. And increasingly, traffickers coerce their victims into participating in online scams.
Let me give you just one example of this. Traffickers used fake job listings to lure individuals away from their homes with the promise of well-paying jobs. Instead, they were taken to an isolated, guarded compound in Burma, where their phones were confiscated. There, captives were forced to swindle people online, including American citizens – swindling them into investing in fake cryptocurrencies, typically through romance scams.
One trafficking survivor, a chemical engineer from India, told a reporter that he was locked in a cell and starved until he agreed to take part in the scams. This practice of combining human trafficking with cyber scamming is becoming more and more common.
Now, social media can reinforce stereotypes about who can be a victim of trafficking – including along lines of gender, race, ethnicity, and class – like the false but widely held notion that trafficking only affects women and girls. These misconceptions limit the ability of communities, of authorities, and even victims themselves to recognize abuse as it’s happening.
At the same time, this year’s report shows how some of these same technologies can be deployed to uncover and disrupt trafficking – and can help us better hold perpetrators accountable. Civil society and the private sector are collaborating to create and apply AI-enabled tools that detect trafficking operations. Here again, an example. Tech Against Trafficking, a coalition of leading tech companies and antitrafficking NGOs, is developing machine learning initiatives that address emerging trafficking trends and tactics. This allows advocates and governments to identify and share new vulnerabilities, as well as to more effectively track down and prosecute trafficking schemes, all the while preserving the anonymity of the victims.
Civil society groups are rolling out mobile apps to provide vulnerable individuals and groups with information about their rights, as well as about the wages, the labor conditions offered by potential employers. Other digital tools empower workers to document and report trafficking. In Brazil, the State Department assisted a trade union that represents millions of rural coffee workers to set up a help line on WhatsApp where laborers can report abuses and get the support they need.
Governments are integrating digital technology into their antitrafficking efforts. Canada, for example, worked with major financial institutions through Project PROTECT, a public-private partnership that reviews suspicious transactions to identify the potential laundering of money from trafficking.
Trafficking is the very definition of a problem that no one nation can solve alone. More than ever, we have to work not only with governments but along with the private sector, civil society, multinational organizations, citizens, and survivors who understand the complex challenge and how we can confront it, and they know this better than anyone – survivors like Al-Amin Noyon.
After graduating from university, he was lured away from his village in Bangladesh by a man who promised a higher-paying job abroad. Noyon’s parents sold much of their land to cover the cost of his passport and fees. Instead, he was taken to a neighboring country, where he was forced to work alongside others who were clearing a dense jungle. They were never paid. No one was allowed to leave. “If we were tired or refused to work, we would be beaten,” Noyon said.
For seven months, he worked in these brutal conditions – until he and others waged a dangerous escape. Eventually, Noyon made his way to the Bangladeshi embassy – and finally, back home.
But that is not the end of his story. Having escaped, Noyon decided to dedicate himself to helping those who found themselves victims of trafficking. As he put it, “I turned my scars into my strength.” Years later, thousands of people – thousands of people – owe their freedom to his efforts.
Today, we honor Noyon as one of our TIP Heroes. His story is a testament to the extraordinary resilience of the survivors – and all that they contribute to this shared movement.
So I wanted to highlight the report to you, but I especially now want to get out of the way so that you can appreciate and applaud the extraordinary individuals who share this stage with us – our TIP Report Heroes. To them, to all of you here who are working on this vital mission: Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Cindy, back to you. (Applause.)
AMBASSADOR DYER: Thank you, Secretary Blinken. I am excited to indeed now turn our attention to the 2024 TIP Report Heroes. Please join me as we recognize and honor this year’s 10 heroes.
First, Al-Amin Noyon, from Bangladesh, in – (applause) – in recognition of his exceptional efforts managing a migration information center, using his professional and personal experience to provide survivor-centered support to an estimated 35,000 trafficking victims and migrants returning to Bangladesh. (Applause.)
Marcela Martinez from Bolivia, in recognition – (applause and cheers) – in recognition of her extraordinary leadership in the antitrafficking movement in Bolivia, spurring antitrafficking legal protections, increasing the visibility of searches for trafficking victims, and providing social and economic reintegration support to survivors. (Applause.)
Maria Werlau from Cuba – (applause) – in recognition of her persistent and courageous efforts to amplify the voices and stories of survivors of forced labor and exploitation in Cuba’s labor export program, including its medical brigades. (Applause.)
Mustafa Ridha Mustafa al-Yasiri, from Iraq – (applause) – in recognition of his many years of courageous antitrafficking work, increasing identification of trafficking victims, and continuously improving support and services provided to Iraqi and foreign trafficking victims. (Applause.)
Edith Murogo, in recognition of her decades – (applause) – spent fighting against human trafficking and labor exploitation; in particular, her advocacy on behalf of domestic workers, pushing for coordination among service providers to improve shelter provision and lobbying government for strengthened protections. (Applause.)
Oumou Elkhairou Niaré Samaké from Mali – (applause) – in recognition of her tireless efforts to reinvigorate Mali’s antitrafficking efforts, leading the development of a national action plan to combat trafficking in persons, and advocating for the passage of laws that have provisions for higher punishments for trafficking in persons and hereditary slavery offenses. (Applause.)
Samson Inocencio from the Philippines – (applause) – in recognition of his courageous leadership and distinguished career in partnering with the Philippine Government to enhance the public justice system and civil society’s response to human trafficking, leading to the identification of and assistance to over a thousand survivors, the convictions of hundreds of traffickers, and the protection of many children from exploitation. (Applause.)
Marijana Savic from Serbia – (applause) – in recognition of her acclaimed antitrafficking work in Serbia, relentless push for sustainable policy solutions, insistence on the provision of victim-centered approaches, prioritization of vulnerable survivors, and innovative work promoting long-term economic integration for survivors to prevent revictimization. (Applause.)
Rosa Cendón from Spain – (applause) – in recognition of her influential role in antitrafficking advocacy in Catalonia, her pivotal role in the design of national victim protection policies, contributions to the development of detection and intervention tools, and advocacy for the establishment of an NGO network to support refugees and integrate antitrafficking measures into the asylum reception system. (Applause.)
And Letitia Pinas – (applause) – in recognition of her dedicated efforts as head of the Suriname police force’s TIP unit in the absence of any antitrafficking NGOs in the country to improve the unit’s work investigating suspects, identify and serve victims, while strengthening community outreach and the public’s trust in the unit. (Applause.)
Congratulations again to the 2024 TIP Report Heroes. Now we have the honor to hear from one of our heroes this morning. Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Edith Murogo. (Applause.)
MS MUROGO: Good morning, everyone, and jambo from Kenya. I am Edith Murogo, working with the Center for Domestic Training and Development, and a member of a very robust CSO network in Nairobi that works on fighting trafficking, smuggling of migrants, and child labor. I’m also very happy and excited to see someone I met almost 10 years ago, former ambassador Mr. C.deBaca. Thank you so much. We were very encouraged by your visit, and I’m very happy to see you here this morning.
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, fellow awardees, and distinguished members of the U.S. Government, it is a profound honor to represent my fellow Trafficking in Persons Report Heroes today. We are humbled and grateful for this recognition of our efforts to eradicate human trafficking, a scourge that continues to plague our global community. We have dedicated our lives to restoring the rights, dignity, and humanity of those affected.
Our heroes today exemplify the spirit of grassroots advocates who have dedicated their time and risked their lives to combat this heinous crime. Our journey as heroes has been driven by the firm conviction that change is possible. By coming together, we can dismantle the structures that enable trafficking and build systems that protect and empower the vulnerable. This ceremony validates the efforts of our colleagues around the world who are courageously confronting human trafficking. So it’s not just for us who are here.
This event reminds us of the challenges ahead. Working alongside victims and survivors, I have witnessed how this abhorrent crime festers in the shadows. As composer Du Yun observed, when we think of human trafficking, we always think that it’s far away from us, yet the reality is trafficking permeates our communities. This begs the question: Why does human trafficking continue to thrive? A confluence of factors: poverty, political instability, systemic inequalities, and social injustices create fertile ground for this crime, which is fueled by ignorance, corruption, and greed.
What can the global community do? As Condoleezza Rice said, defeating human trafficking is a great moral calling of our time. I propose five actions.
The first one is to raise awareness. Our first step is to educate the public on indicators of trafficking, and the grim realities victims face, so communities can take proactive measures.
Number two: We need to support survivors. We need robust support systems for survivors, including safe shelters, legal advocacy, medical care, and psychological support. The NGOs leading this effort require sustained financial backing.
Strengthen legislation: Our governments must adopt and enforce laws that ensure severe penalties for perpetrators. Given the transnational nature of trafficking, international collaboration is critical.
Promote economic opportunities – and this is very important: Tackling the root causes of human trafficking requires addressing the economic disenfranchisement and educational deficits that traffickers exploit.
Build partnerships: We have an African proverb that says if you want to go far, go alone. If you want to go far, go together – sorry. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. We cannot win the fight against trafficking alone. Let us partner in a global network of support.
For now, I leave you with an urgent call to uphold our core values: freedom, justice, and human dignity. As Martin Luther King, Jr. asserted, the time is always right to do what is right. In conclusion, let us heed the words of former President Barack Obama: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we have been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Together we can be the change that eradicates human trafficking.
Thank you so much to all of you. (Applause.)
AMBASSADOR DYER: Thank you so much, Mrs. Murogo, for your thoughtful remarks on behalf of all of the TIP Report Heroes this year. And to you to all of our TIP Report Heroes for the amazing work that you all do.
Before we depart today, I would like to thank the staff of the Trafficking in Persons Office, and our colleagues across the State Department, for your commitment and dedication to producing the TIP Report. I have often told my staff that when I took this job, I knew it was my dream job, but I didn’t know that the dream job came with the dream team. (Laughter.) It does. They are the dream team.
Also, a special thanks to our counterparts in the Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau who continue to serve as close partners for our office, including in production of the report and in the planning of the annual TIP Report Heroes IVLP program.
Lastly, I want to express our gratitude to our partners around the world in government, civil society, and those with lived experience for the strong collaboration in informing the TIP Report. Your insights guide our understanding of human trafficking in all its forms and the promising practices being used to combat and prevent it.
Again, I invite you to visit our website, state.gov, to read this year’s TIP Report. Thank you again for your commitment and partnership, and please join us for a reception in the Delegates’ Lounge. Thank you. (Applause.)
Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Release of the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report
06/24/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Release of the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report
06/24/2024 01:29 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Benjamin Franklin Room
AMBASSADOR DYER: Good morning, everyone. My name is Cindy Dyer, and I have the privilege of serving as the ambassador-at-large for the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Thank you all for joining us today to mark the release of the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report or TIP Report. This is a particularly exciting year as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of our TIP Report Heroes program, as highlighted in the video we just watched. We extend our deepest thanks to Mira Sorvino, UNODC goodwill ambassador in the global fight against human trafficking, for supporting this effort and lending her voice to the video.
Since 2004, the department has recognized more than 170 TIP Report Heroes from around the world. These individuals have made significant contributions to the antitrafficking movement. It is both an honor and a humbling experience to share this stage with the 2024 heroes we are recognizing here today.
During today’s program, Secretary Blinken will deliver remarks on the 2024 TIP Report. Next we will honor the 10 TIP Report Heroes for their outstanding efforts in combating human trafficking in the face of hardships and challenging environments. We will also hear from one of the heroes who will speak on behalf of this year’s honorees. After the ceremony, we invite you to visit state.gov to read this year’s report and learn more about these extraordinary individuals. To those gathered here, we invite you to join us for a reception in the Delegates’ Lounge.
The TIP Report stands as a key cornerstone of our collective global efforts to fight human trafficking. This year’s – the report introduction focuses on the intersection of technology and human trafficking. As traffickers exploit technological advancements to conduct their crimes and obscure their identities, we must also take advantage of new innovations while continuing to strengthen traditional methods and practices to identify victims, disrupt criminal networks, and hold traffickers accountable.
This year’s report also explores creative practices used in the field, developed in consultation with survivors that result in more victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches. For instance, you will find information on innovative strategies in human trafficking investigations and prosecutions that can reduce reliance on victim testimony. As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand how employing these strategies provides greater protection and support for victims, strengthens the criminal case, and enhances accountability and justice.
Innovative partnerships can help us build prevention and protection efforts that are responsive to ever-evolving challenges. Our office recently launched the first ever Partnership to Prevent Trafficking in Persons, or P2P – it’s D.C., it’s got to have an acronym – P2P with Zambia. The P2P program is based on the successful Child Protection Compact program and utilizes a co-developed multi-year action plan to strengthen government efforts and civil society collaboration to combat trafficking. We plan to launch future P2P agreements to draw on the best practices gleaned from the CPC program but which will benefit all human trafficking victims no matter their age. Many adult human trafficking victims were first exploited as children but never identified and never assisted, and we shouldn’t stop caring about victims just because they turn 18.
I am also thrilled to announce that our office is planning to make an award in September to an organization that will provide technical assistance to support foreign governments and partners in their efforts to establish survivor partnership structures and engage survivor leadership. It is essential that antitrafficking advocates continually and intentionally connect and partner with communities who are most impacted by trafficking, especially those from historically marginalized populations who are often excluded during the development of policies directly affecting them.
To this end, the United States continues to prioritize establishing a new and innovative ways to incorporate survivor input into federal antitrafficking policy and programs, primarily through the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking and the department’s Human Trafficking Expert Consultant Network. Engaging with individuals who have lived experience of human trafficking and incorporating their knowledge and expertise ensures our antitrafficking initiatives benefit from diverse perspectives and insights and leads to survivor-informed policies that are more effective. These innovative partnerships and methods are crucial in our fight against human trafficking, and fortunately we have a leader who shares that vision and commitment. Thank you, Secretary Blinken, for hosting today’s events and for your continued leadership in advancing efforts to combat human trafficking both in the United States and globally.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. (Applause.)
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Very good to have you here today at the State Department, in the Benjamin Franklin Room, especially with our very honored guests. To Cindy, thank you. To everyone involved, I’m so glad we’re coming together today.
The 2024 Trafficking in Human Persons Report is a comprehensive, objective assessment of the state of antitrafficking efforts across 188 countries and territories, including the United States. For more than two decades, this report has documented emerging trends, highlighted areas of progress and setback, identified effective initiatives combatting human trafficking. Let me start by saying how grateful I am to Ambassador Dyer and the entire team. I’d also like to thank our colleagues at posts across the world for your work in gathering the information, meeting with host governments, engaging survivors to enrich the report and further our missions.
As always, our diplomacy – American diplomacy – is at its best when it reflects strong, bipartisan support. That’s why we’re also grateful for the partnership from both sides of the aisle in Congress on this crucial and, alas, enduring issue. And thank you to the Human Trafficking Expert Consultant Network and the U.S. Advisory Council, who ensure that our policies are centered where they belong: on the experiences and on the perspectives of the survivors.
We’re honored to be joined today by these 10 TIP Report Heroes, remarkably courageous individuals who are driving change, driving change in the face of daunting obstacles – often at great personal risk.
Each hero bring a unique approach to tackling this challenge, but their efforts, like those of our government, are rooted in a shared belief – a shared belief in the fundamental rights and freedoms of all people. Trafficking violates that shared belief. It also undermines the rule of law. It weakens border security. It limits people’s economic opportunity. And while trafficking is as old as humanity itself, perpetrators continue to evolve their methods.
The 2024 report examines in depth one of those emerging practices, the growing role of digital technology in trafficking, and I commend it to you for that reason among many others. Around the world, trafficking networks target and recruit victims online – through social media, through dating apps, through gaming platforms. Perpetrators conduct financial transactions in opaque cryptocurrencies. They use encryption to make it harder to detect their activities or ascertain the countries where they’re operating. And increasingly, traffickers coerce their victims into participating in online scams.
Let me give you just one example of this. Traffickers used fake job listings to lure individuals away from their homes with the promise of well-paying jobs. Instead, they were taken to an isolated, guarded compound in Burma, where their phones were confiscated. There, captives were forced to swindle people online, including American citizens – swindling them into investing in fake cryptocurrencies, typically through romance scams.
One trafficking survivor, a chemical engineer from India, told a reporter that he was locked in a cell and starved until he agreed to take part in the scams. This practice of combining human trafficking with cyber scamming is becoming more and more common.
Now, social media can reinforce stereotypes about who can be a victim of trafficking – including along lines of gender, race, ethnicity, and class – like the false but widely held notion that trafficking only affects women and girls. These misconceptions limit the ability of communities, of authorities, and even victims themselves to recognize abuse as it’s happening.
At the same time, this year’s report shows how some of these same technologies can be deployed to uncover and disrupt trafficking – and can help us better hold perpetrators accountable. Civil society and the private sector are collaborating to create and apply AI-enabled tools that detect trafficking operations. Here again, an example. Tech Against Trafficking, a coalition of leading tech companies and antitrafficking NGOs, is developing machine learning initiatives that address emerging trafficking trends and tactics. This allows advocates and governments to identify and share new vulnerabilities, as well as to more effectively track down and prosecute trafficking schemes, all the while preserving the anonymity of the victims.
Civil society groups are rolling out mobile apps to provide vulnerable individuals and groups with information about their rights, as well as about the wages, the labor conditions offered by potential employers. Other digital tools empower workers to document and report trafficking. In Brazil, the State Department assisted a trade union that represents millions of rural coffee workers to set up a help line on WhatsApp where laborers can report abuses and get the support they need.
Governments are integrating digital technology into their antitrafficking efforts. Canada, for example, worked with major financial institutions through Project PROTECT, a public-private partnership that reviews suspicious transactions to identify the potential laundering of money from trafficking.
Trafficking is the very definition of a problem that no one nation can solve alone. More than ever, we have to work not only with governments but along with the private sector, civil society, multinational organizations, citizens, and survivors who understand the complex challenge and how we can confront it, and they know this better than anyone – survivors like Al-Amin Noyon.
After graduating from university, he was lured away from his village in Bangladesh by a man who promised a higher-paying job abroad. Noyon’s parents sold much of their land to cover the cost of his passport and fees. Instead, he was taken to a neighboring country, where he was forced to work alongside others who were clearing a dense jungle. They were never paid. No one was allowed to leave. “If we were tired or refused to work, we would be beaten,” Noyon said.
For seven months, he worked in these brutal conditions – until he and others waged a dangerous escape. Eventually, Noyon made his way to the Bangladeshi embassy – and finally, back home.
But that is not the end of his story. Having escaped, Noyon decided to dedicate himself to helping those who found themselves victims of trafficking. As he put it, “I turned my scars into my strength.” Years later, thousands of people – thousands of people – owe their freedom to his efforts.
Today, we honor Noyon as one of our TIP Heroes. His story is a testament to the extraordinary resilience of the survivors – and all that they contribute to this shared movement.
So I wanted to highlight the report to you, but I especially now want to get out of the way so that you can appreciate and applaud the extraordinary individuals who share this stage with us – our TIP Report Heroes. To them, to all of you here who are working on this vital mission: Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Cindy, back to you. (Applause.)
AMBASSADOR DYER: Thank you, Secretary Blinken. I am excited to indeed now turn our attention to the 2024 TIP Report Heroes. Please join me as we recognize and honor this year’s 10 heroes.
First, Al-Amin Noyon, from Bangladesh, in – (applause) – in recognition of his exceptional efforts managing a migration information center, using his professional and personal experience to provide survivor-centered support to an estimated 35,000 trafficking victims and migrants returning to Bangladesh. (Applause.)
Marcela Martinez from Bolivia, in recognition – (applause and cheers) – in recognition of her extraordinary leadership in the antitrafficking movement in Bolivia, spurring antitrafficking legal protections, increasing the visibility of searches for trafficking victims, and providing social and economic reintegration support to survivors. (Applause.)
Maria Werlau from Cuba – (applause) – in recognition of her persistent and courageous efforts to amplify the voices and stories of survivors of forced labor and exploitation in Cuba’s labor export program, including its medical brigades. (Applause.)
Mustafa Ridha Mustafa al-Yasiri, from Iraq – (applause) – in recognition of his many years of courageous antitrafficking work, increasing identification of trafficking victims, and continuously improving support and services provided to Iraqi and foreign trafficking victims. (Applause.)
Edith Murogo, in recognition of her decades – (applause) – spent fighting against human trafficking and labor exploitation; in particular, her advocacy on behalf of domestic workers, pushing for coordination among service providers to improve shelter provision and lobbying government for strengthened protections. (Applause.)
Oumou Elkhairou Niaré Samaké from Mali – (applause) – in recognition of her tireless efforts to reinvigorate Mali’s antitrafficking efforts, leading the development of a national action plan to combat trafficking in persons, and advocating for the passage of laws that have provisions for higher punishments for trafficking in persons and hereditary slavery offenses. (Applause.)
Samson Inocencio from the Philippines – (applause) – in recognition of his courageous leadership and distinguished career in partnering with the Philippine Government to enhance the public justice system and civil society’s response to human trafficking, leading to the identification of and assistance to over a thousand survivors, the convictions of hundreds of traffickers, and the protection of many children from exploitation. (Applause.)
Marijana Savic from Serbia – (applause) – in recognition of her acclaimed antitrafficking work in Serbia, relentless push for sustainable policy solutions, insistence on the provision of victim-centered approaches, prioritization of vulnerable survivors, and innovative work promoting long-term economic integration for survivors to prevent revictimization. (Applause.)
Rosa Cendón from Spain – (applause) – in recognition of her influential role in antitrafficking advocacy in Catalonia, her pivotal role in the design of national victim protection policies, contributions to the development of detection and intervention tools, and advocacy for the establishment of an NGO network to support refugees and integrate antitrafficking measures into the asylum reception system. (Applause.)
And Letitia Pinas – (applause) – in recognition of her dedicated efforts as head of the Suriname police force’s TIP unit in the absence of any antitrafficking NGOs in the country to improve the unit’s work investigating suspects, identify and serve victims, while strengthening community outreach and the public’s trust in the unit. (Applause.)
Congratulations again to the 2024 TIP Report Heroes. Now we have the honor to hear from one of our heroes this morning. Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Edith Murogo. (Applause.)
MS MUROGO: Good morning, everyone, and jambo from Kenya. I am Edith Murogo, working with the Center for Domestic Training and Development, and a member of a very robust CSO network in Nairobi that works on fighting trafficking, smuggling of migrants, and child labor. I’m also very happy and excited to see someone I met almost 10 years ago, former ambassador Mr. C.deBaca. Thank you so much. We were very encouraged by your visit, and I’m very happy to see you here this morning.
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, fellow awardees, and distinguished members of the U.S. Government, it is a profound honor to represent my fellow Trafficking in Persons Report Heroes today. We are humbled and grateful for this recognition of our efforts to eradicate human trafficking, a scourge that continues to plague our global community. We have dedicated our lives to restoring the rights, dignity, and humanity of those affected.
Our heroes today exemplify the spirit of grassroots advocates who have dedicated their time and risked their lives to combat this heinous crime. Our journey as heroes has been driven by the firm conviction that change is possible. By coming together, we can dismantle the structures that enable trafficking and build systems that protect and empower the vulnerable. This ceremony validates the efforts of our colleagues around the world who are courageously confronting human trafficking. So it’s not just for us who are here.
This event reminds us of the challenges ahead. Working alongside victims and survivors, I have witnessed how this abhorrent crime festers in the shadows. As composer Du Yun observed, when we think of human trafficking, we always think that it’s far away from us, yet the reality is trafficking permeates our communities. This begs the question: Why does human trafficking continue to thrive? A confluence of factors: poverty, political instability, systemic inequalities, and social injustices create fertile ground for this crime, which is fueled by ignorance, corruption, and greed.
What can the global community do? As Condoleezza Rice said, defeating human trafficking is a great moral calling of our time. I propose five actions.
The first one is to raise awareness. Our first step is to educate the public on indicators of trafficking, and the grim realities victims face, so communities can take proactive measures.
Number two: We need to support survivors. We need robust support systems for survivors, including safe shelters, legal advocacy, medical care, and psychological support. The NGOs leading this effort require sustained financial backing.
Strengthen legislation: Our governments must adopt and enforce laws that ensure severe penalties for perpetrators. Given the transnational nature of trafficking, international collaboration is critical.
Promote economic opportunities – and this is very important: Tackling the root causes of human trafficking requires addressing the economic disenfranchisement and educational deficits that traffickers exploit.
Build partnerships: We have an African proverb that says if you want to go far, go alone. If you want to go far, go together – sorry. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. We cannot win the fight against trafficking alone. Let us partner in a global network of support.
For now, I leave you with an urgent call to uphold our core values: freedom, justice, and human dignity. As Martin Luther King, Jr. asserted, the time is always right to do what is right. In conclusion, let us heed the words of former President Barack Obama: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we have been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Together we can be the change that eradicates human trafficking.
Thank you so much to all of you. (Applause.)
AMBASSADOR DYER: Thank you so much, Mrs. Murogo, for your thoughtful remarks on behalf of all of the TIP Report Heroes this year. And to you to all of our TIP Report Heroes for the amazing work that you all do.
Before we depart today, I would like to thank the staff of the Trafficking in Persons Office, and our colleagues across the State Department, for your commitment and dedication to producing the TIP Report. I have often told my staff that when I took this job, I knew it was my dream job, but I didn’t know that the dream job came with the dream team. (Laughter.) It does. They are the dream team.
Also, a special thanks to our counterparts in the Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau who continue to serve as close partners for our office, including in production of the report and in the planning of the annual TIP Report Heroes IVLP program.
Lastly, I want to express our gratitude to our partners around the world in government, civil society, and those with lived experience for the strong collaboration in informing the TIP Report. Your insights guide our understanding of human trafficking in all its forms and the promising practices being used to combat and prevent it.
Again, I invite you to visit our website, state.gov, to read this year’s TIP Report. Thank you again for your commitment and partnership, and please join us for a reception in the Delegates’ Lounge. Thank you. (Applause.)
