Secretary Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Seoul, Republic of Korea

Shilla Hotel

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you, everyone.  Thank you, and good morning again.  Thank you.

So I again want to thank President Yoon and Foreign Minister Cho for bringing us together to discuss what is one of the most transformational forces that’s shaping our future, our world, our democracies – and that is artificial intelligence.

I think it’s hard to overstate the extent to which

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Regions: Chile, United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Energy, Global Health, Global Women's Issues, Human Rights and Democracy, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

July 31, 2012 to August 10, 2012 Travels With Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Photos Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled to Africa July 31 through August 10, 2012. During this trip, the Secretary emphasized U.S. policy commitments outlined in the Presidential Policy Directive - to strengthen democratic institutions, spur economic growth, advance peace and security as well as promote opportunity and development for all citizens. The Secretary’s first stop was Sene...

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Regions: Somalia , South Africa , Sudan , Uganda , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy

June 8, 2011 to June 14, 2011 Travels With Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Photos: United Arab Emirates | Zambia | Tanzania | Ethiopia Secretary Clinton traveled to the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) for a meeting of the Libya Contact Group on June 9. This meeting built on the last Contact Group meeting held in Rome and allowed the United States to discuss with its international partners the range of issues with respect to addressing the situation in Libya, including the ongoing implementation ...

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Regions: Ethiopia , Libya , United States , Zambia

Topics: Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State C Street Lobby Washington, DC January 19, 2017 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. (Cheers.) Thank you, thank you, thank you very much. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you. I accept the nomination. (Laughter.) Thank you very much. That was – that silenced it pretty fast. (Laughter.) I am leaving here, obviously, with sadness. It’s bittersweet because you leave. But I actually am excited about the next chapter. And I have a feeling we’re all going to continue to cross paths, co...

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Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC January 10, 2017 QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, this journey, this part of your life, is coming to an end. You’ve traveled more than any other secretary of state. You have spent considerable time and hours on a lot of issues, from China to Russia to – from Asia to Latin America. But principally, you spent a lot of time on Israel and Palestine and you spent a lot of time on the Iran nuclear deal and you’ve spent a lot of time on Syria and...

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Regions: Afghanistan, China, Egypt , Indonesia , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Russia , Syria , Turkey , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam , West Bank

Topics: Climate and Environment, Combating Drugs and Crime, Countering Terrorism, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Cambridge, Massachusetts January 9, 2017 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much for a generous welcome to somebody who is about to become one of the most visibly unemployed people in America. (Laughter.) I am really thrilled to be here. Great, always, to be home, but it’s special to be here at MIT. And I want to begin by thanking Dean Schmittlein. Thank you very, very much. It&...

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Regions: Antarctica, Brazil , Chile, China, India , New Zealand , Saudi Arabia , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Cabinet Exit Memo Washington, DC January 5, 2017     Introduction When President Obama took office in 2009, the United States was engaged in two costly wars, faced the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, and had a diminished standing with many of our allies and partners around the world. The starting point for this Presidency was one of the toughest I have ever seen in my decades of public service. Over the past eight years, President Ob...

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Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC January 5, 2017 SECRETARY KERRY: Hi, everybody. Matt, welcome back. QUESTION: Happy New Year. Thank you. SECRETARY KERRY: Congratulations, Matt. QUESTION: Thank you. Thank you very much. SECRETARY KERRY: A little Vaille. QUESTION: Yeah. SECRETARY KERRY: No sleep. QUESTION: Happy New Year, Mr. Secretary. QUESTION: What’s that? SECRETARY KERRY: What? QUESTION: Happy New Year, sir. SECRETARY KERRY: Happy New Year to everybody. Thank you all. Great ...

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Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 13, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Hi, good afternoon. AUDIENCE: Hi. SECRETARY KERRY: Aw, come on, you can do better than that. Hi. AUDIENCE: Hi. SECRETARY KERRY: All right, all right. Now everybody is getting excited again. Whoa, let me just make sure – here we go. So hello, everybody, and welcome. I am really happy to welcome you all here to the Ben Franklin Room of the State Department, and Happy Holidays to all of you. My wife Teresa is over...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Iraq , Pakistan , Sudan , Tunisia , United Kingdom , United States

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Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 9, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the government and people of Burkina Faso on the 56th anniversary of your nation’s independence. We welcome the continued efforts of the government of Burkina Faso to further consolidate democracy and promote good governance. The United States remains committed to working with Burkina Faso to strengthen democratic institutions, advance regional peace an...

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Regions: Burkina Faso , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Parco dei Principi Hotel Rome, Italy December 2, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much, Paolo, and good evening. I would like to thank Foreign Minister Gentiloni, the president of the Italian Republic, the Instituto di Studi Internazionale for hosting this successful conference on the Mediterranean. (Inaudible) a special friendship. I am very grateful to you for the many courtesies that you have afforded me as Secretary of State, and it’s...

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Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 1, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of the Central African Republic on the occasion of your country’s national day celebration. America values its friendship with the Central African Republic and applauds your commitment to peace and democracy. Together, we are working to end violence, heal internal divisions, and create a firm foundation for economic and social progress. In th...

