Secretary Remarks

Photos from the trip» Secretary Kerry traveled to Kigali, Rwanda, from October 13-14, 2016, to join EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and others in striving to achieve U.S. climate and environmental goals at the Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is widely regarded to be one of the most successful environmental treaties ever and was the first treaty to achieve universal ratification. This global agreement has put the stra...

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Regions: Rwanda , United Kingdom , Yemen

Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Global Health, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Treaties and International Agreements

January 16, 2012 to January 17, 2012 Travels With Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Photos Secretary Clinton traveled to Liberia , Cote d’Ivoire , Togo , and Cape Verde on January 16 – 17, 2012 to demonstrate U.S. commitment to post-conflict return to peace, good governance, and economic development as well as to emphasize U.S. focus on democratization. While in Liberia, Secretary Clinton attended President Sirleaf’s inauguration and preside over the ribbon-cutting of...

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Regions: Togo

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

Met with President Konare and toured the Malaria Research and Training Center at the University of Mali.

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Topics: Global Health

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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Regions: China, Colombia , Cuba , France , Korea, North , Saudi Arabia , South Africa , Syria , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

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

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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Regions: Afghanistan, Antarctica, Argentina, Canada , Chad , Chile, China, Cuba , France , India , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Italy , Korea, North , Libya , Nigeria , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Somalia , Sudan , Syria , Thailand , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , Western Hemisphere, Yemen

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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Regions: Afghanistan, Antarctica, China, Colombia , Cuba , Egypt , France , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Korea, North , Libya , Nigeria , Norway , Russia , Sudan , Syria , Turkey , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

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

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 3, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Hello everyone. On behalf of the entire State Department, I am really pleased to join in recognizing the 25th annual International Day set aside to honor the one billion people around the world who have disabilities. Here in the United States, after many, many years of discrimination and delay, we have finally made substantial progress in ensuring that persons with disabilities are able to exercise their full rights. ...

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Regions: Armenia , Georgia , Kenya , Peru , United States

Topics: Energy, Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 3, 2016 I congratulate the people of The Gambia for their peaceful and democratic presidential election on December 1. We also congratulate President-elect Adama Barrow on his historic victory, which will mark the first democratic transfer of power in the country, and we look forward to working with him as he helps to usher in a new era in The Gambia. I also commend President Jammeh for respecting the results and for agreeing to peace...

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Regions: 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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Regions: Antarctica, China, France , Iran , Iraq , Italy , Libya , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Syria , Tunisia , Turkey , United Kingdom , United States , Yemen

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 World AIDS Day, we commemorate the lives lost and communities devastated by HIV/AIDS. We also celebrate those lives that have been saved and the courageous individuals who have brought hope and healing to those living with and affected by this disease. Thirty-five years ago, the first published report appeared of five previously healthy men in Los Angeles diagnosed with what soon would be known as AIDS. I have been engaged ...

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Topics: Global Health

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 Grand National Theater Lima, Peru November 18, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Scott, thank you very much. My apologies to all on two counts: one for arriving, and then two for leaving almost as fast as I arrived. (Laughter.) But I received a call from the State Department; unfortunately, I needed to take it. But my apologies to all. Scott, thank you so much. Thanks for helping to lead this effort. I’m delighted to see that you are balancing the needs of customers with ...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Peru , South Africa , United Kingdom , United States

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

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 London, United Kingdom October 31, 2016 MR KHAN: Can I thank you all very much for coming to this town hall meeting at the best town hall in the world, city hall. This is my living room, and I’m really pleased that we have the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in city hall today. And Secretary Kerry has agreed to take loads of questions from the floor, but those who manage his time say you’re going to get time for three. (Laughter.) So can I have an ide...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Canada , China, Iran , Russia , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, 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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Regions: Afghanistan, China, France , Iran , Ireland , Israel , Qatar , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Syria , 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

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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Regions: Afghanistan, Germany , Iraq , Ireland , Japan , Korea, North , Libya , Nigeria , South Africa , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 28, 2016 I am pleased the United States has been reelected by the United Nations General Assembly to a new term on the UN Human Rights Council. We thank the General Assembly for its support and pledge to continue to work closely with the international community to address urgent and serious human rights concerns worldwide and to strengthen the Council as an institution. U.S. engagement has helped transform the Council into a more balan...

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Regions: Iran , Korea, North , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

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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Regions: Afghanistan, Canada , China, Iran , Israel , Japan , Korea, North , Nigeria , Russia , Rwanda , Saudi Arabia , Somalia , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 15, 2016 The world came together today in yet another milestone on the path toward a safer, more sustainable future. In Kigali, Rwanda, I was proud to help represent the United States as the nearly 200 Parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed to an amendment to phase down the use and production of potent greenhouse gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The Kigali Amendment we adopted could avoid up to half a degree Celsius of warmin...