Assistant Secretary Noyes Travels to Indianapolis
06/24/2024
Assistant Secretary Noyes Travels to Indianapolis
06/24/2024 04:12 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Assistant Secretary Noyes Travels to Indianapolis
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Assistant Secretary Noyes Travels to Indianapolis
Media Note
June 24, 2024
Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes will travel to Indianapolis from June 25-26, 2024 as part of the Welcome Corps Roadshow to highlight the impact of the private sponsorship program the Department of State launched in January 2023. The Roadshow features a series of events organized by Welcome Corps partners across the country to showcase the role of American communities in welcoming refugees. During her visit, Assistant Secretary Noyes will give keynote remarks at “Welcoming Communities in the Hoosier Heartland,” a Roadshow event co-hosted by the Community Sponsorship Hub, Patchwork Indy, and the International Marketplace Coalition. The event will spotlight how resettled refugees have enriched Indiana’s communities and feature the stories of refugees alongside Welcome Corps private sponsors.
Assistant Secretary Noyes will also meet with local refugee resettlement partners, Afghan diaspora community representatives, and Welcome Corps private sponsors.
For further information, please follow @PRMAsstSec.
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Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Indiana Office of the Spokesperson Official Domestic Travel Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance Refugees
Department of State and YouTube Announce Global Music Partnership, New Roster of U.S. Global Music Ambassadors
06/24/2024
Department of State and YouTube Announce Global Music Partnership, New Roster of U.S. Global Music Ambassadors
06/24/2024 05:05 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Department of State and YouTube Announce Global Music Partnership, New Roster of U.S. Global Music Ambassadors
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Department of State and YouTube Announce Global Music Partnership, New Roster of U.S. Global Music Ambassadors
Media Note
June 24, 2024
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and YouTube’s Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen announced today a new Department of State-YouTube partnership in support of the Department’s Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, a worldwide effort to elevate music as a diplomatic platform to promote peace and democracy in support of the United States’ broader foreign policy goals. At the core of the partnership is a roster of U.S. Global Music Ambassadors, which builds on the legacy of the iconic Jazz Ambassadors of the 1950s and 1960s and promotes peace across generations of people worldwide.
The U.S. Global Music Ambassadors represent a new generation of American music artists, ranging from emerging artists to established icons and everyone in-between, who promote peace through their work and engagement. The following American music artists, who have demonstrated excellence in their field and a commitment to promoting peace, will serve as U.S. Global Music Ambassadors. They are Chuck D, Grace Bowers, BRELAND, Kane Brown, Herbie Hancock, Denyce Graves, Jelly Roll, Teddy Swims, Justin Tranter, Armani White, and Lainey Wilson.
In addition to the new U.S. Global Music Ambassadors, the Department and YouTube will join efforts to enhance English language learning through music and across the YouTube platform. This new partnership will support opportunity and equity in the creative economy through in-country engagements with audiences and aspiring creators — beginning in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, and India. It will offer micro-grants to State Department exchange program alumni around the world who use music as a means to expand access to education, economic opportunity and equity, and inclusion. And it will raise even greater awareness and inspire action globally around the unifying power of music, during global moments, such as the G20 meetings in Brazil later this year.
This new partnership was catalyzed by the bipartisan Promoting Peace, Education, And Cultural Exchange (PEACE) Through Music Diplomacy Act signed by President Biden into law, which called on the Department to create public-private partnerships with American companies and nonprofits to use music to meet the moment, convey American leadership globally, and create connections with people worldwide. As part of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, the partnership builds on a vast array of public diplomacy exchanges and programs that promote peace and create cross-cultural connections in support of broader U.S. foreign policy goals. Learn more about the Department’s music diplomacy efforts, visit www.state.gov/music-diplomacy or contact ECA-Press@state.gov.
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Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Cultural Exchanges Music Diplomacy Office of the Spokesperson
On the Acquittal of Philippine Former Senator De Lima on All Charges
06/24/2024
On the Acquittal of Philippine Former Senator De Lima on All Charges
06/24/2024 05:36 PM EDT
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
The United States welcomes the acquittal of former Philippine Senator Leila de Lima on the final criminal charge against her. This decision follows her release on bail in November 2023 after nearly seven years of detention and her acquittal on two separate politically motivated criminal charges. The United States remains committed to working with the Philippines to strengthen democracy and human rights around the world. We continue to urge the Philippines to resolve politically motivated cases, including those against journalists and civil society, in a manner consistent with its international human rights obligations and commitments.
Under Secretary Fernandez Remarks at the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue
06/24/2024
Under Secretary Fernandez Remarks at the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue
06/24/2024 05:51 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will deliver remarks at the first-ever 2024 U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Economic Dialogue alongside Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung on June 25, 2024, at 10a.m. ET in Washington, D.C. The Under Secretary and Minister will provide opening remarks before leading the dialogue discussion to advance objectives of the CSP Joint Statement, including economic security, semiconductors, investment climate, digital economy, cyberspace, energy, and critical minerals.
Media representatives wishing to attend the remarks must RSVP by email to E_Communications@state.gov, with video camera preset time at 9:30 a.m. ET and final call time for still photographers and writers at 9:45 a.m. ET. The remarks will take place at the Harry S Truman Building, 2201 C St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20520, and press access will be the C Street Main Entrance.
The Under Secretary’s remarks will not be livestreamed or recorded but published online as prepared following the conclusion of the dialogue.
For more information, contact: E_Communications@state.gov.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant
06/24/2024
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant
06/24/2024 05:42 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today. They discussed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of all hostages and alleviates the suffering of the Palestinian people. The Secretary emphasized the need to take additional steps to protect humanitarian workers in Gaza and deliver assistance throughout Gaza in full coordination with the United Nations. He updated Minister Gallant on ongoing diplomatic efforts to advance security, governance, and reconstruction in Gaza during a post-conflict period and emphasized the importance of that work to Israel’s security. He also underscored the importance of avoiding further escalation of the conflict and reaching a diplomatic resolution that allows both Israeli and Lebanese families to return to their homes. Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security.
Under Secretary Fernandez Remarks at the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue
06/24/2024
Under Secretary Fernandez Remarks at the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue
06/24/2024 05:51 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will deliver remarks at the first-ever 2024 U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Economic Dialogue alongside Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung on June 25, 2024, at 10a.m. ET in Washington, D.C. The Under Secretary and Minister will provide opening remarks before leading the dialogue discussion to advance objectives of the CSP Joint Statement, including economic security, semiconductors, investment climate, digital economy, cyberspace, energy, and critical minerals.
Media representatives wishing to attend the remarks must RSVP by email to E_Communications@state.gov, with video camera preset time at 9:30 a.m. ET and final call time for still photographers and writers at 9:45 a.m. ET. The remarks will take place at the Harry S Truman Building, 2201 C St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20520, and press access will be the C Street Main Entrance.
The Under Secretary’s remarks will not be livestreamed or recorded but published online as prepared following the conclusion of the dialogue.
For more information, contact: E_Communications@state.gov.
U.S. Department of State and YouTube Announce U.S. Global Music Ambassadors
06/24/2024
U.S. Department of State and YouTube Announce U.S. Global Music Ambassadors
06/24/2024 06:06 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Today, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and YouTube Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen announced an inaugural roster of U.S. Global Music Ambassadors as part of a U.S. Department of State-YouTube Global Music Diplomacy Partnership. These Global Music Ambassadors will, on behalf of the American people, use their music to bring people together and promote peace worldwide. The Department and YouTube will announce additional U.S. Global Music Ambassadors in the months ahead.
These American music artists, songwriters, and producers exude excellence in their fields and have demonstrated a commitment to public service and giving back. Beginning this year, U.S. Global Music Ambassadors will engage audiences, ranging from youth to marginalized populations to world leaders, to elevate music as a diplomatic platform to expand access to education, economic opportunity and equity, and inclusion. Their efforts will build on the historic legacy of the Jazz Ambassadors of the 1950s and 1960s, which included the likes of iconic American musicians and artists including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck, and Sarah Vaughan.
The U.S. Global Music Ambassadors are:Chuck D
Chuck D is a Rock and Roll Hall Of Famer, and Grammy Lifetime Achievement winner. He’s the co- founder of Public Enemy and Prophets Of Rage. He’s recognized worldwide as a legend, activist, fine artist, and best-selling author.
“Bridging cultural divides and inspiring positive change has been part of my life’s work and it is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. Being a Global Music Ambassador is an opportunity to use my voice and music to inspire everyone. New generations of human beings from many places, leading, activating and uniting – making a better world through music, which is THE universal language.” – Chuck D, U.S. Global Music AmbassadorGrace Bowers
Emerging on the music scene as a dynamic performer, Grace Bowers has played the Allman Family Revival at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, notably made her Newport Folk Festival debut in 2023 with three sets, and is slated to release her debut album this year.
“Music is one of the most important things to me and has brought so many incredible people into my life. I’m honored that I get to be a U.S. Global Music Ambassador, it’s a very cool opportunity for music to bring the world together and help further peace.” – Grace Bowers, U.S. Global Music AmbassadorBRELAND
A truly one-of-a-kind force on the Country scene, BRELAND is reshaping the genre’s future with his fearless originality and visionary sound.
“As a Black artist with a somewhat unorthodox journey into Country music, I’ve always said that I believe ‘Country music is for everyone.’ For me, the connective tissue of the genre lies in the storytelling, and everyone has a unique story to tell. The more I travel, the more I realize how interconnected our stories actually are. We all have more in common than we think, and our differences don’t have to be a barrier. It is an incredible honor to be a Global Music Ambassador, and I’m excited to continue using my art to build cultural bridges around the world in a way only music can. That 8-year-old kid spinning his globe from Burlington, New Jersey would have never imagined the places his gifts would take him, but I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity now.” – BRELAND, U.S. Global Music AmbassadorKane Brown
Named “the future of country music” (Billboard), multi-Platinum-selling, award-winning singer/songwriter Kane Brown recently released the follow up to his 11th #1 single at Country radio – “Miles On It” with Marshmello and is on his 2024 In The Air Headline Tour.
“I’m proud to be a Global Music Ambassador and tour the world while representing country music to fans everywhere. Music brings people together and I feel so fortunate that I am able to be a part of that through touring the world. I’ve gotten to meet so many incredible fans in so many different countries across the globe.” – Kane Brown, U.S. Global Music AmbassadorHerbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock is an internationally renowned pianist and composer who is one of the most innovative and influential musicians of our time. A true icon of modern music, he has shaped the direction of jazz, fusion, funk and hip-hop for more than six decades.
“There has never been a greater need for music than right now. My entire life has been devoted to making connections with people through music, and serving as a United States Global Music Ambassador is an incredible opportunity to work with the U.S. State Department, YouTube and my fellow musicians to promote peace and unity for citizens around the world.” – Herbie Hancock, U.S. Global Music AmbassadorJelly Roll
Jelly Roll is an award-winning, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter whose debut Country album, Whitsitt Chapel, secured Top 3 on the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart and #2 on the Top Country Album charts. The Billboard Country Power List Cover star received Billboard’s 2023 Breakthrough Award and the People’s Choice Award for Male Country Artist of the Year.
“I was just able to announce my first official international tour dates, so partnering with YouTube and the U.S. State Department to be a Global Music Ambassador feels especially meaningful.” – Jelly Roll, U.S. Global Music AmbassadorTeddy Swims
Steadily climbing his way to the forefront of popular culture, Teddy Swims has spent most of 2024 on his sold out ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy’ world tour, released a live version of the album alongside his band Freak Freely and I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1.5).
“When YouTube came to me about becoming a part of the U.S. Global Ambassadorship program, it was a no brainer. I’ve said it before – music saved my life and being a part of a program that believes in the power of bringing people together from all walks of life, generations, and cultural backgrounds through music is what I love and hope to do with my music. I always say that we need to build longer tables, not taller fences.” – Teddy Swims, U.S. Global Music AmbassadorJustin Tranter
A two-time Grammy nominee, Justin Tranter is one of the most in-demand producers and songwriters in music today, an ACLU Bill of Rights Award-winning activist and founder of Facet Records and Facet Publishing.
“As a global music ambassador, I’m honored to represent my country and harness the craft of songwriting to help foster peace and unity. Through melody and lyric, I strive to create songs that resonate globally, celebrating our shared humanity while acknowledging our unique experiences. Collaborating with artists from diverse backgrounds, we create a harmonious chorus that transcends differences and inspires connection. As an Ambassador I hope to continue using the power of music to bridge divides, heal wounds, and ignite a collective spirit of hope.” – Justin Tranter, U.S. Global Music AmbassadorArmani White
Profound, yet buoyantly energetic, Armani White wants to trademark happy hood music. Pairing dexterous flows with dense introspection and spurts of impassioned melodies, the 27-year-old delivers a colorful, but poignant soundtrack for survivors.
“My goal in creating art has always been to be a part of history. And this is one of those historical moments that I’m honored to be a part of. In 50 years, I think this will be remembered as one of those pivotal years in shaping the future of music, so I’m claiming my corner as the voice of my city and culture and planting a flag for all the unique creatives.” – Armani White, U.S. Global Music Ambassador
Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and actress, who took home her first Grammy this past year for “Best Country Album.” One of the most awarded artists at the 2023 CMA Awards, Wilson has proved to be quite the “artist to watch.”
“I am so honored to participate in this program as a U.S. Global Music Ambassador for the launch of the Global Music Diplomacy Partnership. The power of art and storytelling is incredibly important and I’m grateful to have opportunities to tour and connect with people over songs and music around the world.” – Lainey Wilson, U.S. Global Music Ambassador
For further information, please contact eca-press@state.gov or visit www.state.gov/music-diplomacy.
United States Establishes Economic Diplomacy Action Group to Bolster U.S. Competitiveness
06/24/2024
United States Establishes Economic Diplomacy Action Group to Bolster U.S. Competitiveness
06/24/2024 08:09 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…United States Establishes Economic Diplomacy Action Group to Bolster U.S. Competitiveness
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United States Establishes Economic Diplomacy Action Group to Bolster U.S. Competitiveness
Media Note
June 24, 2024
Last week, President Biden signed a Presidential Memorandum establishing the Economic Diplomacy Action Group (EDAG), a new whole-of-government initiative to strengthen U.S. commercial diplomacy on the global stage and expand economic prosperity at home, supporting American workers and creating jobs.
The EDAG will ensure our foreign policy continues to create opportunities for American businesses globally and attract foreign investment into the United States in sectors vital to U.S. national security. The EDAG will advance U.S. economic priorities, including supply chain resilience, and deepen our shared prosperity with allies and partners. To advance its mission to promote U.S. exports, the EDAG will also create a trade expansion advisory committee with selected representatives from the private sector, labor, and other organizations to provide comment and advice.
The formation of the EDAG stems from the Championing American Business through Diplomacy Act of 2019, passed to bolster U.S. commercial competitiveness by strengthening U.S. government support of U.S. private sector interests internationally. The Secretary of State will chair the EDAG, in close consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative.
For more information about the Office of Commercial and Business Affairs, please send an e-mail to EB-Press-Inquiry@state.gov.
Tags
Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Office of Commercial and Business Affairs Office of the Spokesperson
United States Establishes Economic Diplomacy Action Group to Bolster U.S. Competitiveness
06/24/2024
United States Establishes Economic Diplomacy Action Group to Bolster U.S. Competitiveness
06/24/2024 08:09 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…United States Establishes Economic Diplomacy Action Group to Bolster U.S. Competitiveness
hide
United States Establishes Economic Diplomacy Action Group to Bolster U.S. Competitiveness
Media Note
June 24, 2024
Last week, President Biden signed a Presidential Memorandum establishing the Economic Diplomacy Action Group (EDAG), a new whole-of-government initiative to strengthen U.S. commercial diplomacy on the global stage and expand economic prosperity at home, supporting American workers and creating jobs.
The EDAG will ensure our foreign policy continues to create opportunities for American businesses globally and attract foreign investment into the United States in sectors vital to U.S. national security. The EDAG will advance U.S. economic priorities, including supply chain resilience, and deepen our shared prosperity with allies and partners. To advance its mission to promote U.S. exports, the EDAG will also create a trade expansion advisory committee with selected representatives from the private sector, labor, and other organizations to provide comment and advice.
The formation of the EDAG stems from the Championing American Business through Diplomacy Act of 2019, passed to bolster U.S. commercial competitiveness by strengthening U.S. government support of U.S. private sector interests internationally. The Secretary of State will chair the EDAG, in close consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative.
For more information about the Office of Commercial and Business Affairs, please send an e-mail to EB-Press-Inquiry@state.gov.
Tags
Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Office of Commercial and Business Affairs Office of the Spokesperson
Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Launch of the U.S. Department of State-YouTube Global Music Partnership
06/24/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Launch of the U.S. Department of State-YouTube Global Music Partnership
06/24/2024 09:10 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Treaty Room
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Launch of the U.S. Department of State-YouTube Global Music Partnership
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Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Launch of the U.S. Department of State-YouTube Global Music Partnership
Remarks
June 24, 2024
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. So we’re seriously increasing the cool factor here at the State Department this afternoon. (Laughter.)
Look, first of all, great to see everyone here today. Let me just start with this. We’ve been doing a lot on music diplomacy, and you’re going to hear more about it in just a few minutes. But the main reason we’ve been doing it, doing it so well, doing it so effectively, is Lee Satterfield, our assistant secretary of state. (Applause.)
We’ve got a few VIPs with us today, but Lee is really leading the way, the mastermind behind so much of our innovative diplomacy, enlisting Olympians, enlisting Oscar winners, enlisting Grammy awardees to serve as cultural ambassadors for the United States.
To all of you here, welcome. I especially want to thank our U.S. Global Music Ambassadors here with us today.
Chuck D – yay. (Applause.) Grace Bowers – yay. (Applause.) BRELAND. (Applause.) Denyce Graves. (Applause.) Justin Tranter. (Applause.) Armani White. (Applause.) Yeah. Lainey Wilson – yay. (Applause.)
I also want to thank Kane Brown. Herbie Hancock – yeah. (Applause.) Jelly Roll. (Applause.) And Teddy Swims.
This group – and I’ll say a few more words about them in a minute – they more than speak for themselves. But this is truly an extraordinary assemblage of talent, and I couldn’t be more grateful to each of you for not only being here today but for undertaking this mission, which I’ll talk more about in a second.
Finally, a very special welcome to Lyor Cohen, to Vivien Lewit, the entire YouTube team here with us today. Thank you. (Applause.)
So when we launched this Music Diplomacy Initiative in the fall, Lyor came to us and said, quite simply, what can we do together? And that question led to an answer, which is the partnership that we’re launching today.
All of us are here because we believe in the power of music. To inspire us, to lift us, to stir us. But also to communicate and to connect – to express who we are, where we come from, what we value, what we love, and to learn the same from others.
In that way, and I’ve seen this over more than 30 years in this business, music has a unique power in diplomacy: introducing others to our history, to our culture – creating ties that cross borders – strengthening relationships between our people, and even our governments. The number of times I’ve been able to connect with counterparts, even in governments that have different views than our own, through music, it’s been quite something to see.
As one foreign correspondent wrote after seeing Louis Armstrong play behind the Iron Curtain: “America’s secret weapon is a blue note in a minor chord.”
MR COHEN: Wow. (Laughter.)
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Music is such a powerful diplomatic force because I think it taps into something fundamental – universal, even. It’s capable of expressing common emotions and speaking to shared experiences in a way that words alone simply can’t.
When Armstrong went to Ghana on the eve of its independence, he felt an incredible sense of kinship with the people that he met. He spoke about being inspired by them, by their liberation from colonial rule – and also heartbroken by the common struggles that Ghanaians and blacks in America faced. After witnessing place violence in one of his concerts in Accra, Armstrong was moved to perform “Black and Blue.” “My only sin is in my skin… what did I do to be so black and blue?”
For decades, American musicians have reached across borders with their music. During the Cold War, Leonard Bernstein, the New York Philharmonic endeared themselves to thousands in Moscow playing Shostakovich. Sarah Vaughan became one of the best-known Americans in the former Yugoslavia after performing in Belgrade in the 1970s. In Berlin, just before the wall came down, Bruce Springsteen played to the adoration of countless fans. In post-apartheid South Africa, Whitney Houston stood alongside a new president, Nelson Mandela.
Here at the State Department, we’ve worked to bring people together through decades of music diplomacy. And today, we’re launching a Global Music Diplomacy partnership that I believe and we believe can be transformational.
We’re so grateful, Lyor, to YouTube, not only for the incredible generosity and massive global reach but for the intellectual and creative partnership that this team brings to our endeavor.
So over the next several months, together, we’ll announce new types of English-language learning through music. English-language learning is maybe our number one export. There is an extraordinary thirst around the world, and the State Department’s been playing a leading role in doing that. Now, bringing music to bear in this enterprise, I think, is going to take it to a whole new level.
We’ll set up grants for exchange alumni to use music to expand access to education and to jobs around the world. We’ll support aspiring artists and musicians so that they can participate in and grow local creative economies.
At the heart of our partnership are our Global Music Ambassadors. These are extraordinary musicians, recording artists, songwriters, producers who will travel the world, where they’ll perform for new audiences, engage with young people, collaborate with local performers, raise awareness around shared issues of interest.
And in all of the countries they visit – all of the communities that they touch – they’ll share a window – a window into American identity, American culture, American history, in all of its extraordinary diversity, and bring people together over the values, experiences, and challenges and hopes that we share.
Our Global Music Ambassadors hail from different backgrounds and different traditions. We have a legendary rapper from Flushing, Queens, who inspired us to “fight the power.” A 17-year-old blues rock virtuoso. If you’ve not had a chance to listen to Grace, do it. (Laughter.) She’s keeping – not only keeping the blues alive, she’s taking it into a whole new generation, a whole new era. A Grammy-winning country singer from a small town in Franklin Parish, Louisiana, and a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Amazing. A New Jersey soul singer shaking up country rap. A tremendous mezzo-soprano hailing from our nation’s capital. A famed songwriter from Illinois who is a tremendous advocate for the LGBTQI community and has written a generation’s worth of hit songs.
Those identities are a core part of their music. But I believe the messages they convey transcend geography; they transcend genre of music. They tell stories – stories of love and heartbreak. Of self-discovery and growth. Of insecurity and ambition. Of oppression and discrimination. Of compassion and empathy.
We live in a very different time than the era of Louis Armstrong and the Jazz Ambassadors. But the need for connection, the need for community is as urgent, maybe even more urgent than it’s ever been. And all of us – Americans, people around the world – we will be better for the ties that our new ambassadors will be forging.
So it is now my pleasure to welcome a true legend of the industry, someone who has constantly reimagined and transformed how people connect with – and through – music.
Lyor, the floor is yours.
MR COHEN: Thank you. (Applause.) Secretary Blinken and Assistant Secretary Satterfield, thank you. Thank you for your leadership on the Global Music Diplomacy and thank you for inviting us back to officially launch the next generation of Global Music Ambassadors.
As a 21-year-old road manager of Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys, I never would have imagined that I would have the opportunity and privilege to stand here in our nation’s capital, alongside all these inspiring artists and songwriters and distinguished members of state, and do something meaningful.
Music, of course, has the power to heal and unite us, transcend differences, and help promote peace in this very fractured world. YouTube, of course, is the world’s largest virtual stage, spanning over a hundred countries and 80 languages, reaching fans everywhere. So as the global head of music for Google and YouTube, I can’t think of a better partnership for all of us to come together to promote global peace through music.
Our efforts will be anchored by this remarkable group of Global Music Ambassadors representing different genres of music, generations of people, races, and genders – differences that make our country so unique and our music so exceptional.
I want to welcome my friends Chuck, Armani, BRELAND, Denyce, Grace, Justin, and Lainey. Thank you. Thank you, all of you, for graciously accepting this global music ambassadorship.
I also want to thank Herbie and Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, and Teddy Swims, of course, who unfortunately couldn’t make it here today, but have joined the family of artists that are going to make it happen.
And as the Secretary mentioned, this partnership is meant to empower and inspire. We will focus on supporting music, creative economy globally, invest in local creative communities through microgrants, bolster English learning language, and showcase the unifying power of music through performance. This work will be done in Australia, Canada, France, India, and Brazil – Brazil, a country that I recently visited and continue to be inspired by.
The challenges before us may seem insurmountable, but just like Louis Armstrong and Sarah Vaughan and some of the great American Jazz Ambassadors of the last century heeded to public service to use their artistry to unite the world, to heal divisions, and prevent violence, let us meet these challenges head-on, and let’s do it eloquence and grace like those that came before us.
And with that, I would love to invite Chuck D and Lainey Wilson to join us and share what this initiative means to them. Thank you. (Applause.)
MR D: What a nice crowd. (Laughter.) Well, thank you, Secretary Blinken, and my career-long and honest mentor – we’re kinfolk – Lyor Cohen, and the other U.S. Music Ambassador appointees: Justin Tranter, Armani White, Lainey Wilson, Denyce Graves – it was a pleasure meeting you – (laughter) – BRELAND, and Grace Bowers. And I’m honored to be standing next to all of here you today, and that’s for real – real talk, as we say.
Throughout my life and career, I’ve always believed in the power of music to change – create change and also change things – and also give voice to the voiceless, power to the powerless, and also truly inspire lasting social change. Peace, like good music, is not easy to achieve. It takes time, detail, persistence, resilience, refinements, honesty, and, yes, even creativity. So, Mr. Secretary, I know you know that better than anything with the way you get down. (Laughter.)
Today I was reminded – Lyor just said, and yourself and Lyor said – about the Jazz Ambassadors who stepped forward during a time of great divide. You’re talking Louis Armstrong, you’re talking about Ella Fitzgerald traveling around the world in DC-7s when they were 50 or 60 years old, so we’re pretty sure we have it balanced out now – (laughter) – with great energy, the civil rights movement here in the USA and the Cold War globally, to travel and engage the world on behalf of the USA people. And I know and if they could navigate those challenging times, then so can we, agreed?
AUDIENCE: Yes.
MR D: Now, it’s the time for us all, as USA. American, and music artists, songwriters, and producers to step up and do our part by sharing our talents, our time, our understanding of the real connections that we can make through music and culture, that we can not only engage younger generations – and how young is young right now, right? Young could be under 40 – (laughter) – who will be and who already are our future leaders, and also encourage peace in the communities and countries worldwide.
I’ve been fortunate – and I started out with this guy behind me – at 116 countries out of the so‑called 214. I’ve seen culture, music, and I’ve seen it move things in many ways. And this is a serious appointment at an urgent time, and my good friend Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and my partner in Prophets of Rage said it best: You can’t wait for things to happen. You’ve got to make it happen.