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Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 28, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I am pleased to congratulate the people of Mauritania on the 56th anniversary of your nation’s independence. The United States values its partnership with your country and appreciates your government’s role in promoting regional peace and security. We look forward to our continued collaboration in expanding trade and investment, facilitating social progress, an...

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Regions: Mauritania , United States

Topics: Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Marrakech, Morocco November 16, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you so much, everybody. I apologize for being a few moments late. There was a fire and then there was some traffic backed up, and so here I am and here are you, and thank you for being here. Let me begin by thanking our terrific U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change Jonathan Pershing. I couldn’t be luckier than to have him in this job. He was over at the Energy Department for a while. We stole him fro...

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Regions: Antarctica, Brazil , China, Fiji , France , Greenland , India , Morocco , New Zealand , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Global Health, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Premier House Wellington, New Zealand November 13, 2016 PRIME MINISTER KEY: Okay, good morning. So we had a great opportunity to welcome Secretary Kerry to New Zealand and to catch up with him after his brief but I’m sure important trip down to Antarctica. Let me just start by saying what we’ve been saying for a very long period of time, that the relationship with the United States is probably in the best shape it’s been for decades. I think a grea...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Antarctica, Australia , China, Iraq , Nauru , New Zealand , Peru , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State The George Hotel Christchurch, New Zealand November 10, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Can I just say before we sit down, I want to say what a pleasure it is for me to be in New Zealand, back in New Zealand for me, the first trip as Secretary but I’ve been here before and love it. And I really – I want to express the appreciation of President Obama and the American people for the tremendous cooperation with New Zealand on so many issues. First of all, New Zealand...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Antarctica, China, New Zealand , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Chatham House London, United Kingdom October 31, 2016 MR NIBLETT: Welcome to Chatham House, excellencies, lords, ladies, and gentlemen, and welcome also to this 2016 Chatham House Prize ceremony. We’re delighted that so many of our members are here with us today; also supporters, guests, thank you very much for making the time. Our Chatham House Council members, our Panel of Senior Advisors, our Second Century Committee, representative of U.K. Government, oppo...

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Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Tipperary, Ireland October 30, 2016 FOREIGN MINISTER FLANAGAN: Good morning, everybody. Welcome to the Golden Vale of Tipperary on this beautiful autumn morning, and in particular I want to especially welcome Secretary of State John Kerry not only to Ireland but to the heart of Ireland to receive the highly acclaimed Tipperary International Peace Award. Today, the Secretary of State joins a long list of awardees which includes Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorb...

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Regions: Canada , Iran , Ireland , Korea, North , Russia , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam , Yemen

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Aherlow House Hotel Tipperary, Ireland October 30, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, Martin, thank – I’m really incredibly touched, moved, very, very grateful, and hope and pray that there is no way possible that the glen of Aherlow and its beauty will remain a secret anywhere. (Laughter.) Really, you are blessed here in so many ways – blessed by your people. I thank you for your eloquence, I thank you for the honor of this award, which I accept really o...

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Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Hilton Chicago Hotel Chicago, Illinois October 26, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good evening, everybody. And thank you, very, very much to Ivo Daalder. Thank you, sir, Mr. Ambassador. And thanks to the Chicago Council for Global Affairs for inviting me here. And a profound thank you to Ambassador Lou Susman for his very generous introduction. And most importantly, Marge and Lou, thank you for many, many years of extraordinary friendship. I really value it. And I thin...

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Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Chicago, Illinois October 26, 2016 MODERATOR: It is an honor to welcome a Secretary of State to the University of Chicago. It is part of the mission of the Institute of Politics to facilitate these kinds of opportunities for you to interact with practitioners and leaders, and so we’re really pleased on that account. But I – our other mission is somewhat larger than that, which is: We live in a somewhat dispirited time in our politics. I don’t know ...

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Regions: Afghanistan, China, France , Georgia , Germany , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Japan , Korea, North , Lebanon , Nigeria , Philippines , Qatar , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Somalia , Syria , Turkey , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam , Yemen

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Fisher Stevens, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Piers Sellers UN Headquarters New York City October 20, 2016 MR STEVENS: Thank you all for coming this evening. It’s quite an honor to screen in this incredible place. Thank you, Secretary-General, again. So you guys got to know these two gentlemen to my – these three gentlemen to my left at the film – during the film tonight: Piers Sellers, NASA-Goddard Space Institute; Secretary of State John Kerry, legend &...

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Regions: Argentina, China, India , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Plenary Hall, Convention Center Kigali, Rwanda October 14, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good afternoon everybody. I want to begin by thanking the president of this Meeting of the Parties, Minister Biruta, and the Government of Rwanda for the terrific job that they have done in hosting everybody all of this week here in beautiful Kigali. I also want to thank the terrific administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – my friend, Gina McCarthy –...

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Regions: Argentina, Rwanda , Saudi Arabia , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Global Health, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 11, 2016 The State Department is deeply committed to protecting and strengthening the rights of girls worldwide, and on this fifth annual International Day of the Girl, we recognize that addressing the distinct challenges facing girls, particularly adolescent girls, is critical to our ability to achieve U.S. foreign policy goals, including gender equality. Poverty, gender-based violence, a lack of education, and barriers to equal oppor...

