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

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Chile, United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Paris, France January 15, 2017 SECRETARY KERRY: Look, I – first of all, I am grateful to the French for being willing to host the conference and I appreciate and respect their moral engagement and passion with the issue of peace, which I know matters to them deeply. And I think that – I really do believe that it is important that 70 nations, particularly – well, entities, but mostly nations – came together to reinforce the two-state solution ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: France , Israel , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Ho Chi Minh University of Technology and Education Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam January 13, 2017 SECRETARY KERRY: President Dung, thank you very, very much for that introduction. Xin Chao Viet Nam. (Applause.) I want to thank Party Secretary Dinh La Thang, and the People's Committee Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong. I'm very, very grateful for your welcome. I'm honored to be here, And I'm very pleased to be here in a building the president just told me was b...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Cambodia , China, Laos , Thailand , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

Topics: Climate and Environment, 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 Department of State Washington, DC January 10, 2017 UNDER SECRETARY KENNEDY: Secretary Baker was not able to be with us here this evening, but it’s now my honor to read a letter from the 61st Secretary of State: “Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. I regret that I am unable to join Secretary Kerry and my former secretary colleagues, all of whom have been crucial to the creation of the U.S. Diplomacy Center Pavilion. The completion of the Diplomacy Center...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: France , Iran , United Kingdom , United States

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

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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 ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Brussels, Belgium December 6, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good afternoon, everybody. I am pleased to be back in Brussels – obviously, a little bit bittersweet – to be here with my NATO colleagues for the last ministerial as Secretary of State, but I’m happy to be with my colleagues and pleased to be back in Brussels. There’s nothing nostalgic about our need to constantly reaffirm the importance of collective defense and democratic ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Antarctica, Belgium , Egypt , Iran , Israel , Russia , Syria , Ukraine , 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, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State The Willard Hotel Washington, DC December 4, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very much. That’s really wonderful. Thank you. MR INDYK: Haim is going to unveil a plaque that we made for you for the occasion. MR SABAN: I’m the unveiler-in-chief. (Laughter.) Okay, so I was told -- SECRETARY KERRY: Wow. MR SABAN: I was told to read. Who paid for this? Brookings or me? (Laughter.) It looks really expensive, doesn’t it? (Laughter.) But you know what? Ther...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Egypt , France , Germany , Iran , Israel , Japan , Jordan , Kuwait , Libya , Pakistan , Philippines , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Syria , Taiwan , Turkey , United Kingdom , United States , West Bank , Yemen

Topics: Energy, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation

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. ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Topics: Energy, 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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State The Ritz Carlton Washington, DC November 29, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very, very much, Karen. “Under the weather” is a polite word for the crud. (Laughter.) Anyway, thank you, Karen, for a wonderful introduction. And it’s with great pride that I accept the nomination. (Laughter.) Shh. It’s a little dangerous right now. (Laughter.) I am suffering from a bunch of grandchildren, all of whom are sniveling at...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Antarctica, China, Colombia , Cuba , Germany , Honduras , Iran , Japan , Korea, North , Lebanon , Libya , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Syria , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , Yemen

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

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 ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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 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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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 Pukeahu National War Memorial Wellington, New Zealand November 13, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Mr. Ambassador, Mark, thank you very, very much. Thank you also for your tremendous linguistic display a little bit earlier. (Laughter.) I’m delighted to be here with all of you. Minister Brownlee and General Keating, thank you very much for honoring us by being here today, and to all of you parliamentarians, counselors, and distinguished guests all. It’s a great hon...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, New Zealand , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Loy Henderson Auditorium Washington, DC November 2, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning. AUDIENCE: Good morning. SECRETARY KERRY: How are you doing? Everybody good? AUDIENCE: Yeah. Good. SECRETARY KERRY: Good. The loudest “yeah” was over here. Where are you from? QUESTION: Sri Lanka. SECRETARY KERRY: Sri Lanka. Well, you have reason to be loud. That’s good. I appreciate – Sri Lanka’s done some amazing things in the last years. So Evan, t...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, France , Iran , Iraq , Italy , Kazakhstan , Libya , Russia , Syria , Tajikistan , United Kingdom , United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 1, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Antigua and Barbuda on the 35th anniversary of your nation’s independence on November 1. The United States values its longstanding friendship with you and looks forward to continued cooperation between our countries in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and our shared commitment to sustainable development, human...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Human Rights and Democracy