Now, I’ve said long – a long time throughout my career, outside my art and music, that culture and arts brings human beings together for our similarities and knocks the differences to the side. Norman Granz was that person who took people around and worked with the U.S. Government at the time to take jazz artists across the planet in the 1940s. But here we are, through the partnership with YouTube, where if you don’t physically get there, the virtuosity of the screens can have an accountability and responsibility to not just go there but also receive the art around the world and teach us how to have a better place here.
And Lyor, amongst all the accolades that we’ve been saying – in my beginning of my career and he as a manager, I remember our first tours traveling to Germany. And if you know anything about Germany, if you’re too young to know, the Iron Curtain was in full effect. So if we’re playing West Germany at the time with a country split up into two, to be held accountable by the rest of the world and at then-United Nations, that they won’t become what they were, as a performing artist, rap and hip-hop, we’re going from West German towns, have to play Berlin. There’s one road going to Berlin, and when you hit that area that you had to do the roadblock checks. You would be wakened up if it’s in the middle of the night to take that one road, with dogs and flashlights to be able to get to Berlin, to play the show in Berlin, which is only West Berlin.
On the other side of this wall representing the curtain at the time, we’re on the radio, and on the other side we have just as many hip-hop, Public Enemy, Run-D.M.C. fans that’s on the west side. But the eastern fans can’t get there, and the closest they get to the wall, they ain’t thinking about hip-hop at that wall. So that all of a sudden became a issue that made us understand that our culture permeated all those barriers, all those divides. The music went beyond even what the radio could do, because we had just as many fans on the other side. And we happened to be playing Germany when the wall came down and opened up the world.
So the common goal was always hit people from culture to give, receive – not about going to a place, but also enjoying what they had to offer, hip-hop-wise, musically, culturally, so we could take it back home and spread that with the love that we got it.
So this is nutrition – the common goal, hit people with culture. It’s beyond governments, plural, but the responsibility for governments in this world collectively. You don’t want the music and the culture to be run by government, so it’s not; nor do you want it to be run by industry. So we as a culture in music have a wish and a demand and a dream to keep those two areas accountable, responsible, and to balance out this Earth to teach human beings true peace, not just in talk but in action. And collectively, just like we all have to figure out how to take care of the climate and the environment, music is that message to teach all.
So I thank you for this opportunity to make this thing better, so like this guy says, let’s go to work. (Applause.)
MS WILSON: I enjoyed that. Every minute, every minute. (Laughter.)
Good afternoon, y’all. It is an absolute honor to be here today. Secretary Blinken, Lyor Cohen, thank you so much. My distinguished fellow U.S. Global Music Ambassadors – that just sounds cool, don’t it? (Laughter.) It just does. And you might be asking yourself why in the world is a country artist from a town of 200 people in northeast Louisiana here at the State Department and willing to serve as a U.S. Global Music Ambassador. Well, don’t worry. At first, I asked myself that too.
This year, we have already toured Australia, the UK, Europe, and a funny story: While I was visiting Germany earlier this year, my sister called from back home in Louisiana, and she said, “Can they even understand a word that you’re saying over there?” I said, “Well, shoot, they can’t even understand me at home.” (Laughter.) I mean, no matter where I go, there’s a language barrier.
But all that to say – I mean, that’s the power of music and that’s the power of storytelling. It truly does transcend language barriers. While I was in Amsterdam, half the crowd was singing in English and half the crowd was singing in Dutch, and I learned my lesson about watching their mouths while I was singing, because I was about to start speaking Dutch and didn’t even know I could. (Laughter.) But what I have learned from traveling the world and playing music is we’re all actually a lot more alike than you think, and we have so much in common. And to tell you the truth, I mean, that just – that gives me a whole lot of peace.
I am so proud and honored to be a U.S. Global Music Ambassador, and I give you my word that I’ll keep using my gift to try to bring as much peace to the people as I possibly can. God bless you. (Applause.)
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, everyone, for being here today, and stay tuned. (Applause.)
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Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Launch of the U.S. Department of State-YouTube Global Music Partnership
06/24/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Launch of the U.S. Department of State-YouTube Global Music Partnership
06/24/2024 09:10 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Treaty Room
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Launch of the U.S. Department of State-YouTube Global Music Partnership
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Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Launch of the U.S. Department of State-YouTube Global Music Partnership
Remarks
June 24, 2024
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. So we’re seriously increasing the cool factor here at the State Department this afternoon. (Laughter.)
Look, first of all, great to see everyone here today. Let me just start with this. We’ve been doing a lot on music diplomacy, and you’re going to hear more about it in just a few minutes. But the main reason we’ve been doing it, doing it so well, doing it so effectively, is Lee Satterfield, our assistant secretary of state. (Applause.)
We’ve got a few VIPs with us today, but Lee is really leading the way, the mastermind behind so much of our innovative diplomacy, enlisting Olympians, enlisting Oscar winners, enlisting Grammy awardees to serve as cultural ambassadors for the United States.
To all of you here, welcome. I especially want to thank our U.S. Global Music Ambassadors here with us today.
Chuck D – yay. (Applause.) Grace Bowers – yay. (Applause.) BRELAND. (Applause.) Denyce Graves. (Applause.) Justin Tranter. (Applause.) Armani White. (Applause.) Yeah. Lainey Wilson – yay. (Applause.)
I also want to thank Kane Brown. Herbie Hancock – yeah. (Applause.) Jelly Roll. (Applause.) And Teddy Swims.
This group – and I’ll say a few more words about them in a minute – they more than speak for themselves. But this is truly an extraordinary assemblage of talent, and I couldn’t be more grateful to each of you for not only being here today but for undertaking this mission, which I’ll talk more about in a second.
Finally, a very special welcome to Lyor Cohen, to Vivien Lewit, the entire YouTube team here with us today. Thank you. (Applause.)
So when we launched this Music Diplomacy Initiative in the fall, Lyor came to us and said, quite simply, what can we do together? And that question led to an answer, which is the partnership that we’re launching today.
All of us are here because we believe in the power of music. To inspire us, to lift us, to stir us. But also to communicate and to connect – to express who we are, where we come from, what we value, what we love, and to learn the same from others.
In that way, and I’ve seen this over more than 30 years in this business, music has a unique power in diplomacy: introducing others to our history, to our culture – creating ties that cross borders – strengthening relationships between our people, and even our governments. The number of times I’ve been able to connect with counterparts, even in governments that have different views than our own, through music, it’s been quite something to see.
As one foreign correspondent wrote after seeing Louis Armstrong play behind the Iron Curtain: “America’s secret weapon is a blue note in a minor chord.”
MR COHEN: Wow. (Laughter.)
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Music is such a powerful diplomatic force because I think it taps into something fundamental – universal, even. It’s capable of expressing common emotions and speaking to shared experiences in a way that words alone simply can’t.
When Armstrong went to Ghana on the eve of its independence, he felt an incredible sense of kinship with the people that he met. He spoke about being inspired by them, by their liberation from colonial rule – and also heartbroken by the common struggles that Ghanaians and blacks in America faced. After witnessing place violence in one of his concerts in Accra, Armstrong was moved to perform “Black and Blue.” “My only sin is in my skin… what did I do to be so black and blue?”
For decades, American musicians have reached across borders with their music. During the Cold War, Leonard Bernstein, the New York Philharmonic endeared themselves to thousands in Moscow playing Shostakovich. Sarah Vaughan became one of the best-known Americans in the former Yugoslavia after performing in Belgrade in the 1970s. In Berlin, just before the wall came down, Bruce Springsteen played to the adoration of countless fans. In post-apartheid South Africa, Whitney Houston stood alongside a new president, Nelson Mandela.
Here at the State Department, we’ve worked to bring people together through decades of music diplomacy. And today, we’re launching a Global Music Diplomacy partnership that I believe and we believe can be transformational.
We’re so grateful, Lyor, to YouTube, not only for the incredible generosity and massive global reach but for the intellectual and creative partnership that this team brings to our endeavor.
So over the next several months, together, we’ll announce new types of English-language learning through music. English-language learning is maybe our number one export. There is an extraordinary thirst around the world, and the State Department’s been playing a leading role in doing that. Now, bringing music to bear in this enterprise, I think, is going to take it to a whole new level.
We’ll set up grants for exchange alumni to use music to expand access to education and to jobs around the world. We’ll support aspiring artists and musicians so that they can participate in and grow local creative economies.
At the heart of our partnership are our Global Music Ambassadors. These are extraordinary musicians, recording artists, songwriters, producers who will travel the world, where they’ll perform for new audiences, engage with young people, collaborate with local performers, raise awareness around shared issues of interest.
And in all of the countries they visit – all of the communities that they touch – they’ll share a window – a window into American identity, American culture, American history, in all of its extraordinary diversity, and bring people together over the values, experiences, and challenges and hopes that we share.
Our Global Music Ambassadors hail from different backgrounds and different traditions. We have a legendary rapper from Flushing, Queens, who inspired us to “fight the power.” A 17-year-old blues rock virtuoso. If you’ve not had a chance to listen to Grace, do it. (Laughter.) She’s keeping – not only keeping the blues alive, she’s taking it into a whole new generation, a whole new era. A Grammy-winning country singer from a small town in Franklin Parish, Louisiana, and a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Amazing. A New Jersey soul singer shaking up country rap. A tremendous mezzo-soprano hailing from our nation’s capital. A famed songwriter from Illinois who is a tremendous advocate for the LGBTQI community and has written a generation’s worth of hit songs.
Those identities are a core part of their music. But I believe the messages they convey transcend geography; they transcend genre of music. They tell stories – stories of love and heartbreak. Of self-discovery and growth. Of insecurity and ambition. Of oppression and discrimination. Of compassion and empathy.
We live in a very different time than the era of Louis Armstrong and the Jazz Ambassadors. But the need for connection, the need for community is as urgent, maybe even more urgent than it’s ever been. And all of us – Americans, people around the world – we will be better for the ties that our new ambassadors will be forging.
So it is now my pleasure to welcome a true legend of the industry, someone who has constantly reimagined and transformed how people connect with – and through – music.
Lyor, the floor is yours.
MR COHEN: Thank you. (Applause.) Secretary Blinken and Assistant Secretary Satterfield, thank you. Thank you for your leadership on the Global Music Diplomacy and thank you for inviting us back to officially launch the next generation of Global Music Ambassadors.
As a 21-year-old road manager of Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys, I never would have imagined that I would have the opportunity and privilege to stand here in our nation’s capital, alongside all these inspiring artists and songwriters and distinguished members of state, and do something meaningful.
Music, of course, has the power to heal and unite us, transcend differences, and help promote peace in this very fractured world. YouTube, of course, is the world’s largest virtual stage, spanning over a hundred countries and 80 languages, reaching fans everywhere. So as the global head of music for Google and YouTube, I can’t think of a better partnership for all of us to come together to promote global peace through music.
Our efforts will be anchored by this remarkable group of Global Music Ambassadors representing different genres of music, generations of people, races, and genders – differences that make our country so unique and our music so exceptional.
I want to welcome my friends Chuck, Armani, BRELAND, Denyce, Grace, Justin, and Lainey. Thank you. Thank you, all of you, for graciously accepting this global music ambassadorship.
I also want to thank Herbie and Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, and Teddy Swims, of course, who unfortunately couldn’t make it here today, but have joined the family of artists that are going to make it happen.
And as the Secretary mentioned, this partnership is meant to empower and inspire. We will focus on supporting music, creative economy globally, invest in local creative communities through microgrants, bolster English learning language, and showcase the unifying power of music through performance. This work will be done in Australia, Canada, France, India, and Brazil – Brazil, a country that I recently visited and continue to be inspired by.
The challenges before us may seem insurmountable, but just like Louis Armstrong and Sarah Vaughan and some of the great American Jazz Ambassadors of the last century heeded to public service to use their artistry to unite the world, to heal divisions, and prevent violence, let us meet these challenges head-on, and let’s do it eloquence and grace like those that came before us.
And with that, I would love to invite Chuck D and Lainey Wilson to join us and share what this initiative means to them. Thank you. (Applause.)
MR D: What a nice crowd. (Laughter.) Well, thank you, Secretary Blinken, and my career-long and honest mentor – we’re kinfolk – Lyor Cohen, and the other U.S. Music Ambassador appointees: Justin Tranter, Armani White, Lainey Wilson, Denyce Graves – it was a pleasure meeting you – (laughter) – BRELAND, and Grace Bowers. And I’m honored to be standing next to all of here you today, and that’s for real – real talk, as we say.
Throughout my life and career, I’ve always believed in the power of music to change – create change and also change things – and also give voice to the voiceless, power to the powerless, and also truly inspire lasting social change. Peace, like good music, is not easy to achieve. It takes time, detail, persistence, resilience, refinements, honesty, and, yes, even creativity. So, Mr. Secretary, I know you know that better than anything with the way you get down. (Laughter.)
Today I was reminded – Lyor just said, and yourself and Lyor said – about the Jazz Ambassadors who stepped forward during a time of great divide. You’re talking Louis Armstrong, you’re talking about Ella Fitzgerald traveling around the world in DC-7s when they were 50 or 60 years old, so we’re pretty sure we have it balanced out now – (laughter) – with great energy, the civil rights movement here in the USA and the Cold War globally, to travel and engage the world on behalf of the USA people. And I know and if they could navigate those challenging times, then so can we, agreed?
AUDIENCE: Yes.
MR D: Now, it’s the time for us all, as USA. American, and music artists, songwriters, and producers to step up and do our part by sharing our talents, our time, our understanding of the real connections that we can make through music and culture, that we can not only engage younger generations – and how young is young right now, right? Young could be under 40 – (laughter) – who will be and who already are our future leaders, and also encourage peace in the communities and countries worldwide.
I’ve been fortunate – and I started out with this guy behind me – at 116 countries out of the so‑called 214. I’ve seen culture, music, and I’ve seen it move things in many ways. And this is a serious appointment at an urgent time, and my good friend Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and my partner in Prophets of Rage said it best: You can’t wait for things to happen. You’ve got to make it happen.
Now, I’ve said long – a long time throughout my career, outside my art and music, that culture and arts brings human beings together for our similarities and knocks the differences to the side. Norman Granz was that person who took people around and worked with the U.S. Government at the time to take jazz artists across the planet in the 1940s. But here we are, through the partnership with YouTube, where if you don’t physically get there, the virtuosity of the screens can have an accountability and responsibility to not just go there but also receive the art around the world and teach us how to have a better place here.
And Lyor, amongst all the accolades that we’ve been saying – in my beginning of my career and he as a manager, I remember our first tours traveling to Germany. And if you know anything about Germany, if you’re too young to know, the Iron Curtain was in full effect. So if we’re playing West Germany at the time with a country split up into two, to be held accountable by the rest of the world and at then-United Nations, that they won’t become what they were, as a performing artist, rap and hip-hop, we’re going from West German towns, have to play Berlin. There’s one road going to Berlin, and when you hit that area that you had to do the roadblock checks. You would be wakened up if it’s in the middle of the night to take that one road, with dogs and flashlights to be able to get to Berlin, to play the show in Berlin, which is only West Berlin.
On the other side of this wall representing the curtain at the time, we’re on the radio, and on the other side we have just as many hip-hop, Public Enemy, Run-D.M.C. fans that’s on the west side. But the eastern fans can’t get there, and the closest they get to the wall, they ain’t thinking about hip-hop at that wall. So that all of a sudden became a issue that made us understand that our culture permeated all those barriers, all those divides. The music went beyond even what the radio could do, because we had just as many fans on the other side. And we happened to be playing Germany when the wall came down and opened up the world.
So the common goal was always hit people from culture to give, receive – not about going to a place, but also enjoying what they had to offer, hip-hop-wise, musically, culturally, so we could take it back home and spread that with the love that we got it.
So this is nutrition – the common goal, hit people with culture. It’s beyond governments, plural, but the responsibility for governments in this world collectively. You don’t want the music and the culture to be run by government, so it’s not; nor do you want it to be run by industry. So we as a culture in music have a wish and a demand and a dream to keep those two areas accountable, responsible, and to balance out this Earth to teach human beings true peace, not just in talk but in action. And collectively, just like we all have to figure out how to take care of the climate and the environment, music is that message to teach all.
So I thank you for this opportunity to make this thing better, so like this guy says, let’s go to work. (Applause.)
MS WILSON: I enjoyed that. Every minute, every minute. (Laughter.)
Good afternoon, y’all. It is an absolute honor to be here today. Secretary Blinken, Lyor Cohen, thank you so much. My distinguished fellow U.S. Global Music Ambassadors – that just sounds cool, don’t it? (Laughter.) It just does. And you might be asking yourself why in the world is a country artist from a town of 200 people in northeast Louisiana here at the State Department and willing to serve as a U.S. Global Music Ambassador. Well, don’t worry. At first, I asked myself that too.
This year, we have already toured Australia, the UK, Europe, and a funny story: While I was visiting Germany earlier this year, my sister called from back home in Louisiana, and she said, “Can they even understand a word that you’re saying over there?” I said, “Well, shoot, they can’t even understand me at home.” (Laughter.) I mean, no matter where I go, there’s a language barrier.
But all that to say – I mean, that’s the power of music and that’s the power of storytelling. It truly does transcend language barriers. While I was in Amsterdam, half the crowd was singing in English and half the crowd was singing in Dutch, and I learned my lesson about watching their mouths while I was singing, because I was about to start speaking Dutch and didn’t even know I could. (Laughter.) But what I have learned from traveling the world and playing music is we’re all actually a lot more alike than you think, and we have so much in common. And to tell you the truth, I mean, that just – that gives me a whole lot of peace.
I am so proud and honored to be a U.S. Global Music Ambassador, and I give you my word that I’ll keep using my gift to try to bring as much peace to the people as I possibly can. God bless you. (Applause.)
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, everyone, for being here today, and stay tuned. (Applause.)
Tags
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Slovenia National Day
06/25/2024
Slovenia National Day
06/25/2024 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the Republic of Slovenia on your Statehood Day.
Slovenia has established itself as a regional and global leader over the past 33 years. You have stood as a stalwart advocate for regional stability and Euro-Atlantic integration in the Western Balkans. For the past 20 years, Slovenia has been a valued NATO Ally, making the Alliance stronger and more effective. And this year, you have stood up for freedom, self-determination, and respect for international law on the United Nations Security Council. The United States is proud to work alongside you to further the democratic values that form the basis of our partnership.
I wish the people of Slovenia a joyous Statehood Day. May the friendship between our nations endure for many years to come.
Slovenia National Day
06/25/2024
Slovenia National Day
06/25/2024 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the Republic of Slovenia on your Statehood Day.
Slovenia has established itself as a regional and global leader over the past 33 years. You have stood as a stalwart advocate for regional stability and Euro-Atlantic integration in the Western Balkans. For the past 20 years, Slovenia has been a valued NATO Ally, making the Alliance stronger and more effective. And this year, you have stood up for freedom, self-determination, and respect for international law on the United Nations Security Council. The United States is proud to work alongside you to further the democratic values that form the basis of our partnership.
I wish the people of Slovenia a joyous Statehood Day. May the friendship between our nations endure for many years to come.
Mozambique National Day
06/25/2024
Mozambique National Day
06/25/2024 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I wish to congratulate the people of Mozambique on the 49th anniversary of your country’s independence.
There is much to celebrate in the partnership between our countries. We are working together to address the most vital challenges of the present day –health, climate change, deforestation, security, and education. This year, during which citizens of both our countries will go to the polls, our shared commitment to free, fair elections can show the power of a strong democracy in delivering development and prosperity.
This is an important day and milestone, and we extend our warm wishes and hopes for a bright year ahead.
Slovenia National Day
06/25/2024
Slovenia National Day
06/25/2024 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the Republic of Slovenia on your Statehood Day.
Slovenia has established itself as a regional and global leader over the past 33 years. You have stood as a stalwart advocate for regional stability and Euro-Atlantic integration in the Western Balkans. For the past 20 years, Slovenia has been a valued NATO Ally, making the Alliance stronger and more effective. And this year, you have stood up for freedom, self-determination, and respect for international law on the United Nations Security Council. The United States is proud to work alongside you to further the democratic values that form the basis of our partnership.
I wish the people of Slovenia a joyous Statehood Day. May the friendship between our nations endure for many years to come.
Mozambique National Day
06/25/2024
Mozambique National Day
06/25/2024 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On behalf of the United States of America, I wish to congratulate the people of Mozambique on the 49th anniversary of your country’s independence.
There is much to celebrate in the partnership between our countries. We are working together to address the most vital challenges of the present day –health, climate change, deforestation, security, and education. This year, during which citizens of both our countries will go to the polls, our shared commitment to free, fair elections can show the power of a strong democracy in delivering development and prosperity.
This is an important day and milestone, and we extend our warm wishes and hopes for a bright year ahead.
Secretary Blinken to Deliver Remarks in Honor of Pride Month
06/25/2024
Secretary Blinken to Deliver Remarks in Honor of Pride Month
06/25/2024 08:36 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
In honor of Pride Month, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will host a convening and reception for U.S. leaders championing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) equality across the U.S. government and around the world on Thursday, June 27, at the Department of State. The convening will begin at 1:00 p.m. EDT in the Burns Auditorium, and the reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. EDT in the Benjamin Franklin Room. The Secretary will deliver remarks at both events which will be open to pre-registered press and streamed live on www.state.gov and www.YouTube.com/statedept .
The Pride Month convening will also feature brief remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai. At the Pride Month reception, Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Jessica Stern will deliver brief remarks and will announce the release of the Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World.
For the convening, pre-set time for video cameras is 12:15 p.m. from the 21st Street entrance. Final access time for writers and stills is 12:30 p.m. from the 21st Street entrance.
For the reception, pre-set time for video cameras is 5:15 p.m. from the C Street entrance. Final access time for writers and stills is 5:30 p.m. from the C Street entrance.
Media representatives may attend these events upon presentation of one of the following: (1) A U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense or Foreign Press Center), (2) a media-issued photo identification card, or (3) a letter from their employer on letterhead verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo identification card (driver’s license, passport).
Both events will be open to pre-registered press. Please RSVP to DRL-Press@state.gov by 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26. For more information, please contact DRL-Press@state.gov.
Public Schedule – June 25, 2024
06/25/2024
Public Schedule – June 25, 2024
06/25/2024 10:30 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN
10:55 a.m. Secretary Blinken delivers remarks at the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit in National Harbor, Maryland.
(MEDIA DETERMINED BY HOST)
Press may register in advance at this link.
The Secretary’s remarks will be streamed live on the Department homepage and the Department YouTube channel.
4:15 p.m. Secretary Blinken meets with Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer at the Department of State.
(POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)
DEPUTY SECRETARY KURT M. CAMPBELL
10:00 a.m. Deputy Secretary Campbell delivers virtual remarks to the Big Barn Dialogues from the Department of State.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES RICHARD R. VERMA
Deputy Secretary Verma is on travel to New Hampshire and Massachusetts on June 25, 2024.
UNDER SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT JOSE W. FERNANDEZ
10:00 a.m. Under Secretary Fernandez delivers remarks at the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue at the Department of State.
(OPEN TO PRE-REGISTERED MEDIA)
ACTING UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS JOHN BASS
Acting Under Secretary Bass is on official travel from June 20-25, 2024.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ARMS CONTROL, DETERRENCE, AND STABILITY MALLORY STEWART
Assistant Secretary Stewart is on travel to Kazakhstan and Switzerland from June 22-28, 2024.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CONFLICT AND STABILIZATION OPERATIONS ANNE A. WITKOWSKY
Assistant Secretary Witkowsky is on travel to the United Kingdom from June 24-28, 2024.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR POPULATION, REFUGEES, AND MIGRATION JULIETA VALLS NOYES
Assistant Secretary Noyes is on travel to Indianapolis, Indiana from June 25-26, 2024.
BRIEFING SCHEDULE
1:15 p.m. Department Press Briefing with Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
(OPEN PRESS COVERAGE)
The Department Press Briefing will be streamed live on the Department homepage and the Department YouTube channel.
Targeting Iran’s Shadow Banking Network
06/25/2024
Targeting Iran’s Shadow Banking Network
06/25/2024 11:36 AM EDT
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
The United States is today sanctioning nearly 50 entities and individuals that make up a covert network used by Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to gain illicit access to the international financial system. Iran’s MODAFL and the IRGC generate revenue from illicit trade and then leverage a “shadow banking” network of Iranian exchange houses and dozens of foreign cover companies under their control to flow funds for terrorism and other activities that threaten innocent people around the world.
The Iranian regime uses its profits to advance a wide range of destabilizing activities, including terrorism, lethal plotting and transnational repression, the development, procurement, and proliferation of advanced weapons systems, extensive human rights abuses, and nuclear activities that lack any credible peaceful purpose. In particular, this “shadow banking” revenue supports the Iranian regime’s transfer of weapons and funds to its militant proxies and partners in the Middle East region, including Yemen’s Houthis who continue a campaign of reckless attacks on global shipping, as well as the transfer of deadly weapons to Russia for use in its war of aggression against Ukraine.
The United States will continue to target those who engage in systemic money laundering in support of MODAFL, the IRGC, and other malign actors.
The Department of the Treasury’s actions are being taken pursuant to E.O. 13224. For more information, please see Treasury’s press release.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit
06/25/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit
06/25/2024 01:05 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
National Harbor, Maryland
Gaylord Convention Center
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. Great to see this room full of folks, to see all of you here today. And I want to begin by thanking my friend, my colleague, Secretary Raimondo, as well as Deputy Secretary Graves at the Commerce Department, everyone at Commerce for their incredible leadership and partnership. And I am proud that all that our teams together are working so hard to create economic opportunity for the American people, but also for people around the world.
To the thousands of foreign investors joining us – and to the private sector and government leaders from nearly every U.S. state and territory – we’re so glad to have you here for what one attendee called “the World Cup of U.S. market entry.”
My message today is simple: There is no better place in the world to invest than the United States and no better time to do it than right now – world-class universities, tech hubs, manufacturing centers that incubate ideas and incubate talent; a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that’s second to none, encouraging people to take big risks and to solve big challenges; a transparent, independent legal system with the strongest intellectual protection – property protections in the world, ensuring that successful invention won’t be ripped off as soon as it becomes profitable; a workforce whose skill, productivity, and commitment are second to none.