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Regions: Honduras , Malawi , Tanzania , United States

Topics: Global Women's Issues, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC October 7, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Hey. Good – I mean, good morning. (Laughter.) My great pleasure to welcome Jean-Marc Ayrault to Washington, and I’m really very happy to have our French counterpart here with us. France, of course, the oldest alliance and relationship with the United States, and a great friend and partner in everything that we undertake, ranging from Iran nuclear agreements to Africa and unrest and terrorism, to...

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Regions: France , Iran , Russia , Syria

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Treaties and International Agreements

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 7, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I offer my best wishes to the people of Uganda as you celebrate the 54th anniversary of your nation’s independence. The friendship between our peoples is important to the United States. My government strongly supports your aspiration for further economic and social development and respect for human rights. The United States will continue to assist you in efforts to bui...

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Regions: Somalia , Uganda , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Harman Center of Arts Washington, DC September 29, 2016 MR CLEMONS: Thank you. So let’s get to Syria stuff. I hear a rumor – I don’t know if it’s true – that Vladimir Putin and Sergey Lavrov are huddled around a screen right now in one corner of the world watching us, and I hear Lindsey Graham and John McCain are near another. And so I’d like to ask you, what would you like to communicate to the world and to those parties about Sy...

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Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 26, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I offer my warmest best wishes to the people of Guinea-Bissau as you mark the 43 rd anniversary of your nation’s independence. The United States views Guinea-Bissau as a valued friend and will continue to work closely with you and with the international community to promote political unity, good governance, economic development, security, and respect for the rights ...

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Regions: Guinea-Bissau , United States

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 16, 2016 MR HELLMAN: Hello. Thanks very much. Welcome, everyone. It’s wonderful to see such an enthusiastic crowd. Let me welcome Secretary Kerry, Adrian Grenier. Thank you for joining us today as part of the first ever Our Ocean, One Future Leadership Summit. We’ve got a limited time. I’ve got a pack of questions that you’ve already given me in advance, but I’d like to just get things started by asking the Secr...

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Regions: Chile, China, Estonia , France , South Africa , Thailand , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Photos from China» Photos from Bangladesh and India» Photos from Kenya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland» Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, on August 22 to meet with President Kenyatta to discuss regional security issues and counterterrorism cooperation, as well as bilateral issues. Secretary Kerry also met with Kenyan Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed and other regional foreign ministers to discuss key challenges in East Africa, including the prospects for re...

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Regions: Bangladesh , China, India , Kenya , Saudi Arabia , Sudan , Syria , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , Yemen

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State New Delhi, India August 31, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Swati, good morning. Thank you very, very much. Thank you very – you guys all deserve an award for being able to get here today. (Laughter.) I don’t know if you came in boats or amphibious vehicles of some kind, but I salute you for being here. Thank you very, very much for making the effort, and I am extremely honored to be here. Swati, thank you for that generous introduction. And thank you, Dr. Rao. It...

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Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Sultan's Palace Sokoto, Nigeria August 23, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you so much. Thank you. Asalaam Alaikum . Thank you very much. Maryam, thank you very, very much. Good morning everybody. Good morning to all of you – your Excellency Governor Tambuwal; your Excellency Governor Yari; your Eminence, Sultan, who was very, very kind to host us here today and whose leadership I particularly appreciate with respect to all of the interfaith efforts, which are so ...

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Regions: Benin , Chad , France , Nigeria , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Women's Issues, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Rosa Kempinski Hotel Nairobi, Kenya August 22, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you, Mshila. Thank you (inaudible). Thank you very, very much. What are these big boards on the back of the wall here? Can you explain those to me? Mshila? Who can explain that to me, these boards? PARTICIPANT: No microphone. (Laughter.) SECRETARY KERRY: No microphone? Powerful voice, though. PARTICIPANT: I can explain one of the boards. SECRETARY KERRY: One of the ...

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Regions: Burundi , Kenya , Somalia , Sudan , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Rosa Kempinski Hotel Nairobi, Kenya August 22, 2016 FOREIGN MINISTER MOHAMED: I am delighted to welcome Secretary John Kerry back to Nairobi, and for a second visit in the last, I think, one year. The last time you were here was in May. SECRETARY KERRY: Yes. FOREIGN MINISTER MOHAMED: Yes, so thank you very, very much for coming back. I think it’s a pure reflection of where our relationship is, and which is growing and growing very, very, I think, in a very hea...

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Regions: Iran , Kenya , Russia , Somalia , Sudan , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC August 15, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I send best wishes to the people of the Republic of Congo as you celebrate your 56th Independence Day on August 15. Our two countries stand together in defense of regional security, environmental protection, and the health and happiness of all Congolese. The United States looks forward to continued partnership to help build a more secure, democratic, and prosperous future fo...

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Regions: United States

Topics: Climate and Environment

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC August 5, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Cote d’Ivoire as you celebrate the 56th anniversary of your nation’s independence on August 7. Looking to the future, Cote d’Ivoire has many reasons for confidence, including your country’s robust rate of economic growth, a decline in poverty, and democratic progress in the wake of successful elections last fall. The friend...

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Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC July 26, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the government and people of Liberia on the 169th anniversary of your country’s independence. The friendship between the United States and Liberia dates back to the founding of your Republic and is based on a broad array of shared interests and values. Today, we are partners in supporting strong democratic institutions, promoting security and sustainable p...