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Regions: United States

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

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 12, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I offer my warmest congratulations to the people of Equatorial Guinea as you celebrate your nation’s Independence Day, October 12. The United States values its friendship with you and looks forward to continuing our work together in pursuit of shared goals, including greater prosperity, improved governance, access to quality health care, respect for human rights, and ...

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Regions: Equatorial Guinea , Guinea , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 4, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of the Kingdom of Lesotho on the 50th anniversary of your nation’s independence. The United States deeply values its friendship with Lesotho. Together, our two nations have worked hard to promote economic progress, strengthen democratic institutions, and turn the tide in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2016, Lesotho became the first country in ...

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Regions: Lesotho , United States

Topics: Global Health

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 29, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Botswana on the 50th anniversary of your nation’s independence. My country deeply values its friendship with your government and with all of you, a friendship based on mutual respect and responsibility. The United States particularly commends Botswana for its love of peace, its commitment to democracy, and its steadfast leadership in env...

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Regions: Botswana , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy

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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Regions: Afghanistan, China, Iran , Israel , Jordan , Russia , Rwanda , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

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 Palace Hotel New York City September 22, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good morning, folks. I’m sorry we’re running just a moment late, and I apologize to everybody for that. I want to thank everyone for coming, distinguished ministers, my colleagues, my cabinet colleague Secretary of Energy Ernie Moniz, and Foreign Minister Malcorra of Argentina, Commissioner Canete, the European commissioner, Minister Biruta of Rwanda, Ambassador Liu of China. Thank you,...

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Regions: Argentina, China, United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Global Health

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State 92nd Street Y New York City, NY September 18, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: What a great welcome. Thank you all. How are you? Everybody good? That’s a lousy answer. How are you? (Applause.) Thank you. QUESTION: That was a rock star welcome. SECRETARY KERRY: You’re the rock star. Thank you. Happy to be here. I can’t see over this thing. QUESTION: I’m very lucky to spend the next 20 minutes asking Secretary Kerry questions about American leadership, an...

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Regions: Afghanistan, China, Colombia , France , Germany , Iran , Iraq , Japan , Norway , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Syria , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Loy Henderson Auditorium Washington, DC September 16, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. Sheldon, thanks so much. Thank you for taking time on a Friday. I know you guys are extraordinarily busy, and I am very appreciative that you came down here to chair this particular panel, and I’m even more appreciative of our great friendship. Sheldon is a near-neighbor of Massachusetts obviously, Rhode Island – a great sailing state – and Sheldon himself is an ...

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Regions: Canada , Indonesia , Norway , Russia , Senegal , United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 15, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, congratulations to the people of Papua New Guinea as you celebrate the 41 st anniversary of your independence on September 16. Our two countries share a long-lasting friendship and diplomatic relations going back to your independence day 41 years ago. Throughout those 41 years, we’ve worked together on numerous issues of mutual interest in the realms of fisheries, p...

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Regions: Guinea , Papua New Guinea

Topics: Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy

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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Regions: Afghanistan, Bangladesh , China, France , India , Japan , Jordan , Pakistan , Philippines , Russia , 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, 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

Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Rosa Kempinski Hotel Nairobi, Kenya August 22, 2016 QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, first of all, it’s an honor to speak to you. Thank you for finding the time to speak to Eye Radio. For formality purpose, please introduce yourself to our listeners. SECRETARY KERRY: Well, thank you. I’m delighted to be with you. I’m John Kerry, the Secretary of State of the United States, and delighted to be in Nairobi. QUESTION: While giving the press briefing a short ...

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Regions: Kenya , Sudan , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Human Rights and Democracy

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 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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington Passport Agency Washington, DC July 12, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. Thank you, Michele, very, very much. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Michele, thank you very, very much. Today is also an education for me. You have no idea how many times I drive by here. I had no idea – (laughter) – we had this brilliantly beautiful office over here in this building, so it’s – you’re broadening my horizons even today. I go...

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Regions: China, Cyprus , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Science, Technology, and Innovation

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 1, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send best wishes to the people of Rwanda as you celebrate your 54 th year of independence on July 1. Rwandans have much to be proud of about their country and their future. Rwanda has become a model on the continent for its progress in advancing the role of women in both the public and private sectors, and for encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, techno...

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Regions: Rwanda

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

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 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 Stanford University Memorial Auditorium Stanford, California June 23, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY:  Thank you so much.  You’re the best.  I love you.  You are terrific. Thank you so much.  Thank you.  (Cheers.)  Patricia, thank you.  Thank you so much.  Good morning, everybody.  Are you all energized?  (Cheers.)  I saw that video.  I thought I’d quit as Secretary and become an entrepreneur immedia...

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Regions: United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC June 20, 2016 Today, we honor refugees’ resilience and courage. We also recognize the tremendous contributions made by local and international non-governmental organizations on the front lines of delivering life-saving assistance. This year’s commemoration comes at a time when brutal conflicts are forcing record numbers of innocent people to flee, and challenging the world to find better ways to protect them. The war in Syria alone...