Through landmark legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, we are doubling down on these advantages to make the United States an even better place to invest – modernizing our roads, our rail, our broadband, our electric grid; strengthening and diversifying supply chains; turbocharging domestic manufacturing; spurring key industries of the future, from semiconductors to clean energy.
Thanks in part to these efforts – and especially to the hard work and ingenuity of the American people – the United States recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic better than any other advanced democracy. Our GDP is larger than the next three countries combined. Unemployment and inflation are among the lowest of the G7 countries. We know that taking care of our workers, our communities, our planet is not a drag on growth. It fuels our growth.
At the same time, we’re strengthening and modernizing our economic partnerships to shape a future that benefits all. Our Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, our Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment are all helping to advance regional integration and drive inclusive growth.
Over the past three years, businesses from around the world have invested more than $1 trillion in the United States, supporting millions of jobs across this country. We’re proud that – in addition to being the leading provider of foreign direct investment around the world – the United States also remains the world’s top destination for foreign investment.
At last year’s SelectUSA Summit, the Mexican pharmaceutical company Neolpharma announced a $16 million investment in Puerto Rico to develop millions of oral COVID treatments – supporting more than 200 jobs, strengthening the medical supply chain.
Meyer Burger, a Swiss industrial technology company, is devoting $400 million to launch a new solar facility in Colorado, which will generate more renewable energy for homes, for businesses, for electric utilities.
SK Hynix, a South Korean chip manufacturer, is building a $3.8 billion manufacturing plant in Indiana – the largest-ever investment in that state’s history. This project will bring more than 1,000 good-paying jobs to the region. It will boost domestic production of semiconductors that are needed to produce cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence.
These investments, and so many more, demonstrate that we’re not just attracting more investment, we’re bringing in better investment – investment that’s good for the United States, fueling our competitiveness, rebuilding our manufacturing base, delivering higher wages for all of our workers, and investment that’s good for the rest of the globe, by creating more secure supply chains, strengthening connectivity, creating good jobs, safeguarding our planet.
We believe that we can create broad-based opportunity for our people while also benefitting people around the world – that our economic success does not come at the expense of others but to our mutual advantage and mutual opportunity.
When we raise labor standards, when we raise environmental standards, when we take steps to protect intellectual property and create a level playing field, we’re not just supporting U.S. companies and workers. We’re helping every country, every business, every worker that seeks a fair, sustainable, and competitive market. Encouraging more of these mutually beneficial investments is a top priority for the Department of State.
Just last week, President Biden established the Economic Diplomacy Action Group, bringing together leaders from State, Commerce, Treasury, and other agencies, to ensure that our foreign policy continues to create opportunities for American companies globally while also attracting foreign investment in sectors that are vital to U.S. national security.
At the State Department, we’re doing that by making it easier for investors, for entrepreneurs, for workers to come to the United States – for jobs, for meetings, for conferences like this one. Starting this year, we’ve waived the in-person interview requirement for many U.S. work visa applicants who previously received another type of U.S. visa.
We’ve also piloted a program allowing eligible applicants to renew their visas here in the United States – saving time, reducing uncertainty for employers. Just over the last year, we’ve issued more than 6,000 visas this way, benefitting 2,400 companies in 45 of our 50 states.
Last October, the State Department welcomed our new Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Sarah Morgenthau. Sarah and her entire team work with our embassies to introduce potential foreign investors to the United States – especially those who may have a little less experience doing business here. If you’re one of those people, if you’re one of those businesses, we want to know how we can help. Find Sarah. She’s here with us today, so is her team.
We also have more than 200 economic officers here in Washington, D.C. and 1,500 in our embassies and consulates in more than 190 countries. Some of them are with us today as well. Along with our colleagues in the Department of Commerce and the Foreign Commercial Service, these professionals stand ready to connect you with U.S. businesses, to help you navigate our legal and regulatory systems, to answer any questions that you might have along the way.
Whether you’re one of our international visitors, whether you represent the American private sector, I hope you’ll use this week to establish new relationships, to reinforce existing ones, to get excited about the possibilities here in the United States for your businesses.
President Biden likes to say that it’s never a good bet to bet against America. For this group, let me put it just a little bit differently: Bet on America. (Applause.)
Bet on the vibrancy of our economy. Bet on the opportunities of our markets. Bet on the creativity and drive of our workers. I know – I guarantee – you will not be disappointed.
Thanks to everyone here today, everyone here this week. Have a great summit. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit
06/25/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit
06/25/2024 01:05 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
National Harbor, Maryland
Gaylord Convention Center
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. Great to see this room full of folks, to see all of you here today. And I want to begin by thanking my friend, my colleague, Secretary Raimondo, as well as Deputy Secretary Graves at the Commerce Department, everyone at Commerce for their incredible leadership and partnership. And I am proud that all that our teams together are working so hard to create economic opportunity for the American people, but also for people around the world.
To the thousands of foreign investors joining us – and to the private sector and government leaders from nearly every U.S. state and territory – we’re so glad to have you here for what one attendee called “the World Cup of U.S. market entry.”
My message today is simple: There is no better place in the world to invest than the United States and no better time to do it than right now – world-class universities, tech hubs, manufacturing centers that incubate ideas and incubate talent; a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that’s second to none, encouraging people to take big risks and to solve big challenges; a transparent, independent legal system with the strongest intellectual protection – property protections in the world, ensuring that successful invention won’t be ripped off as soon as it becomes profitable; a workforce whose skill, productivity, and commitment are second to none.
Through landmark legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, we are doubling down on these advantages to make the United States an even better place to invest – modernizing our roads, our rail, our broadband, our electric grid; strengthening and diversifying supply chains; turbocharging domestic manufacturing; spurring key industries of the future, from semiconductors to clean energy.
Thanks in part to these efforts – and especially to the hard work and ingenuity of the American people – the United States recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic better than any other advanced democracy. Our GDP is larger than the next three countries combined. Unemployment and inflation are among the lowest of the G7 countries. We know that taking care of our workers, our communities, our planet is not a drag on growth. It fuels our growth.
At the same time, we’re strengthening and modernizing our economic partnerships to shape a future that benefits all. Our Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, our Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment are all helping to advance regional integration and drive inclusive growth.
Over the past three years, businesses from around the world have invested more than $1 trillion in the United States, supporting millions of jobs across this country. We’re proud that – in addition to being the leading provider of foreign direct investment around the world – the United States also remains the world’s top destination for foreign investment.
At last year’s SelectUSA Summit, the Mexican pharmaceutical company Neolpharma announced a $16 million investment in Puerto Rico to develop millions of oral COVID treatments – supporting more than 200 jobs, strengthening the medical supply chain.
Meyer Burger, a Swiss industrial technology company, is devoting $400 million to launch a new solar facility in Colorado, which will generate more renewable energy for homes, for businesses, for electric utilities.
SK Hynix, a South Korean chip manufacturer, is building a $3.8 billion manufacturing plant in Indiana – the largest-ever investment in that state’s history. This project will bring more than 1,000 good-paying jobs to the region. It will boost domestic production of semiconductors that are needed to produce cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence.
These investments, and so many more, demonstrate that we’re not just attracting more investment, we’re bringing in better investment – investment that’s good for the United States, fueling our competitiveness, rebuilding our manufacturing base, delivering higher wages for all of our workers, and investment that’s good for the rest of the globe, by creating more secure supply chains, strengthening connectivity, creating good jobs, safeguarding our planet.
We believe that we can create broad-based opportunity for our people while also benefitting people around the world – that our economic success does not come at the expense of others but to our mutual advantage and mutual opportunity.
When we raise labor standards, when we raise environmental standards, when we take steps to protect intellectual property and create a level playing field, we’re not just supporting U.S. companies and workers. We’re helping every country, every business, every worker that seeks a fair, sustainable, and competitive market. Encouraging more of these mutually beneficial investments is a top priority for the Department of State.
Just last week, President Biden established the Economic Diplomacy Action Group, bringing together leaders from State, Commerce, Treasury, and other agencies, to ensure that our foreign policy continues to create opportunities for American companies globally while also attracting foreign investment in sectors that are vital to U.S. national security.
At the State Department, we’re doing that by making it easier for investors, for entrepreneurs, for workers to come to the United States – for jobs, for meetings, for conferences like this one. Starting this year, we’ve waived the in-person interview requirement for many U.S. work visa applicants who previously received another type of U.S. visa.
We’ve also piloted a program allowing eligible applicants to renew their visas here in the United States – saving time, reducing uncertainty for employers. Just over the last year, we’ve issued more than 6,000 visas this way, benefitting 2,400 companies in 45 of our 50 states.
Last October, the State Department welcomed our new Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Sarah Morgenthau. Sarah and her entire team work with our embassies to introduce potential foreign investors to the United States – especially those who may have a little less experience doing business here. If you’re one of those people, if you’re one of those businesses, we want to know how we can help. Find Sarah. She’s here with us today, so is her team.
We also have more than 200 economic officers here in Washington, D.C. and 1,500 in our embassies and consulates in more than 190 countries. Some of them are with us today as well. Along with our colleagues in the Department of Commerce and the Foreign Commercial Service, these professionals stand ready to connect you with U.S. businesses, to help you navigate our legal and regulatory systems, to answer any questions that you might have along the way.
Whether you’re one of our international visitors, whether you represent the American private sector, I hope you’ll use this week to establish new relationships, to reinforce existing ones, to get excited about the possibilities here in the United States for your businesses.
President Biden likes to say that it’s never a good bet to bet against America. For this group, let me put it just a little bit differently: Bet on America. (Applause.)
Bet on the vibrancy of our economy. Bet on the opportunities of our markets. Bet on the creativity and drive of our workers. I know – I guarantee – you will not be disappointed.
Thanks to everyone here today, everyone here this week. Have a great summit. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Ambassador Fick’s Travel to Paraguay and Chile
06/25/2024
Ambassador Fick’s Travel to Paraguay and Chile
06/25/2024 01:36 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel C. Fick will travel to Asuncion, Paraguay and Santiago, Chile from June 25-28, 2024.
In Paraguay, Ambassador Fick will meet with Paraguayan private sector, academia, and government officials to discuss the importance of building trusted, secure, resilient digital ecosystems. This trip underscores the United States government’s commitment to partnering with Paraguay to bolster its tech and national security, including through potential cooperation on cybersecurity capacity building and workforce development.
In Chile, Ambassador Fick will join local American Chamber of Commerce members for a discussion on digital policy, AI, and cybersecurity. While in Santiago, Ambassador Fick will also meet with Chilean government officials to discuss trusted ICT infrastructure, advancing the Framework of Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace, and other related policy topics.
Follow the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy on Twitter/X and LinkedIn @StateCDP, or email CDP-Press@state.gov for more information.
U.S. Department of State Debars Sixteen Persons for Violating or Conspiring to Violate the Arms Export Control Act
06/25/2024
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U.S. Department of State Debars Sixteen Persons for Violating or Conspiring to Violate the Arms Export Control Act
06/25/2024 02:50 PM EDT
On June 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of State published in the Federal Register a notice of sixteen persons statutorily debarred for having been convicted of violating, or conspiring to violate, the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751, et seq.). This action, pursuant to section 127.7(b) of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR parts 120-130), highlights the Department’s responsibility to protect the integrity of U.S. defense trade.
This notice is provided for purposes of making the public aware that these statutorily debarred persons are prohibited from participating directly or indirectly in activities regulated by the ITAR. This includes any brokering activities and any export from or temporary import into the United States of defense articles, related technical data, or defense services in any activity regulated by the ITAR.
The Department’s Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, working in collaboration with the Department of Justice, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, identified the persons subject to statutory debarment based on their criminal conviction by a court of the United States.
Under the terms of the statutory debarment, these individuals are prohibited from participating directly or indirectly in any activities that are subject to the ITAR. Each individual on this list will remain debarred until the Department approves an application request for reinstatement. All persons engaged in activities subject to the ITAR should be vigilant in their compliance with all export control regulations and ensure that their activities do not involve debarred persons.
The notice of statutory debarment listing the names of the debarred individuals was published in the Federal Register on June 25. A full list of all persons subject to statutory debarment is available on the website of the PM Bureau’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) at: Statutory Debarment List.
For additional information, please contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs’ Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at PM-CPA@state.gov.
Joint Statement on the First U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue
06/25/2024
Joint Statement on the First U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue
06/25/2024 03:24 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on the occasion of the first U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue.
Begin text:
On June 25, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez welcomed Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung to Washington, D.C., for the first U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue (CSPED).
The United States and Vietnamese delegations celebrated the historic elevation of their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023 during President Biden’s visit to Vietnam. The Under Secretary and Minister discussed expanded cooperation on supply chain resilience in the semiconductor industry, support for Vietnam’s high-tech workforce, advancing the renewable energy transition and implementing climate mitigation efforts, cooperation on critical minerals, managing security risks in trade and international finance, strengthening cybersecurity and critical information and communication infrastructure, and working together to ensure that Vietnam’s legal-regulatory environment will attract high-quality investment and drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The dialogue also reaffirmed the importance of the Indo-Pacific to the global economy and our shared goal of building a prosperous, free, open, and secure region.
Both sides agreed to meet again in Spring of 2025 to review the progress made under the CSPED and to capitalize on the momentum of bilateral economic cooperation.
End text.
Joint Statement on the First U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue
06/25/2024
Joint Statement on the First U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue
06/25/2024 03:24 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on the occasion of the first U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue.
Begin text:
On June 25, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez welcomed Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung to Washington, D.C., for the first U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue (CSPED).
The United States and Vietnamese delegations celebrated the historic elevation of their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023 during President Biden’s visit to Vietnam. The Under Secretary and Minister discussed expanded cooperation on supply chain resilience in the semiconductor industry, support for Vietnam’s high-tech workforce, advancing the renewable energy transition and implementing climate mitigation efforts, cooperation on critical minerals, managing security risks in trade and international finance, strengthening cybersecurity and critical information and communication infrastructure, and working together to ensure that Vietnam’s legal-regulatory environment will attract high-quality investment and drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The dialogue also reaffirmed the importance of the Indo-Pacific to the global economy and our shared goal of building a prosperous, free, open, and secure region.
Both sides agreed to meet again in Spring of 2025 to review the progress made under the CSPED and to capitalize on the momentum of bilateral economic cooperation.
End text.
U.S. Department of State Receives 2024 Presidential Federal Sustainability Award
06/25/2024
U.S. Department of State Receives 2024 Presidential Federal Sustainability Award
06/25/2024 03:17 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The U.S. Department of State won the 2024 Presidential Federal Sustainability Award for Advancing Carbon-Free Electricity in recognition of the United States Embassy and Consulates in Japan being the first multi-post diplomatic mission to obtain 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE) for its operations throughout the country. The winning team consists of innovative employees from Mission Japan and the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions’ (M/SS) Greening Diplomacy Initiative (GDI). Mission Japan met the President’s mandate for agencies to operate on 100 percent CFE by 2030 seven years early and is eliminating approximately 5,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year which is equivalent to the emissions of more than 900 households in Japan. U.S. Embassy Tokyo and U.S. Consulates Naha, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Nagoya collaborated with utility providers in their districts to facilitate this achievement.
Ambassador Rahm Emanuel and the project team are taking action to lead by example on the climate crisis. This effort not only supports a strong partnership with Japan, but also paves the way for other Missions to follow.
The White House honored the U.S. Department of State and other winning federal agencies at an award ceremony hosted at the White House on Tuesday, June 25. Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, Brenda Mallory, provided opening remarks and White House National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi, delivered the keynote message. Federal Chief Sustainability Officer, Andew Mayock, presented the awards. For more information on all 2024 award winners, please visit https://www.sustainability.gov/awards.html .
Presidential Federal Sustainability Award
The Presidential Federal Sustainability Awards Program, launched in March 2023, celebrates the extraordinary leadership, innovation, and achievement of Federal agencies and their employees toward the President’s charge for Federal climate action and the ambitious sustainability goals established in the Federal Sustainability Plan and Executive Order 14057 . Federal programs, projects, project teams, facilities, and individuals are eligible for nomination by their agency.
Greening Diplomacy Initiative
The U.S. Department of State organizes climate adaptation and sustainability efforts under the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions’ Greening Diplomacy Initiative which supports the Under Secretary for Management – the U.S. Department of State’s Chief Sustainability Officer – by coordinating strategic planning and reporting, advancing climate and sustainability solutions, and bridging the Department’s diplomatic policy priorities and management operations to lead by example on climate action.
Secretary Blinken to Release 2023 International Religious Freedom Report
06/25/2024
Secretary Blinken to Release 2023 International Religious Freedom Report
06/25/2024 05:03 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
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Secretary Blinken to Release 2023 International Religious Freedom Report
Notice to the Press
June 25, 2024
Secretary Blinken will deliver on-camera remarks for the release of the 2023 International Religious Freedom Report on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. in the Treaty Room at the U.S. Department of State. This event will be livestreamed on www.state.gov.
Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain will deliver remarks following those of Secretary Blinken.
Freedom of religion or belief is both a core American value and a universal human right. Mandated by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the annual International Religious Freedom Report details the status of religious freedom in 199 foreign countries and territories and describes U.S. actions to advance religious freedom worldwide.
The International Religious Freedom Report will be available to the public on www.state.gov following the Secretary’s remarks.
Please submit any media inquiries via the web form located on the “Information for Journalists” page and follow @IRF_Ambassador and @StateIRF on X to learn more about the Department’s efforts to advance religious freedom around the world.
For the event, pre-set time for video cameras is 10:45 a.m. from the 23rd Street entrance. Final access time for writers and stills is 11:10 a.m. from the 23rd Street entrance.
Media representatives may attend these events upon presentation of one of the following: (1) a U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense or Foreign Press Center), (2) a media-issued photo identification card, or (3) a letter from their employer on letterhead verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo identification card (driver’s license, passport).
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Office of International Religious Freedom Office of the Spokesperson Religious Freedom The Secretary of State
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer Before Their Meeting
06/25/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer Before Their Meeting
06/25/2024 06:00 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer Before Their Meeting
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Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer Before Their Meeting
Remarks
June 25, 2024
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It’s a great pleasure for me to welcome Minister Zameer, my colleague from the Maldives, here to the State Department, to Washington, I think your first visit in this job. Welcome, welcome, welcome.
For us, the Maldives is an important partner, and we want to make sure that we’re a good partner to the Maldives. We stand together in working to make sure that we have a free and open Indo-Pacific region. We stand together in dealing with the challenge posed by climate change – a challenge to lives and livelihoods that we both take very seriously, and where the Maldives is a leader and we, I hope, are a good, effective partner. We’re working together to make sure that we have a secure maritime space, and fundamentally work together to try to build a prosperous future for our people.
Very much appreciate you being here today, so that we can not only continue this work but deepen it and continue to strengthen the partnership between the Maldives and the United States. So welcome.
FOREIGN MINISTER ZAMEER: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. It’s a pleasure to be here in this beautiful city today, and I bring greetings from the Maldives, the president and the people of Maldives. And I really look forward to have a very fruitful relationship with U.S., and, also, I think we have had in the past governments as well. So, we will continue to be working together. I think our teams are well in touch in the past couple of months, and since we took office, and we really appreciate the fact that when – since we came into the government we have had very high-level exchanges between our two countries. And I’m confident that the challenges that we have in the future, we will be meeting together, and we will be able to overcome them.
Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you so much. Thanks, everyone.
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Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Indo-Pacific Maldives Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer Before Their Meeting
06/25/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer Before Their Meeting
06/25/2024 06:00 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer Before Their Meeting
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Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer Before Their Meeting
Remarks
June 25, 2024
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. It’s a great pleasure for me to welcome Minister Zameer, my colleague from the Maldives, here to the State Department, to Washington, I think your first visit in this job. Welcome, welcome, welcome.
For us, the Maldives is an important partner, and we want to make sure that we’re a good partner to the Maldives. We stand together in working to make sure that we have a free and open Indo-Pacific region. We stand together in dealing with the challenge posed by climate change – a challenge to lives and livelihoods that we both take very seriously, and where the Maldives is a leader and we, I hope, are a good, effective partner. We’re working together to make sure that we have a secure maritime space, and fundamentally work together to try to build a prosperous future for our people.
Very much appreciate you being here today, so that we can not only continue this work but deepen it and continue to strengthen the partnership between the Maldives and the United States. So welcome.
FOREIGN MINISTER ZAMEER: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. It’s a pleasure to be here in this beautiful city today, and I bring greetings from the Maldives, the president and the people of Maldives. And I really look forward to have a very fruitful relationship with U.S., and, also, I think we have had in the past governments as well. So, we will continue to be working together. I think our teams are well in touch in the past couple of months, and since we took office, and we really appreciate the fact that when – since we came into the government we have had very high-level exchanges between our two countries. And I’m confident that the challenges that we have in the future, we will be meeting together, and we will be able to overcome them.
Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you so much. Thanks, everyone.
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Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Indo-Pacific Maldives Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer
06/25/2024
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer
06/25/2024 06:53 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer
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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer
Readout
June 25, 2024
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer today in Washington, DC. Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to partnering with Maldives to promote a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The Secretary highlighted the U.S. donation of eight patrol boats to Maldives and, working with Congress, the planned provision of $2 million in hydrographic support to help Maldives mitigate the impact of rising sea levels. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed additional opportunities to enhance cooperation on addressing the climate crisis, economic growth, maritime security, and other bilateral priorities.
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Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Maldives Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Madagascar National Day
06/26/2024
Madagascar National Day
06/26/2024 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Madagascar National Day
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Madagascar National Day
Press Statement
June 26, 2024
On behalf of the United States of America, it is my pleasure to wish the people of Madagascar a heartfelt congratulations as you celebrate 64 years of independence on June 26.
I am proud of the ways that our countries continue to expand our bilateral relationship. I hope the United States and Madagascar will expand our relationship in the coming year, advancing shared values such as democratic governance and regional security.
Congratulations on your independence, and best wishes to the Malagasy people.
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Bureau of African Affairs Madagascar Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Madagascar National Day
06/26/2024
Madagascar National Day
06/26/2024 12:01 AM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Madagascar National Day
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Madagascar National Day
Press Statement
June 26, 2024
On behalf of the United States of America, it is my pleasure to wish the people of Madagascar a heartfelt congratulations as you celebrate 64 years of independence on June 26.
I am proud of the ways that our countries continue to expand our bilateral relationship. I hope the United States and Madagascar will expand our relationship in the coming year, advancing shared values such as democratic governance and regional security.
Congratulations on your independence, and best wishes to the Malagasy people.
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Bureau of African Affairs Madagascar Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Assistant Secretary O’Brien’s Travel to Azerbaijan and Croatia
06/26/2024
Assistant Secretary O’Brien’s Travel to Azerbaijan and Croatia
06/26/2024 08:50 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Assistant Secretary O’Brien’s Travel to Azerbaijan and Croatia
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Assistant Secretary O’Brien’s Travel to Azerbaijan and Croatia
Media Note
June 26, 2024
Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs James C. O’Brien will travel to Baku, Azerbaijan, and Dubrovnik, Croatia, June 27-29. In Baku, Assistant Secretary O’Brien will meet with senior Azerbaijani government officials, including Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, to highlight progress in the U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relationship and U.S. support toward the conclusion of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Assistant Secretary O’Brien will also meet with members of civil society to reiterate the urgency of Azerbaijan adhering to its international human rights commitments.
Assistant Secretary O’Brien will then travel to Dubrovnik, Croatia, to attend the Dubrovnik Forum and discuss the Western Balkans’ Euro-Atlantic integration with European partners and allies. In remarks to the forum, the Assistant Secretary will highlight U.S. support for unlocking the region’s reform potential. Assistant Secretary O’Brien will also meet with senior Croatian government officials to discuss defense cooperation, energy security, and other key priorities in the U.S.-Croatia bilateral relationship.
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Azerbaijan Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Croatia Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel
Assistant Secretary O’Brien’s Travel to Azerbaijan and Croatia
06/26/2024
Assistant Secretary O’Brien’s Travel to Azerbaijan and Croatia
06/26/2024 08:50 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Assistant Secretary O’Brien’s Travel to Azerbaijan and Croatia
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Assistant Secretary O’Brien’s Travel to Azerbaijan and Croatia
Media Note
June 26, 2024
Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs James C. O’Brien will travel to Baku, Azerbaijan, and Dubrovnik, Croatia, June 27-29. In Baku, Assistant Secretary O’Brien will meet with senior Azerbaijani government officials, including Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, to highlight progress in the U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relationship and U.S. support toward the conclusion of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Assistant Secretary O’Brien will also meet with members of civil society to reiterate the urgency of Azerbaijan adhering to its international human rights commitments.
Assistant Secretary O’Brien will then travel to Dubrovnik, Croatia, to attend the Dubrovnik Forum and discuss the Western Balkans’ Euro-Atlantic integration with European partners and allies. In remarks to the forum, the Assistant Secretary will highlight U.S. support for unlocking the region’s reform potential. Assistant Secretary O’Brien will also meet with senior Croatian government officials to discuss defense cooperation, energy security, and other key priorities in the U.S.-Croatia bilateral relationship.
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Azerbaijan Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Croatia Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel
Deputy Secretary Verma to Lead the U.S. Delegation to the Organization of American States General Assembly
06/26/2024
Deputy Secretary Verma to Lead the U.S. Delegation to the Organization of American States General Assembly
06/26/2024 08:45 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Deputy Secretary Verma to Lead the U.S. Delegation to the Organization of American States General Assembly
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Deputy Secretary Verma to Lead the U.S. Delegation to the Organization of American States General Assembly
Media Note
June 26, 2024
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will lead the U.S. delegation to the 54th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Asunción, Paraguay. He will join U.S. Ambassador to the OAS Francisco O. Mora, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols, and Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere at the National Security Council Daniel P. Erikson. Deputy Secretary Verma will engage regional partners to discuss strengthening the rule of law, advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and defending democratic institutions.
The United States will support key resolutions related to strengthening regional democracy; the situation in Nicaragua; freedom of religion or belief; the human rights of LGBTI+ persons; disaster response; legislative engagement; as well as security, human rights, and democracy in Haiti.