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Regions: Liberia , United States

Topics: Global Health

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC July 12, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe on the 41st anniversary of your independence on July 12. The United States is proud of the strong and vital partnership that our countries have forged. We value your contributions to peace and security in the Gulf of Guinea, and support your efforts to promote stable economic growth, democracy and go...

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Regions: United States

Topics: Energy, Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC July 6, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I want to convey our best wishes to the people of the Republic of Malawi on the 52nd anniversary of your country’s independence on July 6. The United States is pleased to work with you through the Millennium Challenge Compact and other programs to address a wide range of issues, including economic development, access to electricity, agricultural productivity and improved ...

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Regions: Malawi , United States

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC July 5, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I am delighted to join in celebrating the 54 th anniversary of Algeria’s independence. The United States and Algeria enjoy a robust and growing partnership. Our broad cooperation in fostering economic growth, building closer ties between our citizens, and promoting regional security is a reflection of our many shared interests and aspirations. The United States is deeply ...

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Regions: Algeria , Mali , United States

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Ben Franklin Room Washington, DC June 30, 2016 AMBASSADOR COPPEDGE: Thank you, everyone, for being here today. That was quite a reception, and on behalf of the heroes and the Secretary, thank you for that. Just some brief notes on our program: The Secretary is going to make some remarks. We’re going to honor our wonderful heroes this year. We have nine heroes from eight countries. One of them will make some brief remarks and then I will do the closing. And aft...

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Regions: Cambodia , Cyprus , Dominican Republic , Moldova , Nigeria , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC June 29, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Seychelles as you celebrate 23 years of independence on June 29. The United States and Seychelles share a strong commitment to regional security, sustainable economic growth, and ocean conservation. We commend your leadership in the fight against piracy, and support your efforts to develop a sustainable and prosperous ocean economy that will provid...

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Regions: Seychelles , United States

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC June 27, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Djibouti on the anniversary of your independence on June 27. Djibouti is a lynchpin of security and stability in the Horn of Africa. You are a first responder in times of need, and have shown great leadership by contributing troops to AMISOM in Somalia and providing generous support to refugees fleeing violence in Yemen. The United States values ou...

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Regions: Djibouti , Somalia , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Oslo, Norway June 15, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good morning, everybody. Borge, thank you so much for a very generous introduction. More importantly, thank you for a wonderful welcome back to Norway and to this pretty idyllic and appropriate setting for the discussions that you all are engaged in, and that I’m privileged to take part in this morning. I really want to begin by thanking Borge. And I am looking around and seeing so many faces – Espen, oth...

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Regions: Colombia , Iran , Libya , Norway , Russia , Tunisia , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, and Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi Great Hall of the People Beijing, China June 7, 2016 MODERATOR: Distinguished guests, friends from the media, good afternoon. Welcome to the closing ceremony and press conference of the eighth S&ED. Today we have the pleasure of having with us the four special representatives. First let us invite special representative of President Xi, Vice Premier Wan...

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Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State UN General Assembly Hall New York City June 2, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. Thank you very, very much. I accept the nomination. (Laughter and applause.) What an absolutely extraordinary place to have a graduation, any graduation, but especially this one. Director Camblin, thank you for your very generous introduction. I’m glad you gave the short version. (Laughter.) And thank you, Mr. Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson, an old friend and a terrific figh...

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Regions: China, Dominican Republic , Iran , Nepal , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Global Health, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC May 27, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Ethiopia as you celebrate your national day on May 28. Ethiopia has faced enormous challenges this year, but has continued to demonstrate leadership on development in Africa. While confronting the worst drought in 50 years, you have continued to fight poverty while, at the same time, hosting nearly three quarters of a million refugees from nearby co...

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Regions: Ethiopia

Topics: Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC May 20, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Cameroon as you celebrate your national day on May 20. Since independence, Cameroon has earned a reputation as a peaceful and welcoming nation, and as a lynchpin of regional stability. The United States is proud to be a partner with you in your effort to build prosperity through improved infrastructure and a more diversified economy. We are also ple...

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Regions: Cameroon , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Global Health, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Ben Franklin Room Washington, DC May 13, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very, very much. Please be seated. Good afternoon to everybody. (In Norwegian.) (Applause.) Which, not translated literally, means “Welcome, all of you, to my house.” And it’s hardly that it’s our house; it’s Ben Franklin’s room, and we are really privileged to welcome our Nordic friends here. I truly – I didn’t start out by trying to play favorit...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Canada , Chile, Ethiopia , Greenland , Iceland , Iran , Israel , Norway , Sweden , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, The Ocean and Polar Affairs, Treaties and International Agreements

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC May 11, 2016 I am deeply concerned by the Government of Kenya’s decision to close refugee camps in Kenya, dismantle the Department of Refugee Affairs, and expedite the return of hundreds of thousands of refugees who have sought protection in Kenya. We strongly urge the Government of Kenya to maintain its longstanding leadership role in protecting and sheltering victims of violence and trauma, consistent with its international obligations...

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Regions: Kenya

Topics: Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Oxford, United Kingdom May 11, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: (Applause.) Wow. I think I’m just going to stop right now. (Laughter.) Thank you for just an incredibly warm, tremendous welcome to this historic hall. It’s a great honor for me to be here. Bob, where’d you run off to? Where did he go? Thank you so much for your welcome. And Warden MacMillan, thank you very much. I appreciate it. (Inaudible) Baroness Cathy Ashton, my good friend, thank you so muc...