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Regions: Syria , United States , Yemen

Topics: 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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Regions: Afghanistan, China, Iran , Korea, North , Philippines , Sudan , Syria , 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, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia June 5, 2016 FOREIGN MINISTER PUREVSUREN: (Via interpreter) Good morning. On the invitation by the Mongolian Government, John Kerry, the Secretary, has been making state visit to Mongolia. Mongolia and the U.S. has – have been expanding its cooperation in a variety of sectors. From the beginning of the democratic movement in Mongolia, the U.S. was our partner, one of the most important, third neighbor of Mongol...

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Regions: Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan , Mongolia , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Human Rights and Democracy

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State U.S. Mission Geneva, Switzerland May 2, 2016 AMBASSADOR HAMAMOTO: Secretary, it’s so great to have you back here in Geneva. After coming here numerous times over the last couple years, it’s now been about nine months since your last visit, and I will say we were starting to worry that we weren’t your favorite post anymore. (Laughter.) So thank you very much for coming back to Geneva to dispel that notion once and for all. We like being your favorit...

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Regions: China, Iran , Kenya , Korea, North , Korea, South , Libya , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Somalia , Switzerland , Syria , United Kingdom

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Human Rights and Democracy, 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 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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC April 14, 2016 For a tech moment, that was an inauspicious beginning. (Laughter.) Cathy, thank you very, very much. Thank you all for being here. I think anybody who knows Cathy Novelli knows that she was quickly recognized by Steve Jobs, who hired her on the spot, as the shiniest apple on the tree – no pun. But he hired her, frankly, because it takes a visionary to know a visionary, and he knew immediately that she brought some special qualitie...

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Regions: Kenya , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Miami, FL April 14, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. Wow, thank you so much. Thank you for a very, very generous welcome. Eric, thank you for an absolutely splendid, terrific introduction. I am enormously appreciative for it. And I have to tell you, the four of you were just absolutely spectacular. Congratulations to you. It’s just really wonderful. (Applause.) I was listening to Eric’s introduction and he told me beforehand in back here that he kind of ...

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Regions: Colombia , Cuba , South Africa , 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

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Grand Hyatt Hotel New York City April 5, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY:   Mike, thank you very, very much.  Thanks, more importantly, for your extraordinary leadership over the years.  I think everybody here knows that Mike Bloomberg has been a pioneer on so many different things, critical issues, and concepts – a great business person and entrepreneur of extraordinary capacity.  And he has proven his leadership qualities many times, both ...

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Regions: Brazil , China, India , Jersey , United Arab Emirates , United Kingdom , United States

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

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC March 4, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I want to convey our best wishes to the people of Ghana on the celebration of the Republic’s 59th anniversary of independence on March 6. Ghana and the United States are strong partners, and we share the ideals of democracy, human rights, educational opportunity, free enterprise, peace, and stability. Our longstanding partnership is also based on our mutual i...

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Regions: Ghana , United States

Topics: 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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC February 18, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send best wishes to the people of The Gambia on the 51st anniversary of your independence on February 18. I look forward to working together in the coming year to strengthen democracy, promote human dignity, and combat terrorism and extremism. I wish all Gambians a joyful anniversary celebration.

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Topics: Countering Terrorism, Human Rights and Democracy

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 10, 2015 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was forged in the aftermath of World War II to protect freedom and prevent future atrocities. As we commemorate it today, we recall President Franklin Roosevelt’s 1941 Four Freedoms address, which inspired the Universal Declaration, and which the United Nations selected as this year’s theme for International Human Rights Day. The “four freedoms” – of spee...

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Regions: Burundi , China, Iran , Korea, North , Syria , Uzbekistan

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Human Rights and Democracy, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Paris, France December 9, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. I want to say thank you to my friend Ramtane for his leadership and for Algeria’s leadership with respect to the mediation in Mali, where they successfully managed to get an agreement and are working still to reduce the tensions. And also we’ve been particularly engaged on the subject of Libya, and today we’ll talk at length about that because we have a meeting in Rome coming ...

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Regions: Algeria , France , Syria

Topics: Climate and Environment, Global Health

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 25, 2015 Today we celebrate the many stories of courageous and bold action to end gender-based violence— the nuns helping people escape sex trafficking, the men in Argentina teaching boys in football clubs to treat women with respect, the businesswomen in Detroit raising money to test rape kits, and the college students in India speaking out against gender-based violence and advocating for stronger enforcement of laws and public...

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Regions: Argentina, India , United States

Topics: Global Women's Issues, Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC November 18, 2015 FOREIGN MINISTER CHIKOTI: It was so liberating, our 40th independence – you know Brazil is -- SECRETARY KERRY: I know, I know. FOREIGN MINISTER CHIKOTI: -- the first country that recognized Angola. SECRETARY KERRY: I do know. FOREIGN MINISTER CHIKOTI: So we had a very long conversation there. SECRETARY KERRY: My great pleasure to welcome my friend, the foreign minister of Angola, Georges Chikoti, and to celebrate wi...

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Regions: Angola , Brazil , France , United Kingdom , United States

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

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