Deputy Secretary Verma will chair a side event organized by the Voluntary Group for the Follow-Up of the Inter-American Democratic Charter and join a session of the Summit of the Americas Summit Implementation Review Group. U.S. delegation members will also lead meetings on the situation in Venezuela and chair a dialogue of the OAS LGBTI Core Group of member states. Deputy Secretary Verma will also meet with Paraguayan President Peña to discuss bilateral economic cooperation and joint efforts to protect democratic institutions, strengthen cybersecurity, and combat corruption.
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Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Human Rights Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Organization of American States Paraguay Summit of the Americas
Deputy Secretary Verma to Lead the U.S. Delegation to the Organization of American States General Assembly
06/26/2024
Deputy Secretary Verma to Lead the U.S. Delegation to the Organization of American States General Assembly
06/26/2024 08:54 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will lead the U.S. delegation to the 54th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Asunción, Paraguay. He will join U.S. Ambassador to the OAS Francisco O. Mora, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols, and Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere at the National Security Council Daniel P. Erikson. Deputy Secretary Verma will engage regional partners to discuss strengthening the rule of law, advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and defending democratic institutions.
The United States will support key resolutions related to strengthening regional democracy; the situation in Nicaragua; freedom of religion or belief; the human rights of LGBTI+ persons; disaster response; legislative engagement; as well as security, human rights, and democracy in Haiti.
Deputy Secretary Verma will chair a side event organized by the Voluntary Group for the Follow-Up of the Inter-American Democratic Charter and join a session of the Summit of the Americas Summit Implementation Review Group. U.S. delegation members will also lead meetings on the situation in Venezuela and chair a dialogue of the OAS LGBTI Core Group of member states. Deputy Secretary Verma will also meet with Paraguayan President Peña to discuss bilateral economic cooperation and joint efforts to protect democratic institutions, strengthen cybersecurity, and combat corruption.
Up to $5 Million Reward Offer for Information Leading to Arrest and/or Conviction of Cryptocurrency Fraudster Ruja Ignatova
06/26/2024
Up to $5 Million Reward Offer for Information Leading to Arrest and/or Conviction of Cryptocurrency Fraudster Ruja Ignatova
06/26/2024 09:20 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The Department of State is announcing a reward offer under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of German national Ruja Ignatova, wanted in the United States for her participation in one of the largest global fraud schemes in history.
Beginning in approximately 2014 in Bulgaria, Ignatova, as co-founder of OneCoin Ltd, and others defrauded investors from across the world out of billions of dollars. Ignatova promoted OneCoin as a digital currency investment through false statements and representations to attract investors. By 2017, OneCoin is believed to have defrauded victims of more than $4 billion.
On October 12, 2017, Ignatova was indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Two weeks after the indictment Ignatova traveled from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Athens, Greece, to evade arrest and has been a fugitive since that time. In February 2018, a superseding indictment was issued charging Ignatova with the additional crimes of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and securities fraud. In 2022, she was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List. Germany has also criminally charged Ignatova for her role in the transnational fraud scheme.
Today’s reward offer of up to $5 million is authorized by the Secretary under the Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program, which supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime globally and bring fugitives to justice. If you have information, please contact the FBI via Telegram: @RujaReward, Signal: @RujaReward.01, or online at tips.fbi.gov. If you are located outside of the United States, you may also visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If in the United States, you can also contact the local FBI office.
ALL IDENTITIES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards.
Remarks at U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue
06/26/2024
Remarks at U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue
06/26/2024 02:13 PM EDT
Jose W. Fernandez, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment
HomeUnder Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Remarks & Releases…Remarks at U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue
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Remarks at U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue
Remarks
June 25, 2024
As prepared
Minister Dung, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Washington for this first Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Economic Dialogue between the United States and Vietnam. I’m also glad to be able to repay your hospitality for hosting me in Hanoi earlier this year.
I’m joined today by Ambassador Marc Knapper, as well as leadership from our various bureaus, including Deputy Assistant Secretary Melissa Brown from the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Deputy Assistant Secretary Liesyl Franz from the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Garverick from the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Paul Hueper from the Bureau of Energy Resources, and USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for East Asia and the Pacific Sara Borodin.
The issues we’ll cover today, from critical minerals, clean energy, and semiconductors to investment promotion, reflect the central role that economic cooperation plays in our new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, or CSP.
Our rapidly expanding economic ties demonstrate the promise of the CSP and were a driving force behind our joint decision to raise our partnership to the highest-level last fall. The relationship between Vietnam and the United States is as strong as it has ever been, and there is no clearer sign than our economic cooperation.
It’s also remarkable how far we have come in such a short time, and how trade and investment have led the way on the rebuilding of ties between our two countries. In just 30 years since the trade embargo was lifted in 1994, our two-way trade has grown from virtually zero to $124 billion, making Vietnam our ninth-largest trading partner in goods. I’m proud to say that in such a short time we have far outpaced some of your more traditional trading partners, a sign of our commitment to Vietnam, the economic benefits we offer each other, and our shared trust.
This partnership also continues to evolve. The CSP includes areas that will benefit us both, from developing new supply chains for key technologies like semiconductors, to developing vital new sources of critical minerals. This focus on emerging and advanced technologies, shows we are looking to the future drivers of economic growth, and we see each other as part of that trend.
U.S. companies are equally excited about investing in Vietnam, recognizing Vietnam’s great potential. Today, we’ll discuss ways to facilitate this investment and ensure that Vietnam fully capitalizes on this interest. While investors are bullish on Vietnam, we want to ensure they have the regulatory and decision-making environment that they need to commit to expanding in your country.
I underscore that the United States is committed to our economic relationship. The United States recognizes the centrality of our ties, and the rapid growth of the economic linkages between us. There’s no greater proof of this than the CSP.
Mr. Minister, we look forward to your thoughts before opening the discussion.
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Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Bureau of Energy Resources Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Vietnam
Secretary Antony J. Blinken 2023 International Religious Freedom Report Rollout
06/26/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken 2023 International Religious Freedom Report Rollout
06/26/2024 03:02 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Treaty Room, Department of State
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone. Very, very good to have all of you here today. Welcome to the State Department.
Today, thanks to Ambassador Hussain, thanks to his team, thanks to our diplomats and our partners around the world, the State Department is releasing its annual report on the status of international religious freedom. This is an important date for us every year, and no less so this year.
This report advances our vision for a future where everyone is able to choose and practice their beliefs, including the right not to believe or ascribe to a faith. Respecting religious freedom reinforces other rights, like the right to speak freely, to assemble peacefully, the ability to participate in politics. Protecting this universal right empowers people to express themselves, to live up to their full potential, to contribute fully to their communities.
Yet today religious freedom is still not respected for millions of people around the world. Pew Research Center recently found that government restrictions on religion had reached their highest global level since tracking began back in 2007. Today governments around the world continue to target individuals, shutter places of worship, forcibly displace communities, and imprison people because of their religious beliefs. Some countries place restrictions on wearing certain types of religious dress; others enforce it. In some instances, governments are reaching beyond their own borders to target individuals because of their faith and their advocacy for religious freedom. In every region, people continue to face religious-based violence, religious-based discrimination, both from governments and their fellow citizens. They may be shut out of schools, denied jobs, harassed, beaten, or worse.
Violent extremist groups also target people based on their faith, as we saw in the attacks last weekend on churches and a synagogue in Russia’s Dagestan region in which police, civilians, and a priest were killed. Since Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, both antisemitism and Islamophobia have increased significantly across the globe. Here in the United States, reports of hate crimes and other incidents targeting both Muslims and Jews have gone up dramatically.
The Department’s report tracks these kinds of threats to religious freedom in almost 200 countries. For example, blasphemy laws in Pakistan help foster a climate of intolerance and hatred that can lead to vigilantes and mob violence. In Hungary, officials continue to use antisemitic tropes and anti-Muslim rhetoric, and they penalize members of religious groups who criticize the government. Nine other European nations have laws that effectively ban some forms of religious clothing in public spaces. In India we see a concerning increase in anti-conversion laws, hate speech, demolitions of homes and places of worship for members of minority faith communities.
At the same time, people around the world are also working hard to protect religious freedom. We see that in the religious leaders advocating across the globe on behalf of the Baha’is, who are being suppressed and persecuted in Iran and across the Middle East; in activists like Rushan Abbas, who is raising awareness about the genocide and crimes against humanity that China is committing against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
Countless civil society leaders are also pushing back against hate, like Tali Nates in South Africa, who is sharing the story of her Jewish family members, who survived the Holocaust, working with young people to challenge antisemitism, racism, xenophobia. Like Farid Ahmed, whose wife, Husna, was among the people murdered five years ago in the mosque attacks in Christchurch, and has since dedicated himself to understanding between faith communities in New Zealand. These are just two examples, but they are not alone.
One of the things this report documents is the countries that are taking important steps to defend and promote religious freedom. Last November Czechia brought officials, practitioners, faith and civil society leaders from some 60 countries to share ways to push back against authoritarian governments that are cracking down on religious freedom. Saudi Arabia continues to remove exclusionary and hateful language against religious minorities from its public school textbooks, introducing new editions that promote peace and tolerance. In Germany, authorities are working with survivors to prosecute ISIS fighters who carried out genocide and atrocities against Yazidis, Christians, Shia Muslims, and other religious minorities in both Iraq and in Syria.
The United States will continue to stand with our partners and work to advance religious freedom across the globe. Since 2021, we’ve dedicated more than $100 million to this effort. We’ve supported initiatives to prevent religious-based violence. We’ve provided legal assistance to people who are facing religious persecution. We’ve trained thousands of human rights defenders who are helping to document abuses. We’ve also continued hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to support those fleeing religious oppression. Over generations, our nation has welcomed hundreds of thousands of refugees facing religious persecution. We work relentlessly to secure the release of people in prison for exercising their right to religious freedom around the globe. Just over the last year alone, 47 of those prisoners were freed, and we’ll continue advocating for the many who remain unjustly detained.
We’ve also recently launched a new initiative to train diplomats, train officials from other countries who are advocating for religious freedom. We will stay focused on protecting religious freedom, freedom of religion, freedom of belief everywhere it needs protection.
Ultimately, this work is about protecting an essential part of what it means to be human: the ability to explore something bigger than ourselves, to decide on our own what we believe or don’t believe without fear of repression. The right to choose what we believe also allows us to learn from those who are different than us and celebrate all that we have in common.
As the religious scholar Huston Smith put it, and I quote, “if we take the world’s enduring religions at their best, we discover the distilled wisdom of the human race.” So many of the people in this room have dedicated themselves to lifting up that shared wisdom, defending the many faiths that contribute to it, protecting the ability of people around the world to choose what role, if any, religion plays in their lives.
So I want to end by thanking you, by expressing gratitude for everything that you do every day. And what we know is this: In this effort to defend, to protect religious freedom, to advance it, we’re all in this together. And the partnerships that we have with so many of you, those are a great source of strength in making sure that we’re effective in doing the work that each of us is dedicated to.
So thank you for your presence here today, and now with that, let me turn it over to our extraordinary ambassador, Rashad Hussain. Rashad, over to you.
AMBASSADOR HUSSAIN: Thank you. Well, one of the many strengths of our democracy is that it is made up of public servants from all backgrounds who come together and try to do our part to address the challenges that we see all around the world. Mr. Secretary, with the support of civil society, including the leaders that are gathered here today, you’ve been unwavering in your advocacy for religious freedom, and you have made clear to the world that promoting this fundamental right is integral to U.S. foreign policy. So, thank you.
You’ve also spoken frequently about the importance of evidence-based policymaking at the department and our role in collecting robust data to inform our decisions. I am proud to say that the International Religious Freedom Report does exactly that. For 25 years, this annual report has set the global standard for assessing the state of religious freedom around the world. This year’s report covers 199 countries and territories.
As I’ve said before, if anyone wonders whether religious persecution in any part of the world has escaped our attention, your answer is in this report. In this report’s pages are the stories of thousands of individuals who are in each way trying to live according to their own conscience. We find the stories of parents, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, people from every walk of life – lawyers and artists, students and teachers – just far too many people that are facing repressive regimes, terrible conflict, and extremist violence.
We tell this story of those who suffer at the hands of these repressive regimes, such as Hkalam Samson, a Baptist pastor who was unjustly detained for advocating for religious for all individuals in Burma. Samson is among the many activists and religious leaders – including Christians, Buddhists, and Muslims – that the regime in Burma has targeted for brutal repression and imprisonment. The Burma military has used many of the same tactics that it used in its genocidal campaign against Rohingya, and it now targets anyone opposing its repressive rule.
The report also continues to cast light on the ongoing crimes against humanity and genocide the Chinese Government is perpetrating against Muslim Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang. This repression follows decades of persecution of religious communities – from Tibetan Buddhists, to Christians, to Falun Gong practitioners. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown on Falun Gong practitioners.
Joining us today is Yuhua Zhang courageous leader who has served several prison sentences, at times enduring torture for her beliefs, and who eagerly seeks to be reunited with her husband who is still imprisoned in China. We even see the PRC attempt to reach across its borders to target individuals and silence critics, such as the reports of Chinese authorities engaging in transnational repression against predominantly Muslim Uyghurs, Tibetans, Falun Gong, and many more.
This year also marks the 10th year – the 10th anniversary of the genocide and crimes humanity against the Yezidis and Christians and Shia Muslims and other religious minorities in Iraq and Syria perpetrated by ISIS. Pari Ibrahim, a representative of the tens of thousands of victims and survivors of these crimes, is here with us today. The United States and our likeminded partners will continue our efforts to work together to bring long-delayed justice, restoration, and religious freedom to protect and preserve survivor communities.
Our report also documents cases where violence is occurring at the societal level, sometimes with impunity, and it also contributes to the repression of religious communities. In India, for example, Christian communities reported that local police aided mobs that disrupted worship services over accusations of conversion activities or stood by while mobs attacked them and then arrested the victims on conversion charges.
Just last week, we witnessed two brutal killings related to accusations of blasphemy. A mob in northwest Pakistan dragged a man accused of blasphemy from a police station and killed him, while in Nigeria a mob stoned a Muslim man accused of blasphemy. Such blasphemy laws criminalizing speech are ineffective because they fail to – to address the underlying causes of bigotry, and in fact, they are often counterproductive in seeking to maintain order, because as we’ve seen too often, blasphemy laws frequently serve as a pretext for mob violence and even contribute to radicalization and recruitment into violent extremism.
All these dangers and developments are occurring against a backdrop of rising hatred and bigotry around the world, including a sharp rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. The horrific terrorist attacks of October 7 produced the deadliest day in Israel’s history, and since October 7th we have also witnessed far too much suffering and innocent loss of life in Gaza. 2023 was the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. While we remain hopeful for a lasting ceasefire, a sustainable ceasefire must not be the condition for protecting civilians, houses of worship – including churches and mosques – and other civilian objects, and providing humanitarian aid to those in need.
Beyond Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank, the conflict has also fed a global surge in acts of anti-Muslim hatred and antisemitism. The Secretary has spoken very powerfully about the far-reaching impacts of dehumanization, and all of us have the responsibility, starting with ourselves and starting with our families, to counter dehumanization and promote respect. That is a critical goal that will lead us to the future that we seek in the long run. That’s the vision that gives us hope even as we continue the tireless work to help those who are facing oppression around the world.
We are also hopeful because we know the powerful change that’s possible when governments and civil society come together to stand up for human rights, including for religious freedom. Today, as a direct result of relentless advocacy, including by those of you who are here, many people who were once unjustly imprisoned are now and again contributing to their communities. Asia Bibi is no longer in a jail in Pakistan facing a death sentence. Meriam Ibrahim and the daughter she gave birth to in a Sudanese jail are free, and Meriam now advocates for the rights of others. Nguyen Bac Truyen is free and reunited with his wife, who fought tirelessly against his unjust detention in Vietnam. Bishop Rolando Álvarez, while exiled from his home country of Nicaragua, is with his fellow priests at the Vatican. And after a perilous path out of Iran, Fatemeh (Mary) Mohammadi is now able to tell her story about her quest for freedom. More than 60 members of the Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church, who I welcomed upon their joyful arrival to the United States, can spend their Sunday mornings together in safety and not hiding from PRC authorities.
That’s what this work is all about, and that’s why it is so important for this report to cast light on all those who are facing religious persecution around the world. I encourage everyone to take some time to take a look at it, to learn more about the people and the human lives that it describes, and to consider how each of us can contribute to the work of ending dehumanization and making religious freedom a reality for everyone. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Secretary Antony J. Blinken 2023 International Religious Freedom Report Rollout
06/26/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken 2023 International Religious Freedom Report Rollout
06/26/2024 03:02 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Treaty Room, Department of State
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone. Very, very good to have all of you here today. Welcome to the State Department.
Today, thanks to Ambassador Hussain, thanks to his team, thanks to our diplomats and our partners around the world, the State Department is releasing its annual report on the status of international religious freedom. This is an important date for us every year, and no less so this year.
This report advances our vision for a future where everyone is able to choose and practice their beliefs, including the right not to believe or ascribe to a faith. Respecting religious freedom reinforces other rights, like the right to speak freely, to assemble peacefully, the ability to participate in politics. Protecting this universal right empowers people to express themselves, to live up to their full potential, to contribute fully to their communities.
Yet today religious freedom is still not respected for millions of people around the world. Pew Research Center recently found that government restrictions on religion had reached their highest global level since tracking began back in 2007. Today governments around the world continue to target individuals, shutter places of worship, forcibly displace communities, and imprison people because of their religious beliefs. Some countries place restrictions on wearing certain types of religious dress; others enforce it. In some instances, governments are reaching beyond their own borders to target individuals because of their faith and their advocacy for religious freedom. In every region, people continue to face religious-based violence, religious-based discrimination, both from governments and their fellow citizens. They may be shut out of schools, denied jobs, harassed, beaten, or worse.
Violent extremist groups also target people based on their faith, as we saw in the attacks last weekend on churches and a synagogue in Russia’s Dagestan region in which police, civilians, and a priest were killed. Since Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, both antisemitism and Islamophobia have increased significantly across the globe. Here in the United States, reports of hate crimes and other incidents targeting both Muslims and Jews have gone up dramatically.
The Department’s report tracks these kinds of threats to religious freedom in almost 200 countries. For example, blasphemy laws in Pakistan help foster a climate of intolerance and hatred that can lead to vigilantes and mob violence. In Hungary, officials continue to use antisemitic tropes and anti-Muslim rhetoric, and they penalize members of religious groups who criticize the government. Nine other European nations have laws that effectively ban some forms of religious clothing in public spaces. In India we see a concerning increase in anti-conversion laws, hate speech, demolitions of homes and places of worship for members of minority faith communities.
At the same time, people around the world are also working hard to protect religious freedom. We see that in the religious leaders advocating across the globe on behalf of the Baha’is, who are being suppressed and persecuted in Iran and across the Middle East; in activists like Rushan Abbas, who is raising awareness about the genocide and crimes against humanity that China is committing against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
Countless civil society leaders are also pushing back against hate, like Tali Nates in South Africa, who is sharing the story of her Jewish family members, who survived the Holocaust, working with young people to challenge antisemitism, racism, xenophobia. Like Farid Ahmed, whose wife, Husna, was among the people murdered five years ago in the mosque attacks in Christchurch, and has since dedicated himself to understanding between faith communities in New Zealand. These are just two examples, but they are not alone.
One of the things this report documents is the countries that are taking important steps to defend and promote religious freedom. Last November Czechia brought officials, practitioners, faith and civil society leaders from some 60 countries to share ways to push back against authoritarian governments that are cracking down on religious freedom. Saudi Arabia continues to remove exclusionary and hateful language against religious minorities from its public school textbooks, introducing new editions that promote peace and tolerance. In Germany, authorities are working with survivors to prosecute ISIS fighters who carried out genocide and atrocities against Yazidis, Christians, Shia Muslims, and other religious minorities in both Iraq and in Syria.
The United States will continue to stand with our partners and work to advance religious freedom across the globe. Since 2021, we’ve dedicated more than $100 million to this effort. We’ve supported initiatives to prevent religious-based violence. We’ve provided legal assistance to people who are facing religious persecution. We’ve trained thousands of human rights defenders who are helping to document abuses. We’ve also continued hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to support those fleeing religious oppression. Over generations, our nation has welcomed hundreds of thousands of refugees facing religious persecution. We work relentlessly to secure the release of people in prison for exercising their right to religious freedom around the globe. Just over the last year alone, 47 of those prisoners were freed, and we’ll continue advocating for the many who remain unjustly detained.
We’ve also recently launched a new initiative to train diplomats, train officials from other countries who are advocating for religious freedom. We will stay focused on protecting religious freedom, freedom of religion, freedom of belief everywhere it needs protection.
Ultimately, this work is about protecting an essential part of what it means to be human: the ability to explore something bigger than ourselves, to decide on our own what we believe or don’t believe without fear of repression. The right to choose what we believe also allows us to learn from those who are different than us and celebrate all that we have in common.
As the religious scholar Huston Smith put it, and I quote, “if we take the world’s enduring religions at their best, we discover the distilled wisdom of the human race.” So many of the people in this room have dedicated themselves to lifting up that shared wisdom, defending the many faiths that contribute to it, protecting the ability of people around the world to choose what role, if any, religion plays in their lives.
So I want to end by thanking you, by expressing gratitude for everything that you do every day. And what we know is this: In this effort to defend, to protect religious freedom, to advance it, we’re all in this together. And the partnerships that we have with so many of you, those are a great source of strength in making sure that we’re effective in doing the work that each of us is dedicated to.
So thank you for your presence here today, and now with that, let me turn it over to our extraordinary ambassador, Rashad Hussain. Rashad, over to you.
AMBASSADOR HUSSAIN: Thank you. Well, one of the many strengths of our democracy is that it is made up of public servants from all backgrounds who come together and try to do our part to address the challenges that we see all around the world. Mr. Secretary, with the support of civil society, including the leaders that are gathered here today, you’ve been unwavering in your advocacy for religious freedom, and you have made clear to the world that promoting this fundamental right is integral to U.S. foreign policy. So, thank you.
You’ve also spoken frequently about the importance of evidence-based policymaking at the department and our role in collecting robust data to inform our decisions. I am proud to say that the International Religious Freedom Report does exactly that. For 25 years, this annual report has set the global standard for assessing the state of religious freedom around the world. This year’s report covers 199 countries and territories.
As I’ve said before, if anyone wonders whether religious persecution in any part of the world has escaped our attention, your answer is in this report. In this report’s pages are the stories of thousands of individuals who are in each way trying to live according to their own conscience. We find the stories of parents, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, people from every walk of life – lawyers and artists, students and teachers – just far too many people that are facing repressive regimes, terrible conflict, and extremist violence.
We tell this story of those who suffer at the hands of these repressive regimes, such as Hkalam Samson, a Baptist pastor who was unjustly detained for advocating for religious for all individuals in Burma. Samson is among the many activists and religious leaders – including Christians, Buddhists, and Muslims – that the regime in Burma has targeted for brutal repression and imprisonment. The Burma military has used many of the same tactics that it used in its genocidal campaign against Rohingya, and it now targets anyone opposing its repressive rule.
The report also continues to cast light on the ongoing crimes against humanity and genocide the Chinese Government is perpetrating against Muslim Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang. This repression follows decades of persecution of religious communities – from Tibetan Buddhists, to Christians, to Falun Gong practitioners. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown on Falun Gong practitioners.
Joining us today is Yuhua Zhang courageous leader who has served several prison sentences, at times enduring torture for her beliefs, and who eagerly seeks to be reunited with her husband who is still imprisoned in China. We even see the PRC attempt to reach across its borders to target individuals and silence critics, such as the reports of Chinese authorities engaging in transnational repression against predominantly Muslim Uyghurs, Tibetans, Falun Gong, and many more.
This year also marks the 10th year – the 10th anniversary of the genocide and crimes humanity against the Yezidis and Christians and Shia Muslims and other religious minorities in Iraq and Syria perpetrated by ISIS. Pari Ibrahim, a representative of the tens of thousands of victims and survivors of these crimes, is here with us today. The United States and our likeminded partners will continue our efforts to work together to bring long-delayed justice, restoration, and religious freedom to protect and preserve survivor communities.
Our report also documents cases where violence is occurring at the societal level, sometimes with impunity, and it also contributes to the repression of religious communities. In India, for example, Christian communities reported that local police aided mobs that disrupted worship services over accusations of conversion activities or stood by while mobs attacked them and then arrested the victims on conversion charges.
Just last week, we witnessed two brutal killings related to accusations of blasphemy. A mob in northwest Pakistan dragged a man accused of blasphemy from a police station and killed him, while in Nigeria a mob stoned a Muslim man accused of blasphemy. Such blasphemy laws criminalizing speech are ineffective because they fail to – to address the underlying causes of bigotry, and in fact, they are often counterproductive in seeking to maintain order, because as we’ve seen too often, blasphemy laws frequently serve as a pretext for mob violence and even contribute to radicalization and recruitment into violent extremism.
All these dangers and developments are occurring against a backdrop of rising hatred and bigotry around the world, including a sharp rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. The horrific terrorist attacks of October 7 produced the deadliest day in Israel’s history, and since October 7th we have also witnessed far too much suffering and innocent loss of life in Gaza. 2023 was the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. While we remain hopeful for a lasting ceasefire, a sustainable ceasefire must not be the condition for protecting civilians, houses of worship – including churches and mosques – and other civilian objects, and providing humanitarian aid to those in need.
Beyond Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank, the conflict has also fed a global surge in acts of anti-Muslim hatred and antisemitism. The Secretary has spoken very powerfully about the far-reaching impacts of dehumanization, and all of us have the responsibility, starting with ourselves and starting with our families, to counter dehumanization and promote respect. That is a critical goal that will lead us to the future that we seek in the long run. That’s the vision that gives us hope even as we continue the tireless work to help those who are facing oppression around the world.