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Regions: Afghanistan, China, Cuba , France , Guatemala , Iran , Iraq , Jordan , Lebanon , Niger , Nigeria , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC April 27, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of the Republic of South Africa as you celebrate Freedom Day, the twenty-second anniversary of your democracy. Today, South Africa is a regional leader, a country with an increasingly important global role, and a valued friend and partner to the United States. Our two countries share the goals of creating broad-based prosperity and opportunity, of su...

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Regions: South Africa

Topics: Climate and Environment, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC April 27, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and American people, I am delighted to congratulate the people of Sierra Leone on the 55th anniversary of their country’s independence. The government, families, and communities of Sierra Leone face a wide range of daunting challenges, yet continue to do the hard and sometimes painstaking work of building a democratic and prosperous society for themselves and for future generations. The United ...

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Regions: Sierra Leone , United States

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC April 27, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and American people, I wish to extend congratulations to the people of Togo on the 56 th anniversary of your independence. Togo and the United States enjoy excellent relations, based on a mutual interest in strengthening democracy and rule of law, supporting economic development, and ensuring citizen security in Togo. Our strong partnership works to improve health, education, agriculture, and the env...

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Regions: Togo , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Rice University Houston, Texas April 26, 2016 MR LEEBRON: Good evening, and welcome to this wonderful venue at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. We are thrilled to be hosting such a remarkable event tonight and thankful to Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy for making it possible. We are very grateful to Secretary Kerry for choosing the Baker Institute for his address this evening, and we welcome him warmly to Rice University. ...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Antarctica, China, France , Germany , Iran , Iraq , Mexico , Saudi Arabia , Syria , Tunisia , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Global Women's Issues, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs, Treaties and International Agreements

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Four Seasons Hotel Manama, Bahrain April 7, 2016 FOREIGN MINISTER AL-KHALIFA: (In progress.) We discussed ways to further our military cooperation through mechanisms agreed at Camp David last year and the subsequent progress made by the U.S. and GCC working groups. We also discussed the importance of the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement, which is responsible for a considerable increase in bilateral trade in the past 10 years or so. We explored ways to in...

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Regions: Bahrain , Iran , Saudi Arabia , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Yemen

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC April 4, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send our very best wishes to the people of Senegal as you celebrate your independence on April 4. The strong partnership between our two countries has flourished due to the shared values of our citizens and their common pursuit of prosperity and peace. The United States applauds the many contributions that Senegal has made to regional security and fully supports ...

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Regions: Senegal , United States

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC April 4, 2016 The United States is very grateful to our partner, the Republic of Senegal, for offering humanitarian resettlement to two individuals formerly in Department of Defense custody at the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba detention facility. On April 4, the Department of Defense announced the transfer of two Libyan nationals to the Republic of Senegal. These two individuals, Salem Abdu Salam Ghereby (Internment Serial Number (ISN) 189) and Omar Kh...

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Regions: Cuba , Senegal , United States

Topics: Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC March 29, 2016 Good morning, everybody, and welcome. And Cathy, thank you so much for the spectacular job that you are doing. I can’t think of anybody better suited to work on the State Department’s top priorities, and Cathy is really offering extraordinary leadership, encouraging every embassy, every consulate, every bureau, every Foreign Service and civil service officer to integrate gender equality into our work. And I think she has bri...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Bangladesh , Belize , China, France , Guatemala , Malaysia , Mauritania , Morocco , Slovakia , Syria , United Kingdom

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Energy, Global Women's Issues, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State The Kremlin Moscow, Russia March 24, 2016 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Distinguished colleagues, we are beginning the press conference of the ministers of foreign affairs here of the Russian Federation and the U.S. FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (Via interpreter) Ladies and gentlemen, today the State – the Secretary of State of the U.S. have had a day of negotiations in the Russian capital. First, we had a long meeting in the ministry of foreign affairs, and now, th...

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Regions: Germany , Iran , Iraq , Jordan , Korea, North , Liberia , Libya , Russia , Syria , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Combating Drugs and Crime, Countering Terrorism, Energy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Treaties and International Agreements

Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Hotel Nacional Havana, Cuba March 22, 2016 QUESTION: Good morning. SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, these attacks in Brussels are sending shockwaves across the world. What can you tell Americans this morning? Are we safe? SECRETARY KERRY: Well, we’re constantly vigilant. We work as hard as humanly possible to make everybody safe. Regrettably, if one person decides they want to kill themselves and they want to blow themselves up around ...

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Regions: Colombia , Cuba , France , Germany , Iran , Iraq , South Africa , United States

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Countering Terrorism, Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC March 2, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: So welcome, everybody. I am really pleased to be able to welcome the president of the Central African Republic, President Samba-Panza. She is one of three female presidents on the continent of Africa and has presided over a remarkable transition during very, very difficult times in the Central African Republic. She is known as the mother of the Central African Republic because she’s really presided over...