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Chicago, Illinois October 26, 2016 QUESTION: Secretary Kerry, welcome. I – we’re 80-some days from the – as we sit here today at the University of Chicago, we’re 80-some days from the end of this administration. It seems like a good time to kind of look back a little bit at your life and your career. And I wanted to ask you, I’m so intrigued by the fact that your dad was in the Foreign Service. And I was – what influence did tha...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, France , India , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Italy , Russia , Spain , Syria , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam , West Bank

Topics: Climate and Environment, 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 ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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 Palo Alto, California October 10, 2016 MS BOYD: So, Mr. Secretary, welcome to Silicon Valley and thank you for joining us today. SECRETARY KERRY: Happy to be here. Thank you. MS BOYD: I’m going to dive right in because we have a little bit less time than we planned. And I wanted to start with the big news from Friday. And since so much news broke on Friday, I should probably be a little more specific. (Laughter.) So on Friday, the Obama Administration official...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Argentina, China, Cuba , France , 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, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Wilson Center Washington, DC September 28, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Jane, thank you for a wonderful introduction. I hugely appreciate your support, your counsel. And obviously, we are living in complicated times. I want to thank you for many, many years of remarkable service to our country. Jane was reminding me as we were walking up here that we were by happenstance on a flight together not so many years ago, and she secretly informed me of the offer from the Wilson C...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Australia , Canada , Chile, China, France , Germany , Israel , Italy , Japan , Korea, North , Korea, South , Philippines , 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, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 16, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I offer warm wishes to the people of Chile as you observe your nation’s Independence Day on September 18. The United States values its close and productive partnership with Chile. Our countries are bound together by our deep commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. My government is proud to work with yours to support peace ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Chile, United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 16, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Mexico as you celebrate the 206th anniversary of your nation’s independence. The United States and Mexico are not only neighbors, but close partners and friends. Our relationship is based on a host of shared interests, people-to-people ties, and a commitment to democratic values. After more than two centuries of living side-b...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Mexico , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 15, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Costa Rica as you celebrate the 195th anniversary of your nation’s independence on September 15. Our countries enjoy a longstanding and remarkably strong friendship, rooted in our shared values and commitment to keeping our citizens safe, supporting democratic institutions, defending human rights, and expanding economic oppor...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Costa Rica , United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 15, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Honduras on the 195th anniversary of your nation’s independence. The United States is pleased to have a valued partner in Honduras. My government values deeply our ability to work together to strengthen democratic institutions, improve security, promote economic growth, and foster an environment in which the rule of law is up...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Honduras , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 15, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: I’m very happy to welcome Foreign Minister Loizaga of Paraguay here to Washington, and I want to thank him for the June dialogue that our countries had, for the strong partnership we have. And we’re very grateful for the peacekeeping role that Paraguay plays, for the democracy-building role that it plays. It’s been very important to the Haiti elections, important to the challenges of dealing with V...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Haiti , Paraguay , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Loy Henderson Auditorium Washington, DC September 15, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good morning everybody. And Cathy, thank you very, very much. I hope everybody here will join me in expressing our gratitude to Cathy and her team who have done an absolutely superb job of preparing this, putting this together. Cathy, thank you very, very much. Appreciate it. (Applause.) I also want to express my profound gratitude to all of the foreign ministers, environ ministers, am...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Chile, China, France , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Combating Drugs and Crime, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 12, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. Happy Monday to all of you. Let me begin, if I can, just by – you can sort of see it with some of the banners and the large fish out in front of the State Department that this is a big week for the department, because on Thursday and Friday we’re going to be hosting our third Our Ocean conference, which we started two years ago with the meeting that took place in Chile interrup...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Albania , Chile, Iran , Italy , Norway , Russia , Syria , Turkey , United Kingdom , United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC August 25, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Uruguay as you celebrate the 191 st anniversary of your nation’s independence on August 25. The United States places a high value on its enduring friendship with Uruguay, a friendship based on the many interests and values we share, including a mutual commitment to democracy, human rights, social justice, and peace. Together, we...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: United States , Uruguay