We are also hopeful because we know the powerful change that’s possible when governments and civil society come together to stand up for human rights, including for religious freedom. Today, as a direct result of relentless advocacy, including by those of you who are here, many people who were once unjustly imprisoned are now and again contributing to their communities. Asia Bibi is no longer in a jail in Pakistan facing a death sentence. Meriam Ibrahim and the daughter she gave birth to in a Sudanese jail are free, and Meriam now advocates for the rights of others. Nguyen Bac Truyen is free and reunited with his wife, who fought tirelessly against his unjust detention in Vietnam. Bishop Rolando Álvarez, while exiled from his home country of Nicaragua, is with his fellow priests at the Vatican. And after a perilous path out of Iran, Fatemeh (Mary) Mohammadi is now able to tell her story about her quest for freedom. More than 60 members of the Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church, who I welcomed upon their joyful arrival to the United States, can spend their Sunday mornings together in safety and not hiding from PRC authorities.
That’s what this work is all about, and that’s why it is so important for this report to cast light on all those who are facing religious persecution around the world. I encourage everyone to take some time to take a look at it, to learn more about the people and the human lives that it describes, and to consider how each of us can contribute to the work of ending dehumanization and making religious freedom a reality for everyone. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Joint Statement on the U.S. – Romania Strategic Dialogue
06/26/2024
Joint Statement on the U.S. – Romania Strategic Dialogue
06/26/2024 03:21 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Romania on the occasion of the U.S. – Romania Strategic Dialogue.
Begin Text
The governments of Romania and the United States held the ninth Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C. on June 21, 2024. This ninth round of the Strategic Dialogue was hosted by the U.S. Department of State and included high-level representatives from both governments. The meeting included sessions on regional political developments; security and defense cooperation; Black Sea security; energy security and interconnectivity; bilateral economic cooperation on trade and investment; cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs; and strengthening people-to-people relationships.
The U.S.-Romania Strategic Dialogue reaffirmed our deep and growing strategic partnership. This year, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of Romania’s accession into NATO, and our relationship as Allies was reinforced by the talks between Presidents Iohannis and Biden at the White House on May 7. The United States deeply appreciates Romania’s crucial role in promoting Euro-Atlantic security and its leadership on NATO’s eastern flank. The United States applauds Romania’s leadership in consolidating the Ukrainian air defense and particularly Romania’s recent decision to provide one Patriot system to Ukraine. This comes at a critical moment for Ukraine’s defense. The United States is committed to supporting Romania’s own defense modernization, the consolidation of its air defense, and interoperability efforts. The United States commends Romania on its successful opening of Europe’s first F-16 regional training center this year. Romania plays an important role in bolstering NATO’s collective defense, and we reiterate our commitment to strengthening the Transatlantic bond. We reaffirmed our unity ahead of the upcoming Washington NATO Summit.
During the Strategic Dialogue, the United States and Romania discussed ways to strengthen our cooperation in the face of shared regional and global threats and challenges, the most urgent of which is Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The United States and Romania reiterate the strategic importance of the Black Sea region to Euro-Atlantic security. The United States and Romania underlined that Russia’s continued aggression has made the Black Sea region host to a number of serious threats. The two sides reaffirmed that this development makes coordinated, predictable Euro-Atlantic support for the region more relevant than ever. Romania and the United States remain strongly committed to strengthening their efforts to ensure a secure, stable, and prosperous Black Sea region, with the implementation of the United States Black Sea Strategy being an integral part of this effort. The United States noted Romania’s leadership in advancing freedom and safety of navigation in the Black Sea by significantly upgrading and expanding transit capacity and through its maritime demining efforts.
The United States and Romania reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine. Both countries remain committed to ensuring Russia’s aggression against Ukraine remains a strategic failure. The two sides highlighted the important progress made to support Ukraine and regional economic integration through our cooperation and joint action as part of the Danube Quint, a model of Euro-Atlantic cooperation, which has further connected Ukraine to global markets and increased regional transit capacity. The United States appreciated Romania’s leadership in bringing more than 50 million tons of Ukrainian grain and agricultural products to global markets. The United States welcomed Romania’s substantive bilateral assistance to Ukraine, firm support for Ukraine’s strategic goal of membership in the EU and NATO, and Romania joining the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine. Romania commended continued U.S. leadership in aiding Ukraine’s defense and highlighted the importance of U.S. support to Ukraine and the region in the face of Russia’s aggression. The United States and Romania reiterated the importance of support for Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure needs, including through the G7-plus coordination group.
The two sides noted the need to work together to bolster the resilience of the Republic of Moldova, as it faces the Kremlin’s hybrid threats and interference in its elections. The United States and Romania welcomed the consistent progress of the Republic of Moldova on its European path and the real benefits that this provides for all its citizens. The United States commended Romania’s consistent and significant contribution to the energy security of the Republic of Moldova and agreed to continued collaboration and support to ensure further integration of the Republic of Moldova’s energy system and transport networks with Europe. Romania noted that USAID has been a critical partner in helping the Republic of Moldova diversify sources and increase capacity to import gas and electricity from European market suppliers.
The Romanian and U.S. delegations highlighted their growing defense cooperation. The United States praised Romania’s steady allocation of at least two percent of GDP to defense investments to meet modernization goals and improve interoperability by transitioning away from legacy platforms. Recalling that interoperability is a key NATO concept, the two sides resolved to work together to further strengthen defense industrial cooperation and to ensure predictability and resilience of procurement and supply. As NATO Allies, the United States and Romania intend to continue to contribute to NATO’s collective security and remain vigilant in defending NATO territory against all threats. The United States thanked Romania for hosting thousands of U.S. and other Allied forces to bolster NATO’s forward defense posture on the Eastern Flank. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense and agreed on the importance and urgency of full implementation of previous Allied decisions in this regard.
Romania and the United States intend to increase cooperation to counter the full range of hybrid threats. The two sides reaffirmed the interest to deepen cooperation on arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation, building on the results of the consistent cooperation in this field.
The delegations reviewed progress on energy cooperation, an important part of the U.S.-Romania partnership with regional relevance. The United States welcomed Romania’s commitment to increase civilian nuclear capacity via the construction of new reactors at Cernavoda, as well as its leadership in bringing a first-of-a-kind small modular reactor (SMR) capacity to Europe. The United States reiterated its commitment to support and participate in the development of these projects, noting that Romania is a model for the region’s path towards energy independence and in developing green energy solutions. The two sides agreed to continue bilateral cooperation on offshore wind and geothermal energy, taking note of the adoption in April of the first Romanian law regulating offshore wind energy production with support from the State Department’s Bureau of Energy Resources. They underscored the importance of energy connectivity for the resilience of the Black Sea region.
The United States and Romania assessed progress in our economic cooperation, noting that trade and investment between the two countries has expanded significantly. The two sides pledged to build on these developments in order to develop our economic cooperation to its full potential. The United States and Romania highlighted private sector collaboration to strengthen commercial ties, including the recent U.S. Department of Commerce Aerospace and Defense Trade Mission, the 2024 Trade Winds Europe/Eurasia Romania mission stop, and the upcoming Southeast Europe Energy-Transition and Energy Security Business Development Trade Mission to Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia. The United States reiterated its support for Romania’s strategic objective of OECD accession, noting the significant milestones achieved thus far.
The United States reiterated its strong support for Romania meeting the requirements for accession to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which brings important security and economic benefits to our partnership.
The United States and Romania plan to continue to prioritize educational, cultural, and professional exchanges. The two sides noted extensive people-to-people connections are a collective strength, and committed to build on public diplomacy programming that promotes mutual understanding across the full range of our shared priorities including democracy, culture, and education programs. The United States applauded the recent increase in funding from the Government of Romania to support the Fulbright Program, which profoundly influences lives and professional careers through education and exchange. Over 3,600 Romanians and Americans have participated in the Fulbright program since 1960. The two sides called for more students to participate in the Fulbright program in both directions.
The United States and Romania deepened their partnership on combating disinformation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Countering Foreign State Information Manipulation. The United States and Romania intend to collaborate and mitigate the negative impacts of information manipulation and support capacity development efforts with emerging partners.
The United States and Romania expressed their commitment to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership in the year ahead and through future strategic dialogues. Romania and the United States aim to hold the next annual meeting of the Strategic Dialogue in Bucharest in early 2025.
End Text
Joint Statement on the U.S. – Romania Strategic Dialogue
06/26/2024
Joint Statement on the U.S. – Romania Strategic Dialogue
06/26/2024 03:21 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Romania on the occasion of the U.S. – Romania Strategic Dialogue.
Begin Text
The governments of Romania and the United States held the ninth Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C. on June 21, 2024. This ninth round of the Strategic Dialogue was hosted by the U.S. Department of State and included high-level representatives from both governments. The meeting included sessions on regional political developments; security and defense cooperation; Black Sea security; energy security and interconnectivity; bilateral economic cooperation on trade and investment; cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs; and strengthening people-to-people relationships.
The U.S.-Romania Strategic Dialogue reaffirmed our deep and growing strategic partnership. This year, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of Romania’s accession into NATO, and our relationship as Allies was reinforced by the talks between Presidents Iohannis and Biden at the White House on May 7. The United States deeply appreciates Romania’s crucial role in promoting Euro-Atlantic security and its leadership on NATO’s eastern flank. The United States applauds Romania’s leadership in consolidating the Ukrainian air defense and particularly Romania’s recent decision to provide one Patriot system to Ukraine. This comes at a critical moment for Ukraine’s defense. The United States is committed to supporting Romania’s own defense modernization, the consolidation of its air defense, and interoperability efforts. The United States commends Romania on its successful opening of Europe’s first F-16 regional training center this year. Romania plays an important role in bolstering NATO’s collective defense, and we reiterate our commitment to strengthening the Transatlantic bond. We reaffirmed our unity ahead of the upcoming Washington NATO Summit.
During the Strategic Dialogue, the United States and Romania discussed ways to strengthen our cooperation in the face of shared regional and global threats and challenges, the most urgent of which is Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The United States and Romania reiterate the strategic importance of the Black Sea region to Euro-Atlantic security. The United States and Romania underlined that Russia’s continued aggression has made the Black Sea region host to a number of serious threats. The two sides reaffirmed that this development makes coordinated, predictable Euro-Atlantic support for the region more relevant than ever. Romania and the United States remain strongly committed to strengthening their efforts to ensure a secure, stable, and prosperous Black Sea region, with the implementation of the United States Black Sea Strategy being an integral part of this effort. The United States noted Romania’s leadership in advancing freedom and safety of navigation in the Black Sea by significantly upgrading and expanding transit capacity and through its maritime demining efforts.
The United States and Romania reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine. Both countries remain committed to ensuring Russia’s aggression against Ukraine remains a strategic failure. The two sides highlighted the important progress made to support Ukraine and regional economic integration through our cooperation and joint action as part of the Danube Quint, a model of Euro-Atlantic cooperation, which has further connected Ukraine to global markets and increased regional transit capacity. The United States appreciated Romania’s leadership in bringing more than 50 million tons of Ukrainian grain and agricultural products to global markets. The United States welcomed Romania’s substantive bilateral assistance to Ukraine, firm support for Ukraine’s strategic goal of membership in the EU and NATO, and Romania joining the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine. Romania commended continued U.S. leadership in aiding Ukraine’s defense and highlighted the importance of U.S. support to Ukraine and the region in the face of Russia’s aggression. The United States and Romania reiterated the importance of support for Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure needs, including through the G7-plus coordination group.
The two sides noted the need to work together to bolster the resilience of the Republic of Moldova, as it faces the Kremlin’s hybrid threats and interference in its elections. The United States and Romania welcomed the consistent progress of the Republic of Moldova on its European path and the real benefits that this provides for all its citizens. The United States commended Romania’s consistent and significant contribution to the energy security of the Republic of Moldova and agreed to continued collaboration and support to ensure further integration of the Republic of Moldova’s energy system and transport networks with Europe. Romania noted that USAID has been a critical partner in helping the Republic of Moldova diversify sources and increase capacity to import gas and electricity from European market suppliers.
The Romanian and U.S. delegations highlighted their growing defense cooperation. The United States praised Romania’s steady allocation of at least two percent of GDP to defense investments to meet modernization goals and improve interoperability by transitioning away from legacy platforms. Recalling that interoperability is a key NATO concept, the two sides resolved to work together to further strengthen defense industrial cooperation and to ensure predictability and resilience of procurement and supply. As NATO Allies, the United States and Romania intend to continue to contribute to NATO’s collective security and remain vigilant in defending NATO territory against all threats. The United States thanked Romania for hosting thousands of U.S. and other Allied forces to bolster NATO’s forward defense posture on the Eastern Flank. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense and agreed on the importance and urgency of full implementation of previous Allied decisions in this regard.
Romania and the United States intend to increase cooperation to counter the full range of hybrid threats. The two sides reaffirmed the interest to deepen cooperation on arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation, building on the results of the consistent cooperation in this field.
The delegations reviewed progress on energy cooperation, an important part of the U.S.-Romania partnership with regional relevance. The United States welcomed Romania’s commitment to increase civilian nuclear capacity via the construction of new reactors at Cernavoda, as well as its leadership in bringing a first-of-a-kind small modular reactor (SMR) capacity to Europe. The United States reiterated its commitment to support and participate in the development of these projects, noting that Romania is a model for the region’s path towards energy independence and in developing green energy solutions. The two sides agreed to continue bilateral cooperation on offshore wind and geothermal energy, taking note of the adoption in April of the first Romanian law regulating offshore wind energy production with support from the State Department’s Bureau of Energy Resources. They underscored the importance of energy connectivity for the resilience of the Black Sea region.
The United States and Romania assessed progress in our economic cooperation, noting that trade and investment between the two countries has expanded significantly. The two sides pledged to build on these developments in order to develop our economic cooperation to its full potential. The United States and Romania highlighted private sector collaboration to strengthen commercial ties, including the recent U.S. Department of Commerce Aerospace and Defense Trade Mission, the 2024 Trade Winds Europe/Eurasia Romania mission stop, and the upcoming Southeast Europe Energy-Transition and Energy Security Business Development Trade Mission to Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia. The United States reiterated its support for Romania’s strategic objective of OECD accession, noting the significant milestones achieved thus far.
The United States reiterated its strong support for Romania meeting the requirements for accession to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which brings important security and economic benefits to our partnership.
The United States and Romania plan to continue to prioritize educational, cultural, and professional exchanges. The two sides noted extensive people-to-people connections are a collective strength, and committed to build on public diplomacy programming that promotes mutual understanding across the full range of our shared priorities including democracy, culture, and education programs. The United States applauded the recent increase in funding from the Government of Romania to support the Fulbright Program, which profoundly influences lives and professional careers through education and exchange. Over 3,600 Romanians and Americans have participated in the Fulbright program since 1960. The two sides called for more students to participate in the Fulbright program in both directions.
The United States and Romania deepened their partnership on combating disinformation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Countering Foreign State Information Manipulation. The United States and Romania intend to collaborate and mitigate the negative impacts of information manipulation and support capacity development efforts with emerging partners.
The United States and Romania expressed their commitment to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership in the year ahead and through future strategic dialogues. Romania and the United States aim to hold the next annual meeting of the Strategic Dialogue in Bucharest in early 2025.
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Secretary Blinken’s Call with Kenyan President William Ruto
06/26/2024
Secretary Blinken’s Call with Kenyan President William Ruto
06/26/2024 04:32 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Call with Kenyan President William Ruto
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Secretary Blinken’s Call with Kenyan President William Ruto
Readout
June 26, 2024
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto today. The Secretary thanked President Ruto for taking steps to reduce tensions and pledging to engage in dialogue with the protestors and civil society. The Secretary underscored the importance of security forces demonstrating restraint and refraining from violence and encouraged prompt investigations into allegations of human rights abuses. The Secretary welcomed President Ruto’s commitment to Kenyans’ constitutionally-endowed rights, including peaceful assembly and due process for those detained. The Secretary reiterated the partnership of the United States with Kenya’s government and people as they work to address their economic challenges.
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Bureau of African Affairs Kenya Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Public Schedule – June 27, 2024
06/26/2024
Public Schedule – June 27, 2024
06/26/2024 09:06 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN
1:00 p.m. Secretary Blinken hosts an LGBTQI+ Foreign Policy convening at the Department of State.
(OPEN TO PRE-REGISTERED PRESS)
The Secretary’s remarks will be streamed live on the Department homepage and the Department YouTube channel.
Pre-set time for video cameras is 12:15 p.m. from the 21st Street entrance. Final access time for writers and stills is 12:30 p.m. from the 21st Street entrance.
2:00 p.m. Secretary Blinken meets with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag at the Department of State.
(POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)
4:00 p.m. Secretary Blinken delivers remarks at a room dedication and naming ceremony at the Department of State.
(POOLED PRESS COVERAGE)
The Secretary’s remarks will be streamed live on the Department homepage and the Department YouTube channel.
6:00 p.m. Secretary Blinken hosts a Pride Month reception at the Department of State.
(OPEN TO PRE-REGISTERED PRESS)
The Secretary’s remarks will be streamed live on the Department homepage and the Department YouTube channel.
Pre-set time for video cameras is 5:15 p.m. from the C Street entrance. Final access time for writers and stills is 5:30 p.m. from the C Street entrance.
DEPUTY SECRETARY KURT M. CAMPBELL
1:00 p.m. Deputy Secretary Campbell meets with Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez at the Department of State.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
2:30 p.m. Deputy Secretary Campbell meets with Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha at the Department of State.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES RICHARD R. VERMA
Deputy Secretary Verma is on travel to Paraguay from June 26-28, 2024.
UNDER SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ELIZABETH M. ALLEN
6:00 p.m. Under Secretary Allen attends a Pride Month reception at the Department of State.
(OPEN TO PRE-REGISTERED PRESS)
ACTING UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS JOHN BASS
Acting Under Secretary Bass attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN AFFAIRS JAMES C. O’BRIEN
Assistant Secretary O’Brien is on travel to Azerbaijan and Croatia from June 27-29, 2024.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ARMS CONTROL, DETERRENCE, AND STABILITY MALLORY STEWART
Assistant Secretary Stewart is on travel to Kazakhstan and Switzerland from June 22-28, 2024.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CONFLICT AND STABILIZATION OPERATIONS ANNE A. WITKOWSKY
Assistant Secretary Witkowsky is on travel to the United Kingdom from June 24-28, 2024.
BRIEFING SCHEDULE
No Department Press Briefing.
Secretary Blinken to Participate in a Conversation with the Brookings Institution
06/27/2024
Secretary Blinken to Participate in a Conversation with the Brookings Institution
06/27/2024 08:16 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken to Participate in a Conversation with the Brookings Institution
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Secretary Blinken to Participate in a Conversation with the Brookings Institution
Notice to the Press
June 27, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will participate in a conversation with Brookings Institution Vice President and Director of Foreign Policy Suzanne Maloney on Monday, July 1 at 10:30 a.m. EDT. They will discuss the Biden administration’s foreign policy and the role for U.S. leadership in navigating this critical moment.
This event will be pooled for in-person attendance.
The conversation will be streamed live on the Department homepage and the Department YouTube channel.
For more information, contact the Brookings Office of Communications, events@brookings.edu, (202) 797-6105.
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Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
AI at State: A Conversation with Secretary Blinken
06/27/2024
AI at State: A Conversation with Secretary Blinken
06/27/2024 10:29 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will join Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer Dr. Matthew Graviss for a “A Conversation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at State” on Friday, June 28, at 9:00 a.m. ET at the U.S. Department of State.
Secretary Blinken will deliver keynote remarks on the Department’s accelerated progress in adapting AI to enhance diplomatic efforts, streamline operations, and improve decision-making processes by leveraging advanced technologies. This initiative aligns with Secretary Blinken’s commitment to modernize American Diplomacy, a vision he articulated during his 2021 remarks at the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington, Virginia, emphasizing the need to meet 21st century challenges effectively.
A panel discussion highlighting practical applications of AI within the Department will follow the Secretary’s conversation and will feature: Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya; Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Elizabeth M. Allen; Department of State Chief Information Officer and Head of the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology Dr. Kelly Fletcher; and U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti.
The event will be streamed live on the Department homepage and the Department YouTube channel. Press coverage of the event will be open to pre-registered media. Media who would like to cover in person must RSVP by completing this form by 3:00 p.m. on June 27, 2024.
Deputy Secretary Verma’s Meeting with the Summit Implementation Review Group
06/27/2024
Deputy Secretary Verma’s Meeting with the Summit Implementation Review Group
06/27/2024 01:34 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma participated in the Summit Implementation Review Group (SIRG) on June 27, 2024, during the General Assembly of the Organization of American States. This was the first SIRG meeting at the ministerial level of 2024, where member states determined the hemispheric priorities for the Tenth Summit of the Americas, and commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Summit of the Americas. As Vice Chair of the Summit of the Americas Process, the United States proposed tangible actions to advance the collective commitment of Western Hemisphere partners on priorities such as democratic governance and advancing inclusive opportunity for all. This included the announcement of new funding support for the reactivation of the Inter-American Social Protection Network and training in collaboration with the Inter-American Commission of Women, in furtherance of the Inter-American Task Force on Women’s Leadership.
Deputy Secretary Verma also confirmed the United States’ condemnation of yesterday’s events in Bolivia, as we condemn any attempt to subvert or distort constitutional order.
Designating Entities and Vessels Engaged in Iranian Petroleum or Petrochemical Products Trade
06/27/2024
Designating Entities and Vessels Engaged in Iranian Petroleum or Petrochemical Products Trade
06/27/2024 02:41 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Designating Entities and Vessels Engaged in Iranian Petroleum or Petrochemical Products Trade
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Designating Entities and Vessels Engaged in Iranian Petroleum or Petrochemical Products Trade
Fact Sheet
June 27, 2024
The Department of State is imposing sanctions today on three United Arab Emirates companies involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum or petrochemical products, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13846.Sea Route Ship Management FZE is involved in the transport of Iranian petrochemical products as the commercial manager of the vessel ASTRA (IMO 9162928). Sea Route Ship Management FZE knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the transport on the ASTRA of petrochemical products from Iran in late November 2021. Sea Route Ship Management FZE is being designated pursuant to section 3(a)(iii) of E.O. 13846 for on or after November 5, 2018, having knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petrochemical products from Iran.Almanac Ship Management LLC is involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum products as the commercial manager of the vessel BERENICE PRIDE (IMO 9216559). Almanac Ship Management LLC knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the transport on the BERENICE PRIDE of petroleum products from Iran in late October 2022. Almanac Ship Management LLC is being designated pursuant to section 3(a)(ii) of E.O. 13846 for on or after November 5, 2018, having knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran.Al Anchor Ship Management FZE is involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum products as the commercial manager of the vessel PARINE (IMO 9257503). Al Anchor Ship Management FZE knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the transport on the PARINE of petroleum products from Iran in late October 2022. Al Anchor Ship Management FZE is being designated pursuant to section 3(a)(ii) of E.O. 13846 for on or after November 5, 2018, having knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran.
The Department is also identifying these 11 vessels associated with these entities as blocked property:ASTRA
BALTIC HORIZON
NILE
YAMUNA
BERENICE PRIDE
HARMONY
EURO VIKING
EURO FORTUNE
ARABIAN ENERGY
PARINE
ROAD
As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of these targets that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any U.S. persons, including any foreign branches, are blocked and must be reported to the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Assets Control (OFAC.) In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all dealings by U.S. persons or within the United States (including transactions transiting the United States) that involve any property or interests in property of blocked or designated persons.
Petitions for removal from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List may be sent to: OFAC.Reconsideration@treasury.gov. Petitioners may also refer to the Department of State’s Delisting Guidance page.
To see the full text of E.O. 13846, click here.
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Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Division for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions Iran Office of the Spokesperson Sanctions
Imposing Sanctions on Entities and Vessels Trading in Iranian Petroleum or Petrochemical Products
06/27/2024
Imposing Sanctions on Entities and Vessels Trading in Iranian Petroleum or Petrochemical Products
06/27/2024 02:51 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Imposing Sanctions on Entities and Vessels Trading in Iranian Petroleum or Petrochemical Products
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Imposing Sanctions on Entities and Vessels Trading in Iranian Petroleum or Petrochemical Products
Press Statement
June 27, 2024
Over the past month, Iran has announced steps to further expand its nuclear program in ways that have no credible peaceful purpose. Iran’s actions to increase its enrichment capacity are all the more concerning in light of Iran’s continued failure to cooperate with the IAEA and statements by Iranian officials suggesting potential changes to Iran’s nuclear doctrine.
In response to these continued nuclear escalations, the United States is today taking action against entities and vessels involved in the Iranian petroleum and petrochemical trade. The Department of State is imposing sanctions on three entities involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products and identifying 11 vessels associated with these entities as blocked property.
We remain committed to never letting Iran obtain a nuclear weapon, and we are prepared to use all elements of national power to ensure that outcome. As President Biden and the other leaders of the G7 stated earlier this month, Iran must cease its escalations with regard to its nuclear program as well as its other destabilizing actions.
The Department of State’s actions are being taken pursuant to Executive Order 13846 “Reimposing Certain Sanctions With Respect to Iran.” For more information, please see the Department’s fact sheet.
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Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Division for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions Iran Office of the Spokesperson Sanctions The Secretary of State
Imposing Sanctions on Entities and Vessels Trading in Iranian Petroleum or Petrochemical Products
06/27/2024
Imposing Sanctions on Entities and Vessels Trading in Iranian Petroleum or Petrochemical Products
06/27/2024 02:51 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Imposing Sanctions on Entities and Vessels Trading in Iranian Petroleum or Petrochemical Products
hide
Imposing Sanctions on Entities and Vessels Trading in Iranian Petroleum or Petrochemical Products
Press Statement
June 27, 2024
Over the past month, Iran has announced steps to further expand its nuclear program in ways that have no credible peaceful purpose. Iran’s actions to increase its enrichment capacity are all the more concerning in light of Iran’s continued failure to cooperate with the IAEA and statements by Iranian officials suggesting potential changes to Iran’s nuclear doctrine.
In response to these continued nuclear escalations, the United States is today taking action against entities and vessels involved in the Iranian petroleum and petrochemical trade. The Department of State is imposing sanctions on three entities involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products and identifying 11 vessels associated with these entities as blocked property.
We remain committed to never letting Iran obtain a nuclear weapon, and we are prepared to use all elements of national power to ensure that outcome. As President Biden and the other leaders of the G7 stated earlier this month, Iran must cease its escalations with regard to its nuclear program as well as its other destabilizing actions.