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Regions: United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Global Women's Issues, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC February 18, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good afternoon, everybody. It’s my genuine pleasure to welcome my friend Salaheddine Mezouar, the foreign minister of Morocco, here. He and I have met at any number of international conferences, but most importantly, I had the wonderful pleasure of being a couple of times his guest and His Majesty’s guest in Morocco, and I’m very grateful for the extraordinary, very generous welcom...

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Regions: Libya , Morocco , United States , Western Sahara

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Quebec, Canada January 29, 2016 MODERATOR: (In French.) Thank you very much. Minister of Foreign Affairs Stephane Dion will now make a statement. FOREIGN MINISTER DION: Merci , Madam . Bonjour, mesdames et messieurs. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Buenas tardes, senoras y senores. (In French.) (In English) My hometown, my – (in Spanish). We have had important productive discussions today, and I will insist on – I think I have -- six points. But we...

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Regions: Burkina Faso , Canada , France , Haiti , Iraq , Italy , Jordan , Lebanon , Libya , Mexico , Netherlands , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Combating Drugs and Crime, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Ministry of Foreign Affairs Beijing, China January 27, 2016 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Friends from the press, good afternoon. The foreign ministers of China and the United States have just had an in-depth and substantive discussion, and now, they are ready to meet the press. Now, Foreign Minister Wang will first make a statement. FOREIGN MINISTER WANG: (Via interpreter) Friends from the press, we’re sorry to have kept you waiting, and even if you...

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Regions: Afghanistan, China, France , Iran , Korea, North , Taiwan , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Davos, Switzerland January 22, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Klaus, thank you very, very much. Hello, everybody. Good morning to you. Klaus, first of all, thank you for your very warm, generous introduction. I especially want to thank you for your superb leadership of the World Economic Forum for many years. As you’ve said, it’s been my honor to come here. This may have been the hardest trip of all. I was looking up at the mountain, fresh snow, and I saw those b...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Chad , China, Cuba , France , India , Iran , Iraq , Japan , Korea, North , Korea, South , Libya , Niger , Nigeria , Norway , Somalia , Switzerland , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Davos, Switzerland January 21, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, listen, everybody. Greetings and thank you for your patience while we’re here, obviously. There’s a lot of bilateral diplomacy, trilateral even, that’s going on. I met this morning with Prime Minister Sharif and President Ghani and the Vice President. I also met one-on-one and otherwise with Prime Minister Netanyahu. And last night we met with President – the Vice President and I me...

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Regions: Burundi , Cambodia , China, Colombia , France , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Korea, North , Saudi Arabia , Switzerland , Syria , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , Yemen

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Energy, Human Rights and Democracy, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC January 7, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Happy New Year. QUESTION: Happy New Year. SECRETARY KERRY: How are you all doing? Nice to see you all. Thank you very much. So I really just – I wanted to drop by this afternoon not to steal any of John’s thunder, if that’s even possible, by taking questions. There will be plenty of time for that, believe me, over the course of the next few weeks and beyond that. But I wanted to share with you a coupl...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Argentina, China, Iran , Korea, North , Mexico , Saudi Arabia , Syria , Turkey , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Treaties and International Agreements

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 11, 2015 On behalf of President Obama and the citizens of the United States, I congratulate the people of Burkina Faso on the 55th anniversary of your nation’s independence. The elections which you held on November 29 showed the world your commitment to democracy and your steadfast desire to overcome adversity and build a free, stable, and prosperous country. The United States strongly supports you in this effort and looks forwa...

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Regions: Burkina Faso , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Le Bourget Paris, France December 9, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you, Todd, extraordinarily for those more than generous words. I really, really appreciate them. I might have loved it if you found a less menacing notion than a ballistic missile. (Laughter.) But I appreciate it. At least it gets the job done. Ambassador Hartley, really nice to have you here, and Gina McCarthy, who is the head of our Environmental Protection Agency, thank you very, very much for being...

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Regions: Chile, China, France , India , Kenya , Korea, North , Libya , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Westin Paris, France December 8, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: (Applause.) Well, Tim, thank you. Thank you very much. Bonjour , all of you. Welcome to yet another spectacularly organized and important event from the UN Foundation. And Ted, thank you for this masterful idea that has produced so much in such a short period of time, although Tim may not think 15 year at the helm is a short period of time. But I thank you, Tim, for your tremendous leadership through the years a...

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Regions: Antarctica, Chile, China, France , Norway , Philippines , South Africa , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Global Health, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 1, 2015 I congratulate the people of Burkina Faso on holding peaceful and orderly presidential and legislative elections this week. Over the past two years the Burkinabe people have repeatedly demonstrated their strong commitment to democracy in the face of adversity, and shown that legitimate leadership requires public accountability. I further congratulate President-elect Roch Marc Christian Kabore, who will be the first new leader ...

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Regions: Burkina Faso , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 27, 2015 On behalf of President Obama and the citizens of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the government and people of Mauritania on the 55th anniversary of your nation’s independence. The United States values its friendship with Mauritania and fully supports your country’s continued development, both economically and democratically. In the coming year, we look forward to working closely with you to advan...

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Regions: Mauritania , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 20, 2015 The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack today in Mali. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and injured during this senseless assault on innocent people at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako. We thank the first responders, especially Malian Forces and U.N., French, and U.S. security personnel, including U.S. Diplomatic Security, who assisted with evacuating hostages and transporting...

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Regions: France , Mali , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Nazarbayev University Astana, Kazakhstan November 2, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: (In Kazakh.) (Applause.) I’m working at it, folks. (Laughter.) Thank you very, very much, President Katsu. Thank you. As all of you know, President Katsu had a very long and very distinguished career at the World Bank, and I was not at all surprised to learn that he had been working very hard to create economic opportunities for the next generation now of Central Asian leaders. So he is...

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Regions: Afghanistan, China, India , Iran , Iraq , Kazakhstan , Korea, South , Russia , South Africa , Tajikistan , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Loy Henderson Auditorium Washington, DC October 20, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Drew, thank you very, very much. Good morning everybody. Welcome to the State Department. And Drew, thanks so much for not just great leadership, but for years of friendship. Drew was really the surrogate senator for the state of Massachusetts for a period of time. He was my director up there in the state and did an absolutely magnificent job. John, Jeremy, Andrea, thank you so much for being ...

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Regions: Canada , China, Germany , Spain , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Bloomington, Indiana October 15, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY:   Thank you very much.  I accept the nomination.  (Laughter.)  You have twice welcomed me by standing up, and I am deeply appreciative.  I will caution you all to remind you that Winston Churchill once said that the only reason people give a standing ovation is they desperately need an excuse to shift their underwear.  (Laughter.)  I know you had a much more noble concept in mi...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Canada , China, Colombia , Cuba , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Kuwait , Russia , Saudi Arabia , South Africa , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , West Bank

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Charles Hotel Cambridge, Massachusetts October 13, 2015 MR ALLISON: So thank you very much. Apologies for a short delay, but it’s a great honor to welcome to Harvard tonight our Secretary of State, and I’m Graham Allison, the Director of the Belfer Center. I would say we have not seen the Secretary of State exhibit such energy and determination in bringing home an agreement like the Iranian nuclear agreement. So the real purpose for me tonight is to, wit...

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Regions: Afghanistan, China, Denmark , Egypt , Ethiopia , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Jordan , Korea, North , Lebanon , Libya , Oman , Peru , Russia , Sudan , Syria , Turkey , Uganda , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , Venezuela , Vietnam

Topics: Climate and Environment, Combating Drugs and Crime, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs, Treaties and International Agreements

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 12, 2015 On behalf of President Obama and the citizens of the United States, I send best wishes to the people ofEquatorial Guinea on your Independence Day. The United States and Equatorial Guinea continue to have strong and fruitful economic ties. We are committed to our work together to improve health and basic education. We look forward to continued cooperation between our two countries, especially towards our shared goal of keeping ...

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Regions: Equatorial Guinea , Guinea , United States

Topics: The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 9, 2015 On behalf of President Obama and the citizens of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the government and people of Uganda as you celebrate the 53 rd year of your country’s independence on October 9. The United States values the longstanding friendship between our countries and looks forward to continuing to work closely with you in a host of areas of mutual concern. These include economic growth, bilateral tr...

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Regions: Uganda , United States

Topics: Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy

Op-Ed John Kerry Secretary of State AllAfrica October 6, 2015 Last May, I shared in an extraordinary moment. I had the privilege, together with many leaders from across Africa, of bearing witness to the first peaceful, democratic transition of power between two parties in Nigeria. I traveled to Lagos earlier this year to emphasize that for the United States, Nigeria is an increasingly important strategic partner with a critical role to play in the security and prosperity of the region. I also said that ...

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Regions: Burkina Faso , Guinea , Nigeria , Panama , Sri Lanka , Tanzania , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 5, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: A warm welcome and hello to all of you participating in Concordia’s fifth annual summit. I’m very sorry that I wasn’t able to be with you in person today, but I very much want to thank Concordia and our terrific team at the State Department’s Office of Global Partnerships for their leadership in this effort. It’s obvious to all of you that we are gathering at a time and in a world that is ...

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Regions: China, Iran , Nigeria , United Kingdom

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Palace Hotel New York City October 1, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. (Applause.) Thank you all very, very much. I’m shying away from sports analogies after my – breaking my leg. I don’t think I can – I have to earn my respect back. (Laughter.) Thank you all for coming; particularly grateful, as Anne said, this is sort of the end of a whirlwind few days. I’m still here tomorrow and will be goin...

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Regions: Somalia , Sweden , Syria , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Photos from Trip» Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Colombo, Sri Lanka, on May 1 for his first trip to the country and the first visit by a Secretary of State since 2005. In Colombo, he met government leaders, civil society members, and other representatives from the country’s diverse communities to hear and express U.S. support for their vision for a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous future for its people. Secretary Kerry also joined his hosts for the celebration of the Buddhist...

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Regions: Djibouti , France , Kenya , Somalia , Sri Lanka , United States

Topics: Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 17, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very much. Well, Happy Holidays to all. Happy Hanukkah, second day of Hanukkah. Merry Christmas. And we are really delighted to welcome everybody here. Hi kids, how are you? How are you doing? You look fabulous. I – thank you. I do not often get to talk to as distinguished a group as you. You look absolutely great, and you’re all so well behaved. I hope you’re going to come up here afterwa...