The Department of State’s actions are being taken pursuant to Executive Order 13846 “Reimposing Certain Sanctions With Respect to Iran.” For more information, please see the Department’s fact sheet.
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Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Division for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions Iran Office of the Spokesperson Sanctions The Secretary of State
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the 2024 Pride Month Convening on U.S. Foreign Policy: National Security, Inclusive Development, and the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons
06/27/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the 2024 Pride Month Convening on U.S. Foreign Policy: National Security, Inclusive Development, and the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons
06/27/2024 03:50 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Burns Auditorium
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, everyone. Good afternoon. Please, have a seat. First let me say to my friend Katherine Tai welcome, welcome. Thank you, Katherine, for being here with us today. We’re all looking forward to hearing from you.
Now, I’m usually the one who gets called out by Jessica. (Laughter.) So this was a great moment to actually get to return the favor. (Laughter.) But I have to tell you, and I think pretty much everyone in this room knows it, we have an extraordinary force of nature in Jessica leading our efforts around the world. I couldn’t be more grateful for it. The difference that she and her team are making every day in ways big and small is incredibly powerful, and I get a chance to see that up close. And you’ll be hearing more about that through the course of this afternoon, but Jessica, to you, to the entire team, thank you, thank you, thank you. (Applause.)
And for so many in this room I could say the same thing, because this is an extraordinary community of people who are working every day – not just on this day but every day – to make a real difference.
On his first day in office – and you heard the letter from the President, but on his very first day in office President Biden issued an executive order stating that, and I quote, “All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear, no matter who they are or whom they love.”
It’s as simple as that. LGBTQI+ rights are human rights. And our government has a responsibility to defend them, to promote them – here and everywhere.
Upholding these rights is crucial to safeguarding and accelerating our renewal at home. Our ability to stand up for human rights and democracy internationally is also tied directly to whether we’re strong on these fronts here in our own country. So much of what we do, we see the connections between what we’re doing and how we’re doing at home, what we’re doing and how we’re doing abroad. And this is no different.
It’s also profoundly in our national interest – and vital to our national security, which gets us to what Jessica shared with you earlier; really, the focus that we’re bringing today. But it’s in our national security interest to stand up for LGBTQI+ persons around the world.
When nations came together 75 years ago, they affirmed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights respect for “the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family. the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”
And we see that here at the State Department every single day. Countries that respect the rights of every individual tend to be more stable, more healthy, more democratic, more prosperous. Those that discriminate against LGBTQI+ persons tend to be less free and tend to be less equal. The correlation is as clear as day.
Sixty-four countries currently criminalize consensual sex, same-sex conduct, between adults. In 11 of them, having same-sex relations is punishable by death.
Last year – you all know this – Uganda enacted a law further criminalizing consensual same-sex conduct with penalties that included imprisonment, including life imprisonment. People convicted of so-called “aggravated homosexuality” face the death penalty.
In Hungary, the government is smearing, scapegoating, stigmatizing LGBTQI+ persons – vilifying them with degrading labels, denying them equal rights, normalizing violence against them.
Two months ago, Iraq’s parliament passed legislation that punishes same-sex relations with up to 15 years in prison. Anyone who engages in so-called promotion of homosexuality can be imprisoned for ten years.
In Indonesia, the parliament passed a new criminal code banning extramarital sex. In a nation where same-sex couples cannot marry, these laws effectively make all same-sex conduct illegal and they undermine privacy for all Indonesians.
Since 2021, the State Department has helped lead a whole-of-U.S. Government effort to ensure that every person, everywhere, can live free from violence and discrimination, with their equal rights respected.
We’re defending and promoting LGBTQI+ rights around the world, and we’re doing it in several key ways. And that’s what I wanted to just spend a few minutes highlighting for you today.
First, we’re applying diplomatic pressure to urge governments to reverse discriminatory laws and practices. Seven nations have decriminalized consensual same-sex conduct over the past two years. Greece, Liechtenstein, Thailand voted to legalize marriage equality this year. More countries are banning so-called “conversion therapy.”
Now, first and foremost, these achievements are possible because of incredibly courageous human rights defenders and government partners on the ground. But I believe America’s support is indispensable. When we engage – sometimes publicly, sometimes privately, sometimes both – when we share our own knowledge and experience, we can and we do achieve change.
Second, where human rights abuses are carried out against LGBTQI+ persons, we hold the perpetrators accountable. When Uganda enacted its Anti-Homosexuality Act, we redirected U.S. Government assistance so that it doesn’t go to those carrying out this abusive policy, while at the same time increasing aid to Ugandan people who need it more than ever before in the LGBTQI+ community. We sanctioned Ugandan officials who were involved in gross human rights violations. We ended Uganda’s eligibility for beneficial trade status under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act until – until – it repeals the legislation and addresses its human rights situation.
We remain committed to partnering with the people of Ugandan, as we’ve done for years with investments in improving healthcare and education, expanding economic opportunity, strengthening accountability and the rule of law. We’ll make sure that our resources continue to lift up the Ugandan people – not enable their repression.
Third, we’re increasing protections for vulnerable LGBTQI+ persons, and we’re doing that, again, around the world. We’ve expanded access here in the United States to the Refugee Admissions Program. We’ve got new options like NGO referrals and sponsorship by individuals and organizations, and we’re also providing financial and settlement support. We’ve increased access to mental and physical health services for refugees, including from the LGBTQI+ community. We’ve strengthened training for refugee and asylum officers to better serve those communities.
Precisely at a time when this community is increasingly vulnerable, it’s important – urgent – that we step up to provide the support, the help, the assistance that we can and to do that in a very deliberate way.
We’re also strongly supporting LGBTQI+ human rights organizations, and we’re doing it on the ground, where every single day these organizations are acting at tremendous risk and showing through their actions what can actually be accomplished. We’re proud to administer the Global Equality Fund. This provides essential aid to the work of groups in more than a hundred countries around the world.
Finally, we’re doubling down on our efforts to bring LGBTQI+ rights and perspectives to the fore in multilateral and regional organizations. For example, in the UN Human Rights Council, we brought our strong support to the first-ever UN resolution to condemn and combat discrimination against – and violence against intersex persons. Forty-seven countries from every part of the world actually co-sponsored the resolution. The council adopted it in April without a single “no” vote. That’s – that result is actually the product of roll-up-your-sleeves diplomacy that our team engaged in in Geneva, and I’m very proud that we got it.
Today, I’m announcing that the United States is updating our own interpretation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This is one of the key treaties committing nations to upholding universal rights. That means that, starting from now, the United States considers sexual orientation and gender identity as covered by this treaty. (Applause.) In our regular reporting to the council on human rights, we will continue to include incidents of discrimination or abuse committed against LGBTQI+ persons, now with the clear framework of this well-supported interpretation. That will further empower our efforts.
We’ve come a long way, here at home and in our advocacy for rights around the world. But you heard it from Jessica, you know it, you live it every day: We also continue to face a long road ahead. This community knows better than most, maybe better than anyone, change doesn’t happen overnight, and don’t expect attitudes and laws to transform in one fell swoop everywhere. But here’s what we do know, here’s what you know better than anyone: Our voice, our partnership, our experience can help make a difference, can help accelerate change, can literally help to save lives.
That’s why I am so proud of the work that we do, proud of the work that you do. It’s why I’m grateful that all of you are here today, this afternoon, for what I think is an important moment, an important conversation, because ultimately, any movement is only as strong as the people who make it up. That’s all of you and so many others that you work with and represent.
And as I’m looking around this room, and knowing folks who are also tuning in, and as I look around the world and get to hear from so many people that I meet with the extraordinary privilege of helping to represent the country around the world, what I see above all else is strength, resilience, determination.
From our diplomatic colleagues, who know that none of this gets done alone; from our State Department team, many of whom are with us today, whose members show almost superhuman stamina in their own advocacy; leaders from the private sector, from academia, from international organizations, who are teaming up with us to deliver – to deliver – a better future; and especially from the activists on the frontlines, who are indispensable to the safety and security of LGBTQI+ around the world, and you know undertake their work at extraordinary personal risk – each of you is an inspiration. Each of you is a motivation. Each of you, in so many ways, is our conscience.
Activists, all of our civil society partners: You know how much work remains to achieve full equality and full rights. But our promise is this: We will be with you every step of the way. We’re persevere with you. We’ll listen to you. We’ll learn from you. We’ll help resource and support your fight. And we’ll bring our strength together with yours so that finally together we can build a world where all people are genuinely free – free to be who they are, free to love who they love.
Thank you and have a great afternoon. (Applause.)
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the 2024 Pride Month Convening on U.S. Foreign Policy: National Security, Inclusive Development, and the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons
06/27/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the 2024 Pride Month Convening on U.S. Foreign Policy: National Security, Inclusive Development, and the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons
06/27/2024 03:50 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Burns Auditorium
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, everyone. Good afternoon. Please, have a seat. First let me say to my friend Katherine Tai welcome, welcome. Thank you, Katherine, for being here with us today. We’re all looking forward to hearing from you.
Now, I’m usually the one who gets called out by Jessica. (Laughter.) So this was a great moment to actually get to return the favor. (Laughter.) But I have to tell you, and I think pretty much everyone in this room knows it, we have an extraordinary force of nature in Jessica leading our efforts around the world. I couldn’t be more grateful for it. The difference that she and her team are making every day in ways big and small is incredibly powerful, and I get a chance to see that up close. And you’ll be hearing more about that through the course of this afternoon, but Jessica, to you, to the entire team, thank you, thank you, thank you. (Applause.)
And for so many in this room I could say the same thing, because this is an extraordinary community of people who are working every day – not just on this day but every day – to make a real difference.
On his first day in office – and you heard the letter from the President, but on his very first day in office President Biden issued an executive order stating that, and I quote, “All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear, no matter who they are or whom they love.”
It’s as simple as that. LGBTQI+ rights are human rights. And our government has a responsibility to defend them, to promote them – here and everywhere.
Upholding these rights is crucial to safeguarding and accelerating our renewal at home. Our ability to stand up for human rights and democracy internationally is also tied directly to whether we’re strong on these fronts here in our own country. So much of what we do, we see the connections between what we’re doing and how we’re doing at home, what we’re doing and how we’re doing abroad. And this is no different.
It’s also profoundly in our national interest – and vital to our national security, which gets us to what Jessica shared with you earlier; really, the focus that we’re bringing today. But it’s in our national security interest to stand up for LGBTQI+ persons around the world.
When nations came together 75 years ago, they affirmed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights respect for “the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family. the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”
And we see that here at the State Department every single day. Countries that respect the rights of every individual tend to be more stable, more healthy, more democratic, more prosperous. Those that discriminate against LGBTQI+ persons tend to be less free and tend to be less equal. The correlation is as clear as day.
Sixty-four countries currently criminalize consensual sex, same-sex conduct, between adults. In 11 of them, having same-sex relations is punishable by death.
Last year – you all know this – Uganda enacted a law further criminalizing consensual same-sex conduct with penalties that included imprisonment, including life imprisonment. People convicted of so-called “aggravated homosexuality” face the death penalty.
In Hungary, the government is smearing, scapegoating, stigmatizing LGBTQI+ persons – vilifying them with degrading labels, denying them equal rights, normalizing violence against them.
Two months ago, Iraq’s parliament passed legislation that punishes same-sex relations with up to 15 years in prison. Anyone who engages in so-called promotion of homosexuality can be imprisoned for ten years.
In Indonesia, the parliament passed a new criminal code banning extramarital sex. In a nation where same-sex couples cannot marry, these laws effectively make all same-sex conduct illegal and they undermine privacy for all Indonesians.
Since 2021, the State Department has helped lead a whole-of-U.S. Government effort to ensure that every person, everywhere, can live free from violence and discrimination, with their equal rights respected.
We’re defending and promoting LGBTQI+ rights around the world, and we’re doing it in several key ways. And that’s what I wanted to just spend a few minutes highlighting for you today.
First, we’re applying diplomatic pressure to urge governments to reverse discriminatory laws and practices. Seven nations have decriminalized consensual same-sex conduct over the past two years. Greece, Liechtenstein, Thailand voted to legalize marriage equality this year. More countries are banning so-called “conversion therapy.”
Now, first and foremost, these achievements are possible because of incredibly courageous human rights defenders and government partners on the ground. But I believe America’s support is indispensable. When we engage – sometimes publicly, sometimes privately, sometimes both – when we share our own knowledge and experience, we can and we do achieve change.
Second, where human rights abuses are carried out against LGBTQI+ persons, we hold the perpetrators accountable. When Uganda enacted its Anti-Homosexuality Act, we redirected U.S. Government assistance so that it doesn’t go to those carrying out this abusive policy, while at the same time increasing aid to Ugandan people who need it more than ever before in the LGBTQI+ community. We sanctioned Ugandan officials who were involved in gross human rights violations. We ended Uganda’s eligibility for beneficial trade status under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act until – until – it repeals the legislation and addresses its human rights situation.
We remain committed to partnering with the people of Ugandan, as we’ve done for years with investments in improving healthcare and education, expanding economic opportunity, strengthening accountability and the rule of law. We’ll make sure that our resources continue to lift up the Ugandan people – not enable their repression.
Third, we’re increasing protections for vulnerable LGBTQI+ persons, and we’re doing that, again, around the world. We’ve expanded access here in the United States to the Refugee Admissions Program. We’ve got new options like NGO referrals and sponsorship by individuals and organizations, and we’re also providing financial and settlement support. We’ve increased access to mental and physical health services for refugees, including from the LGBTQI+ community. We’ve strengthened training for refugee and asylum officers to better serve those communities.
Precisely at a time when this community is increasingly vulnerable, it’s important – urgent – that we step up to provide the support, the help, the assistance that we can and to do that in a very deliberate way.
We’re also strongly supporting LGBTQI+ human rights organizations, and we’re doing it on the ground, where every single day these organizations are acting at tremendous risk and showing through their actions what can actually be accomplished. We’re proud to administer the Global Equality Fund. This provides essential aid to the work of groups in more than a hundred countries around the world.
Finally, we’re doubling down on our efforts to bring LGBTQI+ rights and perspectives to the fore in multilateral and regional organizations. For example, in the UN Human Rights Council, we brought our strong support to the first-ever UN resolution to condemn and combat discrimination against – and violence against intersex persons. Forty-seven countries from every part of the world actually co-sponsored the resolution. The council adopted it in April without a single “no” vote. That’s – that result is actually the product of roll-up-your-sleeves diplomacy that our team engaged in in Geneva, and I’m very proud that we got it.
Today, I’m announcing that the United States is updating our own interpretation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This is one of the key treaties committing nations to upholding universal rights. That means that, starting from now, the United States considers sexual orientation and gender identity as covered by this treaty. (Applause.) In our regular reporting to the council on human rights, we will continue to include incidents of discrimination or abuse committed against LGBTQI+ persons, now with the clear framework of this well-supported interpretation. That will further empower our efforts.
We’ve come a long way, here at home and in our advocacy for rights around the world. But you heard it from Jessica, you know it, you live it every day: We also continue to face a long road ahead. This community knows better than most, maybe better than anyone, change doesn’t happen overnight, and don’t expect attitudes and laws to transform in one fell swoop everywhere. But here’s what we do know, here’s what you know better than anyone: Our voice, our partnership, our experience can help make a difference, can help accelerate change, can literally help to save lives.
That’s why I am so proud of the work that we do, proud of the work that you do. It’s why I’m grateful that all of you are here today, this afternoon, for what I think is an important moment, an important conversation, because ultimately, any movement is only as strong as the people who make it up. That’s all of you and so many others that you work with and represent.
And as I’m looking around this room, and knowing folks who are also tuning in, and as I look around the world and get to hear from so many people that I meet with the extraordinary privilege of helping to represent the country around the world, what I see above all else is strength, resilience, determination.
From our diplomatic colleagues, who know that none of this gets done alone; from our State Department team, many of whom are with us today, whose members show almost superhuman stamina in their own advocacy; leaders from the private sector, from academia, from international organizations, who are teaming up with us to deliver – to deliver – a better future; and especially from the activists on the frontlines, who are indispensable to the safety and security of LGBTQI+ around the world, and you know undertake their work at extraordinary personal risk – each of you is an inspiration. Each of you is a motivation. Each of you, in so many ways, is our conscience.
Activists, all of our civil society partners: You know how much work remains to achieve full equality and full rights. But our promise is this: We will be with you every step of the way. We’re persevere with you. We’ll listen to you. We’ll learn from you. We’ll help resource and support your fight. And we’ll bring our strength together with yours so that finally together we can build a world where all people are genuinely free – free to be who they are, free to love who they love.
Thank you and have a great afternoon. (Applause.)
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag Before Their Meeting
06/27/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag Before Their Meeting
06/27/2024 04:11 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag Before Their Meeting
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Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag Before Their Meeting
Remarks
June 27, 2024
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon. It’s a great pleasure to have my friend and colleague Sigrid Kaag here as the UN Coordinator for Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance for Gaza.
Over the past week or so, we’ve been working to address urgent challenges that are making it difficult to deliver the necessary humanitarian assistance the people of Gaza who so desperately need it, particularly when it comes to the security of the deliveries and those delivering the assistance. I raised these concerns clearly and directly with Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant when he was here just a few days ago, and I think we’ve seen over the last couple of days some progress in Israel committing to address some of the needs that the United Nations in particular has to make sure that it can effectively and more safely deliver assistance.
We continue to face the challenge of aid getting to and into Gaza, but then not being able to be distributed effectively because, principally, of real security challenges. And so when it comes to making sure that food, water, medicine, and other basic necessities that the Palestinian people need just to survive get to them, we continue to have important work to do. It’s good that and important that Israel is addressing these very concrete needs, but they have to be implemented as quickly as possible. There is no time to lose.
And I’m also eager to hear from Sigrid ongoing needs, ongoing requirements to make sure that both the United Nations, private providers of assistance, all of the countries that are working together to try to help the Palestinian people, who need it so desperately – how we can be more effective. And with that, Sigrid —
MS KAAG: Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: — good to have you here.
MS KAAG: Thank you, Mr. Secretary, and indeed my friend, Tony, but also, of course, the Secretary of State of the United States. I’m delighted to be here.
It is, indeed, a very critical period. I’m responsible for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2720, which was born out of political necessity in the face of ever-growing humanitarian needs, reaching near catastrophic conditions when the resolution was adopted in December. It’s been a very tough and difficult period for the civilians in Gaza and, of course, also the families of the Israeli hostages who continue to live with deep uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones.
But the focus of my mission is on the civilians in Gaza – to get the volume, the quality, and the predictability of assistance that they so desperately need, given the fact that they’ve left their homes – 1.9 million people are displaced. They survive in tents. There’s absence of almost anything anyone could possibly imagine. So it’s our task, indeed, not only to get the aid to Gaza but also to have the ability to distribute this safely and securely.
And I’m not only saying this for the United Nations family. It’s also for the NGOs that risk their lives every day with – in their presence, Palestinians NGOs as much as the international NGOs. It’s a very difficult operating environment for the civilians, first and foremost, but also those who seek to assist. And that is a constant dialogue where the support and leadership of the United States is so very important for the United Nations to be able to succeed.
And equally so, if there is hope of a ceasefire deal, it’s also important we take stock and we look towards the early recovery needs – health facilities, children back into learning, anything that forms part of what we would all consider human dignity for our fellow human beings. And that’s a shared commitment, and the ongoing discussions with the Israeli Government are extremely important in this regard with strong support and the leadership of the United States, Antony Blinken in particular.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you.
MS KAAG: Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks everyone.
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Bureau of International Organization Affairs Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Israel-Hamas Conflict Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State United Nations
Release of the Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World
06/27/2024
Release of the Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World
06/27/2024 04:16 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Release of the Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World
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Release of the Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World
Media Note
June 27, 2024
Today the Department of State released the third public report on the U.S. government’s implementation of the 2021 Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons (LGBTQI+) Persons Around the World. The report highlights our efforts to promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons globally in 2023.
Promoting and protecting the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons is a U.S. foreign policy priority. It remains vitally important that we address the violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQI+ persons while also acknowledging how characteristics such as race and ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, and national origin can further exacerbate one’s vulnerability to violence and discrimination, and impact equal enjoyment of an individual’s human rights. As the report demonstrates, the U.S. government advances these priorities by supporting efforts to end the criminalization of LGBTQI+ status and conduct around the globe, seeking to protect vulnerable LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers, providing foreign assistance to protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons and to advance non-discrimination protections, responding meaningfully to human rights abuses of LGBTQI+ persons abroad, and engaging international partners and organizations in the fight against LGBTQI+ discrimination. Collectively, these efforts advance the goal of ending violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics. Equality and equity build stronger societies for all.
LGBTQI+ human rights defenders and civil society organizations are critical stakeholders and leaders in global efforts to advance respect for the human rights of all people. They are our partners in the work laid out in this report, as are the governments and multilateral institutions with which we work closely to catalyze progress. By releasing this report, we aim to inspire other governments around the world to undertake similar actions to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons.
The report is available to the public on the LGBTQI+ Human Rights page. For further information please contact DRL-Press@state.gov.
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Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Discrimination Human Rights and Democracy LGBT Rights Office of the Spokesperson
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag Before Their Meeting
06/27/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag Before Their Meeting
06/27/2024 04:11 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag Before Their Meeting
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Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag Before Their Meeting
Remarks
June 27, 2024
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon. It’s a great pleasure to have my friend and colleague Sigrid Kaag here as the UN Coordinator for Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance for Gaza.
Over the past week or so, we’ve been working to address urgent challenges that are making it difficult to deliver the necessary humanitarian assistance the people of Gaza who so desperately need it, particularly when it comes to the security of the deliveries and those delivering the assistance. I raised these concerns clearly and directly with Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant when he was here just a few days ago, and I think we’ve seen over the last couple of days some progress in Israel committing to address some of the needs that the United Nations in particular has to make sure that it can effectively and more safely deliver assistance.
We continue to face the challenge of aid getting to and into Gaza, but then not being able to be distributed effectively because, principally, of real security challenges. And so when it comes to making sure that food, water, medicine, and other basic necessities that the Palestinian people need just to survive get to them, we continue to have important work to do. It’s good that and important that Israel is addressing these very concrete needs, but they have to be implemented as quickly as possible. There is no time to lose.
And I’m also eager to hear from Sigrid ongoing needs, ongoing requirements to make sure that both the United Nations, private providers of assistance, all of the countries that are working together to try to help the Palestinian people, who need it so desperately – how we can be more effective. And with that, Sigrid —
MS KAAG: Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: — good to have you here.
MS KAAG: Thank you, Mr. Secretary, and indeed my friend, Tony, but also, of course, the Secretary of State of the United States. I’m delighted to be here.
It is, indeed, a very critical period. I’m responsible for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2720, which was born out of political necessity in the face of ever-growing humanitarian needs, reaching near catastrophic conditions when the resolution was adopted in December. It’s been a very tough and difficult period for the civilians in Gaza and, of course, also the families of the Israeli hostages who continue to live with deep uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones.
But the focus of my mission is on the civilians in Gaza – to get the volume, the quality, and the predictability of assistance that they so desperately need, given the fact that they’ve left their homes – 1.9 million people are displaced. They survive in tents. There’s absence of almost anything anyone could possibly imagine. So it’s our task, indeed, not only to get the aid to Gaza but also to have the ability to distribute this safely and securely.
And I’m not only saying this for the United Nations family. It’s also for the NGOs that risk their lives every day with – in their presence, Palestinians NGOs as much as the international NGOs. It’s a very difficult operating environment for the civilians, first and foremost, but also those who seek to assist. And that is a constant dialogue where the support and leadership of the United States is so very important for the United Nations to be able to succeed.
And equally so, if there is hope of a ceasefire deal, it’s also important we take stock and we look towards the early recovery needs – health facilities, children back into learning, anything that forms part of what we would all consider human dignity for our fellow human beings. And that’s a shared commitment, and the ongoing discussions with the Israeli Government are extremely important in this regard with strong support and the leadership of the United States, Antony Blinken in particular.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you.
MS KAAG: Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks everyone.
Tags
Bureau of International Organization Affairs Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Israel-Hamas Conflict Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State United Nations
Hungary’s Implementation of the “Defense of National Sovereignty Act”
06/27/2024
Hungary’s Implementation of the “Defense of National Sovereignty Act”
06/27/2024 04:23 PM EDT
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Hungary’s Implementation of the “Defense of National Sovereignty Act”
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Hungary’s Implementation of the “Defense of National Sovereignty Act”
Press Statement
June 27, 2024
The United States is deeply concerned by the Hungarian government’s implementation of the “Defense of National Sovereignty Act,” including this week’s draconian actions by the recently established “Sovereignty Protection Office” to target the operations of civil society and independent media organizations. The Hungarian government’s attempt to harass, intimidate, and punish independent organizations runs counter to the principles of democratic governance rooted in the rule of law. This law places no limit on this entity’s ability to target the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its own citizens and puts at risk any country, business entity, or individual that chooses to engage with them. The United States will continue to advocate for the protection of civil society organizations and media freedom in the face of these anti-democratic measures.
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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Democracy Hungary Office of the Spokesperson Press Freedom
Hungary’s Implementation of the “Defense of National Sovereignty Act”
06/27/2024
Hungary’s Implementation of the “Defense of National Sovereignty Act”
06/27/2024 04:23 PM EDT
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Hungary’s Implementation of the “Defense of National Sovereignty Act”
hide
Hungary’s Implementation of the “Defense of National Sovereignty Act”
Press Statement
June 27, 2024
The United States is deeply concerned by the Hungarian government’s implementation of the “Defense of National Sovereignty Act,” including this week’s draconian actions by the recently established “Sovereignty Protection Office” to target the operations of civil society and independent media organizations. The Hungarian government’s attempt to harass, intimidate, and punish independent organizations runs counter to the principles of democratic governance rooted in the rule of law. This law places no limit on this entity’s ability to target the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its own citizens and puts at risk any country, business entity, or individual that chooses to engage with them. The United States will continue to advocate for the protection of civil society organizations and media freedom in the face of these anti-democratic measures.