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Regions: Afghanistan, United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Energy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 17, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. It’s a great pleasure for me to welcome Foreign Minister Chikoti of Angola to here in Washington, and very much appreciate the opportunity to reciprocate the foreign minister’s generous welcome to me when I was privileged to be in Angola last summer. We agreed that we would engage in a good dialogue on an ongoing basis, which has been absent from our relationship, frankly, for t...

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Regions: Angola , Cuba , France , Guinea , Israel , Russia , United Kingdom , United States , West Bank , Western Hemisphere

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs, Treaties and International Agreements

Op-Ed John Kerry Secretary of State Susan E. Rice, National Security Advisor The Washington Post December 15, 2014 In 2011, the world’s newest nation was born amid joyous celebrations. The international community welcomed South Sudan not just with cheers but also with promises of help. The hope and promise of that day are now at grave risk of being squandered if the nation’s leaders don’t at long last provide leadership. Violence that erupted in the capital city of Juba last December s...

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Regions: Sudan , United States

Topics: Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 11, 2014 On behalf of the American people and President Obama, I congratulate the people of Burkina Faso on the 54th anniversary of your independence. The United States is dedicated to supporting Burkina Faso’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, expand economic opportunities, and maintain regional security. We welcome the establishment of the civilian-led transitional government. It is important that preparations beg...

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Regions: Burkina Faso , United Kingdom , United States

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 8, 2014 Puneet, thank you very, very much.  That’s a lot of years you and I have been journeying together.  And as Puneet said, I did get to know him pretty well when he worked on the Hill for then-Senator Joe Biden and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and I’m really pleased he’s over here now.  Puneet has never shied away from taking on the tough issues we were just talking about – Iran, which he...

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Regions: Cambodia , Honduras , Iran , Tunisia , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Energy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Brussels, Belgium December 2, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to say a few words about the agenda here in Brussels today, and in fact, in Europe this week. Just three months ago in Wales, all 28 NATO allies made a series of very important commitments, including on assurance, defense spending, readiness, and partnerships. And our meeting this afternoon focused on taking stock of where we stand on the...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Belgium , France , Germany , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Lebanon , Pakistan , Russia , South Africa , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 1, 2014 Central African Republic National Day Message On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Central African Republic as you celebrate your independence on December 1. The United States is proud to stand with the courageous people of the Central African Republic. I commend all of you who are working to promote peace, advance the democratic transition, and promote national rec...

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Regions: United States

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 28, 2014 On behalf of the American people, I send best wishes to the people of Mauritania on the 54 th anniversary of your independence on November 28. Mauritania and the United States have a strong partnership founded on shared interests for regional peace and security, and countering the spread of Ebola in West Africa. Last August, I hosted President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz in Washington at the U.S. – African Leaders Conferenc...

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Regions: Mali , Mauritania , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Chief of Mission Residence Paris, France November 5, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Well good evening, and thank you for being here. It’s a pleasure for me to be back in Paris on my way to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Beijing. And in the meantime, I was able to have a number of important and constructive meetings here today, particularly with Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius of France and also with Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh of Jordan. I...

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Regions: China, France , Iran , Israel , Jordan , Monaco , Oman , Russia , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Energy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies Washington, DC November 4, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, thank you very much, Dean Nasr. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Vali for a while. When I was in the Senate, he was a very valuable advisor, and I can remember coming down to the State Department and meeting with him and with Richard Holbrooke and others in the early days of working on what was then called AfPak – Afghanistan, Pakistan, and part...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Burma , China, Hong Kong , India , Iran , Korea, North , Liberia , Pakistan , Peru , Philippines , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 3, 2014 Hello, everyone, and happy 239th birthday to the United States Marine Corps. The Marines were born in the midst of the War for Independence, even before the United States was a country. On November 10, 1775 – on the corner of Philadelphia’s Water Street and Tun Alley – the first Leathernecks formed two battalions and swore to fight for freedom on land and sea. That’s a promise the Marines have been keeping ever...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Iraq , Sudan , United States

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Berlin Wall Memorial Visitor's Center Berlin, Germany October 22, 2014 FOREIGN MINISTER STEINMEIER: (Via interpreter) Well, ladies and gentlemen, I’m delighted that so much have come, and we’re delighted to be able to welcome my American counterpart, the American Secretary of State. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to him. Well, I’m delighted that you have come to this press conference. We’re delighted to be able to welco...

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Regions: Argentina, Canada , China, Germany , Iran , Israel , Italy , Korea, North , Russia , Turkey , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , West Bank

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Combating Drugs and Crime, Countering Terrorism, Energy, Global Health, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 11, 2014 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Equatorial Guinea as you celebrate your Independence Day on October 12. The United States and Equatorial Guinea’s cooperation on maritime security has contributed to freedom of navigation in the Gulf of Guinea. We also remain committed to continuing our partnership on health and education for all Equatoguinean people. As you ga...

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Regions: Equatorial Guinea , Guinea , United States

Topics: The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC October 8, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. I’m very privileged to be here welcoming Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond to the State Department, and I’m even more privileged to work with him and to form a partnership that gives full gusto to the meaning of the special relationship that Great Britain and the United States share. So it is important for us to be continuing – I think we – Philip mentioned to...

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Regions: France , Iraq , Liberia , Russia , Sierra Leone , Syria , Turkey , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Treaties and International Agreements