Tags
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Democracy Hungary Office of the Spokesperson Press Freedom
Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology al-Swaha
06/27/2024
Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Meeting with Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology al-Swaha
06/27/2024 05:20 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell met today with Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha. They discussed a range of issues to expand U.S.-Saudi bilateral economic relations including partnerships in science and technology. Deputy Secretary Campbell expressed the United States’ support for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and exchanged views with Minister al-Swaha on deepening bilateral cooperation for safe, secure, and trustworthy Artificial Intelligence.
Deputy Secretary Verma’s Meeting with Paraguayan President Peña
06/27/2024
Deputy Secretary Verma’s Meeting with Paraguayan President Peña
06/27/2024 06:49 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma met with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña today on the margins of the Organization of the American States (OAS) General Assembly. In addition to reviewing mutual priorities for the OAS, Deputy Secretary Verma and President Peña focused on the importance of protecting democratic institutions and combatting corruption – consistent with the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
Deputy Secretary Verma and President Peña also committed to seek opportunities to increase bilateral economic cooperation and strengthen cybersecurity.
United States Welcomes the Republic of Korea as Minerals Security Partnership Chair
06/27/2024
United States Welcomes the Republic of Korea as Minerals Security Partnership Chair
06/27/2024 06:56 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The United States congratulates the Republic of Korea (ROK) on assuming the chair of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) after receiving unanimous support from all MSP partners. The ROK will hold the chair of the MSP for one year starting on July 1. The ROK has demonstrated tremendous leadership on critical minerals supply chain issues and has been an engaged and active member of the MSP. The ROK government and its private sector are leading the effort to expand and diversify the supply of critical minerals and the battery supply chain. As the founding chair of the MSP, the United States looks forward to continuing to work on key critical mineral issues under the ROK’s leadership.
Jose W. Fernandez, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, launched the MSP for the United States in 2022 and warmly welcomed the ROK’s initiative in taking over as the MSP Chair.
Since its creation in 2022, the Minerals Security Partnership has grown to 14 partner countries and the European Union, representing over 50% of global GDP. The MSP is now working on over 30 projects across upstream mining and mineral extraction, midstream processing, and recycling and recovery in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas.
The United States stands ready to support the ROK as the next MSP chair. We will continue to be active members of the MSP, including through our co-leadership of the MSP Forum with the European Union, a platform between MSP partners and minerals producing countries to consider and advance projects and policies that provide a more secure and sustainable supply of critical minerals with local beneficiation, and our collaboration with the Minerals Investment Network for Vital Energy Security and Transition (MINVEST), a public private partnership with energy security organization, SAFE.
The MSP’s accelerating development of diverse and sustainable critical energy minerals supply chains will continue under the ROK’s leadership and in close coordination with the MSP partners.
For more information on the MSP, go to 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 media inquiries, please contact E_Communications@state.gov.
United States Welcomes the Republic of Korea as Minerals Security Partnership Chair
06/27/2024
United States Welcomes the Republic of Korea as Minerals Security Partnership Chair
06/27/2024 06:56 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The United States congratulates the Republic of Korea (ROK) on assuming the chair of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) after receiving unanimous support from all MSP partners. The ROK will hold the chair of the MSP for one year starting on July 1. The ROK has demonstrated tremendous leadership on critical minerals supply chain issues and has been an engaged and active member of the MSP. The ROK government and its private sector are leading the effort to expand and diversify the supply of critical minerals and the battery supply chain. As the founding chair of the MSP, the United States looks forward to continuing to work on key critical mineral issues under the ROK’s leadership.
Jose W. Fernandez, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, launched the MSP for the United States in 2022 and warmly welcomed the ROK’s initiative in taking over as the MSP Chair.
Since its creation in 2022, the Minerals Security Partnership has grown to 14 partner countries and the European Union, representing over 50% of global GDP. The MSP is now working on over 30 projects across upstream mining and mineral extraction, midstream processing, and recycling and recovery in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas.
The United States stands ready to support the ROK as the next MSP chair. We will continue to be active members of the MSP, including through our co-leadership of the MSP Forum with the European Union, a platform between MSP partners and minerals producing countries to consider and advance projects and policies that provide a more secure and sustainable supply of critical minerals with local beneficiation, and our collaboration with the Minerals Investment Network for Vital Energy Security and Transition (MINVEST), a public private partnership with energy security organization, SAFE.
The MSP’s accelerating development of diverse and sustainable critical energy minerals supply chains will continue under the ROK’s leadership and in close coordination with the MSP partners.
For more information on the MSP, go to 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 media inquiries, please contact E_Communications@state.gov.
Deputy Secretary Verma’s Meeting with the Inter-American Democratic Charter
06/27/2024
Deputy Secretary Verma’s Meeting with the Inter-American Democratic Charter
06/27/2024 07:58 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma participated in an event supporting the implementation of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, on the sidelines of the Organization of American States General Assembly on June 27, 2024. The United States, as chair of the Voluntary Group of OAS Member States for the Follow-up on the Democratic Charter, convened the dialogue in collaboration with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to enhance regional cooperation on information integrity and responses to dis/misinformation and its impact on civic space. The event emphasized OAS member states’ shared commitment to promote adherence to the Democratic Charter and strengthen democratic institutions, digital best practices, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Call with People’s Republic of China Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu
06/27/2024
Deputy Secretary Campbell’s Call with People’s Republic of China Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu
06/27/2024 07:54 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Deputy Secretary Campbell spoke today with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication between the United States and the PRC and responsibly manage competition in the relationship. They discussed key bilateral, regional, and global issues, including areas of cooperation and areas of difference.
The Deputy Secretary raised serious concerns regarding the PRC’s destabilizing actions in the South China Sea, including at Second Thomas Shoal, and affirmed the United States’ support for freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes, consistent with international law. The Deputy Secretary also reiterated that U.S. commitments to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty remain ironclad. He also stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The Deputy Secretary also reiterated concern over the PRC’s support for the Russian defense industrial base and discussed challenges on the Korean Peninsula.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Room Rededication Ceremony for Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright and Secretary of State Colin L. Powell
06/27/2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Room Rededication Ceremony for Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright and Secretary of State Colin L. Powell
06/27/2024 08:04 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
Colin L. Powell Treaty Room
MS GEORGE: Hi.
AUDIENCE: Hi.
MS GEORGE: Welcome to the State Department. Thank you all for joining us today to dedicate this Treaty Room to Secretary Powell and the Secretary’s Conference Room to Secretary Albright. It’s an immense privilege to mark this special and, for me, personally very meaningful occasion with so many cherished family members, friends, colleagues of both secretaries. And I am very grateful to Secretary Blinken for honoring both of these important secretaries’ legacies.
Although Secretary Albright and Secretary Powell went on to have a long, deep, and treasured friendship, they initially had their challenges. (Laughter.) As Secretary Albright put it, “She wore a pin, and he wore a lot of medals.” (Laughter.) They at times disagreed vigorously on matters of policy. Secretary Powell later said one of these debates almost gave him an aneurysm. (Laughter.)
And yet, even in those times, they respected one another, and the friendship they developed was rooted in that respect as well as shared values and experiences. Both approached being Secretary of State with tenacity, with honor, and with decency. Both understood the immense responsibility entrusted in them. Both were trailblazers. Secretary Albright the first female Secretary of State, Secretary Powell the first black secretary. And importantly, both understood and grappled with the unique challenge of being both deeply dedicated to leading our nation’s diplomacy and deeply dedicated to their loved ones.
In my time working with Secretary Albright, whom, as you know, I adored, I had the privilege of getting to know and love her wonderful family – her sister Kathy, her brother John, her grandchildren, and especially her daughters Katie, Anne, and Alice. All three of the girls have had and continue to have extraordinary careers in public service, just like their mom. Alice currently serves as the CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation and is hitting it out of the park there. We are so grateful to have Alice with us today to speak on behalf of the Albright family. (Applause.)
MS ALBRIGHT: Thank you, Suzy. Greetings, Secretary Blinken, Powell family, friends, and my family. I’m Alice, one of Madeleine’s three daughters, and I’m joined here today by many members of our family. On behalf of all of us, I’d like to thank everyone who’s worked so hard to make this dedication a reality. Mom would have been so humbled by having the Secretary’s Conference Room dedicated to her and her service as the U.S. Government’s 64th Secretary of State.
But even more so knowing that the Treaty Room is being dedicated to her dear friend, Secretary Powell. Mom cherished her friendship with Secretary Powell. I’ll never forget the night before his funeral service when mom called me, asking that I listen to her practice her eulogy just a few more times because, as she said, it had to be perfect.
It is a deep honor to be here with you, Powell family, as we celebrate both Secretary Powell’s and mom’s service and contributions. Mom and Secretary Powell were colleagues who in their later years became the closest of friends, traveling together to give speeches, calling each other to gossip or vent about their successors – (laughter) – not you; I’m sure you weren’t on that list – (laughter) – and having lunch to celebrate their respective birthdays. I’m even thinking that right now Secretary Powell and mom are up in heaven, right now, debating the world’s challenges.
When I think about mom’s portrait and I think about her life, I am struck by both how likely and at the same time how unlikely it would have been that her portrait would be hanging just there so elegantly framing the Secretary’s Conference Room. Likely in that she was trained early on through lived experience in the hard lessons of why democracy, free speech, enduring alliances, and strong U.S. leadership mattered. But at the same time, so very unlikely that a young immigrant girl from a faraway place who had to escape from years of war and upheaval would be appointed to be this nation’s first female Secretary of State only some 50 years after she arrived onto U.S. shores. But having survived the war years, Mom embraced the U.S. completely and went on to shatter the thickest of glass ceilings to become the then-highest ranking woman in U.S. history.
Once here, she worked tirelessly and relentlessly with many people here to make enduring contributions that resonate today in the Balkans, with NATO, integrating women’s rights into U.S. foreign policy, and fighting for democracy. Her story is one of advancing U.S. leadership from the very beginning, being a consummate public servant, an incredible diplomat, and above all, a fighter.
The room is such a tribute fitting to Mom, and our family is deeply honored and grateful to you, Secretary Blinken, and our dear Suzy, who is basically our sister because she was Mom’s fourth daughter – (laughter) – and all involved at the State Department to now have it dedicated to her and her service. I have no doubt that the room will become an inspiration to women, immigrants, and refugees around the world, carrying the message that you too can rise to the highest levels of leadership internationally.
Let me close by thanking all of Mom’s work family. There is no way to thank all of you for the support and camaraderie you have provided her during her time in the seventh floor and since. Over the years, you all kept her safe, you traveled with her, you advised her, you wrote her speeches for her, and you became her work family, and you protected her when we could not be there. So to all gathered here who were part of her work family, we thank you, and thank you all so much for being the village that it took to make all of this happen.
So thank you. We will remember this forever and are immensely grateful to all of you for remembering our mom. Thank you. (Applause.)
ASSISTANT SECRETARY BITTER: Hi, good afternoon. My name is Rena Bitter. I am so honored to be here today, particularly to warmly welcome the Powell family back to the State Department, and also just to take a few moments to share some recollections from my time working for Secretary Powell – of course caveated, because my time was totally the worm’s eye view as a green but super enthusiastic special assistant during Secretary Powell’s first year here in the department. But those experiences were absolutely formative, and in many ways my career and the career of my entire generation of Foreign Service officers were shaped by Secretary Powell’s tenure and his contributions to the department.
I want to mention one of those contributions, because to my mind, it was by far the most consequential change to this institution in my 30 years here, and that was requiring mandatory leadership training for all department personnel. So I’m part of the first cohort of Foreign Service officers to have had that training at every level of my career. It was a huge change and a heavy lift to implement, but what it did was it set the expectation that Foreign Service officers could not simply be practitioners. We had to be more than people who formulated policy. We had to lead at every level. We had to be responsible to and for the people around us.
We still so often fall short, but we continue to strive, because we understand what Secretary Powell wanted for us and expected from us. And on top of that, he was just an awesome guy. He was charismatic, he had a great sense of humor, he had a remarkable ability to connect with people. He respected them. He understood and saw the value in their contributions regardless of where they sat in the department hierarchy. It is well known and 100 percent true that he delighted in evading his DS detail – (laughter) – and wandering around the building, popping into people’s offices, their staff meetings, the cafeteria, playing the role that I think he liked best, which was basically being the mayor of the State Department. (Laughter.)
On a personal note, I am more than just honored, actually, to be here. I am profoundly grateful. I, again from the peanut gallery, had the distinct honor of working both for Secretary Albright and Secretary Powell as a member of the executive secretariat staff. I was incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from both of these giants at such a formative time in my career. In fact, I was detailed to work on Secretary Powell’s transition team, so part of the group that welcomed him and Grant Green on that very first day. We were so nervous, right? Like, it was a short – it was the election and it was a short transition, and Colin Powell is an American hero. And I’m pretty sure I remember on that day that as he entered the department garage, we may have raised the barrier before his car had completely cleared – (laughter) – the entryway, damaging the underside of his (inaudible). (Laughter.) So, Powell family, let me apologize on behalf of the State Department. I’m not sure that we paid for the damages. (Laughter.) But just know that all these years later, we remember and we’re sorry. (Laughter.)
And just finally, even from my vantage point, it was plain that Colin Powell’s real life was centered around his family, and that is where he was the truest Colin Powell. He was really, really proud of you guys.
So thank you to the Powell family. We are profoundly grateful to him for his many contributions to the department and to you for sharing him with us.
And now I have the very great honor to welcome Michael Powell to speak on behalf of the Powell family. Thank you. (Applause.)
MR POWELL: Well, I’ll have you know we just sold that car for charity. (Laughter.) And just among us, we did not disclose any potential undercarriage damage. (Laughter.) So what a great story. I do remember that. And Secretary Blinken, I can’t think of a greater, more memorable moment than the one you’ve provided us today, so thank you.
The Secretary of State is the custodian of the Great Seal of the United States. This seal is affixed to the commission of individuals confirmed to serve as officers of the United States. When I was appointed chairman of the FCC, my father was Secretary of State. That meant, along with the president, he would sign my commission. I was so excited when I received it, expecting to see my own dad’s signature right there. And when I unfolded the parchment, I saw something unexpected: To the right of his signature, he had seen fit to draw in a small smiley face. (Laughter.) True story.
I think this story exemplifies more than anything the wonderful nature of Colin Powell. While bearing the heavy responsibilities of his office, he always maintained a light, loving, and playful joy. He could work in this town, with all its cynicism, and maintain his humanity and his commitment to others.
My dad came to the State Department with a soldier’s ethic. He believed, as he had in the Army, that the needs of the troops should always come first, that a leader’s job was to care for, empower, and trust his subordinates. Dad always seemed most animated when talking about things he was doing for the men and women of this department. It is fair to say his relationship with the people of the State was the thing he most enjoyed when he served here.
Colin Powell also believed that character mattered, that a leader should have a set of uncompromising principles, a moral compass to guide his actions. I actually think this shared belief is a big part of what connected him to Secretary Albright. They had a surprising but wonderful friendship. It may not have been as unusual as Justice Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg – (laughter) – but the dynamic was similar, and despite different perspectives, they admired each other’s intellect and moral character, and they genuinely became close friends.
So it’s only fitting, to my mind, that these rooms bear their names, and one hopes their individual and collective wisdom will shine a light that illuminates the path for future leaders to follow in the best interests of our country.
Secretary Blinken, again, thank you for honoring my father and Secretary Albright in this manner. I am confident that of the many spaces that bear my dad’s name, this one will be among the most cherished. And I’m pretty sure if he were here, I think he might walk across the hall and draw a little smiley face – (laughter) – next to his name on the plaque.
So thank you very much for having us. (Applause.)
I’m supposed to introduce him, so I’m going to do it. (Laughter.) Our chief diplomat, the great Secretary of State of the United States of America, Secretary Blinken.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, Michael. (Applause.) Thank you, thank you. Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone.This is genuinely a special moment, one I was looking forward to and one I so deeply appreciate because, first of all, it sure beats working on the Middle East. (Laughter.) Second, I see so many extraordinary people here – the families, colleagues from the past as well as the present. But it’s also an incredible opportunity to reflect on this institution, the people who’ve led it in such extraordinary ways, and two in particular in Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell.
Now, you will understand that in this moment I empathize deeply, deeply with Allen and Rossi. And for those of you who don’t remember Allen and Rossi, that’s just the point: They were the act that followed the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. (Laughter.) So every day I go to work knowing that I was following Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell – not an easy to task – not to mention a few others, like Jim Baker and George Shultz.
But today let me say this: We have the immense and I have the immense honor of being able to dedicate two of our most important spaces to two of our most extraordinary and most beloved leaders.
We’re taking these steps not only to recognize Secretary Powell and Secretary Albright’s extraordinary service to the institution, not only to recognize their service to the American people.
We’re doing it so that everyone who gathers here, who comes to these rooms, will be reminded of the way that they led, and ask a question that I have to ask myself often in this job: What would Madeleine do, what would Colin do, faced with the challenges of this moment?
I’ve learned a lot of lessons from both of them, both from knowing them – knowing Madeleine better, because to me she was an extraordinary mentor, a friend, a supporter. I got to watch her in action during the Clinton administration when I first came to government, and she was someone who played an instrumental role in my life and bringing me to this point from that moment on, including so many gatherings in that living room in Georgetown over the years. She played an extraordinary role in keeping the community of people together, and that made a profound difference.
Secretary Powell I got to know a little bit later, but the generosity that he showed me was truly extraordinary. When I had the privilege of serving here following the great Bill Burns as deputy secretary, one of the first things that I did coming to the building was to go visit with your dad and just to ask him what should I focus on. And I thought he’d say, well, North Korea or Iran – the people. That was exactly what you said, exactly what he told me: Come here and remember this institution is first and foremost its people. And we try to live up to that as best we can every day.
Because we’re joined by the families and so many close friends of both secretaries, let me just take the liberty of first of all referring to our honorees as – simply as Madeleine and Colin. But let me also try to impart a few thoughts, maybe a few lessons, that at least I take from them.
And one of those lessons is – and I think all of you here will appreciate it – get the right people around the table.
The conference room next door – now the Albright Room – is where some of the most consequential debates about U.S. foreign policy are going to be hashed out and have been hashed out. And it’s a table – some of you – many of you know it well, but for those of you who don’t, take a look after we finish here. Maybe we get a dozen or so people around that table.
When Colin and Madeleine held weighty discussions around the table, they didn’t pick the people who sat there based on hierarchy. They didn’t pick them based on title.
Instead, they actually sought out the people who knew something about something – (laughter) – people who had actually worked the issues up close and could really bring that value and perspective to the table.
And they both made a point of seeking out a diversity of views, expertise, backgrounds.
They valued this inclusivity in no part – in no small part because each of them had, at times, been excluded from rooms like these rooms, discussions like the ones we have here, or paths, simply because of who they were.
In the ’50s, Colin drove home to New York City from ROTC training in the South. He went through town after town after town where he had to use different services, simply because he was black. He could die in a trench next to a white serviceman in the U.S. Army, but in many places, he couldn’t eat next to a white customer in a restaurant or stay next to a white family in a motel.
A few years after he made that trip, Madeleine moved to Chicago with her husband. Both set about looking for jobs at newspapers. Her husband found one quickly. Madeleine – who had edited her college newspaper at Wellesley and later worked for a paper in Missouri – was passed over time and again, often for men who were less qualified.
When she told one editor that she was looking for a job, he asked her, “Why would you want to compete with your husband?” (Laughter.) So by the way, if someone said that to my wife – (laughter).
So this feeling that is imposed on you that maybe somehow you don’t belong, that can be something that’s incredibly hard to shake.
Madeleine remembered walking down Mahogany Row – just along here, the corridor that runs the length of this floor – on the day that she was sworn in. And she said, “I had to pass by paintings of all those men with whiskers and suits, and I was worried that someone was going to call Diplomatic Security and have me escorted out.” (Laughter.)
Both Madeleine and Colin knew that stronger teams come when people from all walks of life are made to feel that they belong.
And that’s why, in their tenures as Secretary, both worked relentlessly to bring in the most talented people, the most talented public servants from all across the country, particularly from communities that had long been underrepresented in our government and in this department. And that’s a lesson that I will also try to follow through on. And it’s not only because it’s the right thing to do, and it is; it’s because it’s the smart and necessary thing to do for our country and for our foreign policy.
We’re operating in an extraordinarily diverse world. The greatest strength we bring to that mission is our own diversity: to be able to bring to bear different backgrounds, different perspectives, different experiences, different ideas. If we don’t do that, if we deny ourselves that full participation, we’re simply shortchanging our foreign policy, shortchanging our country. And Colin and Madeleine knew this intimately, almost inherently, from their own experience.
Madeleine was the first Secretary to extend equal benefits to same-sex partners of department employees – so that they were treated like everyone else.
When she saw how inaccessible many of our embassies were to people with disabilities, she directed the department to fix the problem. She declared publicly: anyone – anyone – leading a project for a new State Department facility who failed to make it fully accessible would have to answer directly to her. That’s something you didn’t want to do if you were on the wrong side of an issue. (Laughter.)
Colin launched the Rangel Fellowship Program to help diverse college graduates pay for their graduate studies, get internships, in exchange for doing a stint in the Foreign Service. In the 20-plus years since, around 550 people have taken part in the program. Over 480 of those folks are still with the department today.
If you look at the Rangel that Colin started, the Pickering Fellowships, this has been an incredibly source of strength for this department. Right now, one out of every nine Foreign Service officers is a graduate of one of those programs. That’s an extraordinary legacy to this department. (Applause.)
Simply put, those reforms have made our institution, they’ve made our foreign policy better, smarter, more creative.
Now, the job is far from finished, but today’s State Department looks a little bit more like the nation we serve, thanks to Madeleine and thanks to Colin.
Lesson number two: The way you lead tough discussions matters.
Both secretaries not only welcomed disagreement; they expected it. Colin once said that he viewed dissent as a form of loyalty.
Both Secretaries built teams filled with people who were unafraid to poke holes in their arguments, to question assumptions, to see around the corners.
They expected the same thing from their families, too. A few years ago, an interviewer asked Colin, “Who’s the greatest person that you’ve ever known? Who is your compass?”
And he didn’t skip a beat. “Alma Powell,” he said.
He said, “She was always there for me… and she’d always tell me, ‘That’s not a good idea.’” (Laughter.) “And she was usually right.” I’ve had a little bit of an opportunity in recent years to spend a little bit of time with your mom, and I have a pretty good idea. (Laughter.)
Now, I so wish she was with us today – I know you do too – to mark the celebration. But today, we also honor her as well as all the family members who loved, who nurtured, who supported Colin and Madeleine, as they served our nation. You all serve too, and we’re so grateful for it.
Now, both secretaries didn’t just want people to admire the complexity of problems – or point out everything that couldn’t or wouldn’t work. What they wanted, what they demanded, was people who would put forward ideas of what could work.
Too much planning can be paralyzing. Too much strategizing can veer into procrastination. Eventually, you’ve got to pick a path, you’ve got to walk the path.
Colin had a great phrase for this: He said that he brought to his tenure as secretary “a bias for action.”
Madeleine put it this way: “Let us remember,” she said, “that there is not a page of American history of which we are proud that was written by a chronic complainer or prophet of despair.” (Laughter.) “We are doers.”
Both secretaries surrounded themselves with doers, and I see a number of them here in this room today and right here alongside me. By people who actually ran toward the hard problems, not away from them.
And that brings me finally to lesson number three. What I took away from my own experience with both Colin and Madeleine, and what I hear from so many people who worked with them or for them, is that inherently both of them were optimists.
Optimists about our country – about its unique capacity to lead in the world. Optimists about our nation’s enduring struggle to live up to our core principles – of freedom, of democracy, of justice, equality, of the innate dignity of every human being.
It doesn’t mean that they saw the world or our country through rose-tinted glasses. As Madeleine liked to say, she was an optimist who worried a lot. (Laughter.)
But for Colin and Madeleine, they knew that our nation’s challenges and imperfections were real; they knew that as well as anyone. But they also knew that we live in a world that has – and we see it every single day – a staggering capacity for cruelty, for violence, for dehumanization.
As a child, Madeleine’s family was driven from their home not once but twice – first by the Nazis, then by the communists. As a four-year-old in London, she’d hidden under a table in her kitchen as the Luftwaffe dropped bombs overhead.
Colin had lived it as a young captain in Vietnam – a war that cut short the lives of several of his closest friends, and nearly ended his own.
And yet, ultimately, these experiences only fueled their commitment to building a more secure, a more just, a more peaceful world.
Neither Colin nor Madeleine ever lost faith in America. And just being around them, you felt that. That’s what they exuded. That’s what they imparted. And because they believed, others believed too. That was truly the power of the unique leadership that they both showed.
Colin kept a plaque on his desk that said simply: “It can be done.”
Both believed “it can be done,” but that it can be done – above all – because of the people that they worked with: public servants like the ones who are here with us today, and those who aspire to follow in their footsteps.
It’s the reason why, after their storied careers in government and the military, neither of them stopped. Madeleine and Colin never stopped teaching, they never stopped mentoring young Americans.
In 2002, then-Secretary Powell was speaking at a ceremony naming the department’s newly renovated Foreign Service Institute for a predecessor: the great George Shultz.
And Colin closed his remarks by speaking to George’s grandkids. And he said, “If I know your grandfather – and I think I do – the place he already… secured in history is not as important to him as the contributions he will continue to make in the future… George’s living legacy.”
And the same was true for both Colin and Madeleine. As you look around this room, there’s a living legacy right here, and it’s here in my two extraordinary colleagues; it’s here in this audience today; it’s all around us and it’s on every floor of the State Department; and it’s here with the families.
We see it in the myriad ways that their kids, their grandkids continue to serve. Here at the State Department, at the U.S. military, on the Hill and in our nation’s courts, in public universities and public policy.
And we see it in so many leaders who learned the ropes working for Madeleine and Colin – people like Suzy and Rena, so many other remarkable public servants. People whose judgment and dedication we at the department – and, I believe, the American people – benefit from every single day.
I’m confident that if they were here today, Colin and Madeleine would remind each of us of our responsibility – our responsibility to stay at it, to carry that legacy – their legacy – forward.
Because in the end, that’s really how we honor them most: by trying to serve as they did. By creating spaces and institutions where everyone feels that they belong, that they can contribute. By asking the hard questions. By being the doers. And by holding firm to our own optimism – even in the most challenging times – because our answer to every challenge we face is right here.
It can be done, because of all of you and the generatio...