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Embassy Abuja Abuja, Nigeria August 24, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you so much. Thank you very much. Good morning, everybody. How are you? Everybody good? AUDIENCE: (Cheering.) SECRETARY KERRY: Now, let’s do a little organizing here. You’re getting wet, man. (Laughter.) So I want you – push back a little bit so – now we – I want you to get out of the water. Both sides – you got to organize this a little bit. I want you to show th...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, Italy , Nigeria , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Palacio Itamaraty Rio de Janeiro, Brazil August 5, 2016 FOREIGN MINISTER SERRA: (Via interpretation) Good afternoon. I want to begin by saying that the visit of Secretary John Kerry and the very productive meeting we just had may represent the first step of a new phase in the relationship between Brazil and the United States – they may represent, and I am certain, I am confident that they will represent. The closeness between U.S. and Brazil is bolstered by Pr...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Brazil , China, Cyprus , Russia , United Kingdom , United States , Venezuela

Topics: Climate and Environment, 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 San Martin Palace Buenos Aires, Argentina August 4, 2016 FOREIGN MINISTER MALCORRA: (Via interpretation, in progress) …to this press conference to be followed by a working lunch, which some ministers will be joining to expand on some of the items on our agenda. We have essentially – we have – hello? (Interruption to interpretation.) (Via interpretation, in progress) …meeting between the teams of the foreign ministry and the State...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Argentina, Colombia , Iran , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Venezuela

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

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC August 1, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good afternoon, everybody. Buenas tardes . I am delighted to be joined by my friend and my colleague Foreign Minister Maria Holguin of the Republic of Colombia. And we have been delighted over the course of the last day and a half or so to be engaged in the sixth session of the U.S.-Colombia High-Level Partnership Dialogue. It is underway here at the department, and I think Maria Angela woul...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Chile, Colombia , Cuba , Ecuador , Norway , Russia , United Kingdom , United States , Venezuela

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 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, Treaties and International Agreements

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Justus Lipsius Building Brussels, Belgium July 18, 2016 HIGH REPRESENTATIVE MOGHERINI: Thank you very much. John, welcome. It’s an honor and it’s been a pleasure to welcome you for the first time at the Foreign Affairs Council with the 28 foreign ministers of our union just a few days after our leaders summit in Warsaw, where we clearly reaffirmed that transatlantic unity has never been so important and so strong. And the EU-U.S. relationship ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Belgium , Canada , France , Germany , Russia , Syria , Turkey , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Treaties and International Agreements

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC July 7, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send my best wishes to the people of Argentina as you celebrate the bicentennial of your nation’s declaration of independence on July 9. The United States and Argentina are regional leaders and long-time friends.  Our two peoples are bound together by common interests and shared values, including support for democracy, human rights, and gender equality....

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Argentina, United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC July 5, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I offer my best wishes to the people of Venezuela on the 205th anniversary of your country’s independence on July 5. My government recognizes that the past year has been an extremely difficult one for the Venezuelan people. You face many economic challenges that have led to political divisions and severe hardships. However, Venezuelans have shown resilience in the past an...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: United States , Venezuela

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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 30, 2016 The United Nations Human Rights Council today adopted its third UN resolution on the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons, creating an Independent Expert on violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This Expert will serve as a global focal point on combatting challenges faced by LGBT persons—a step that reflects the growing global momentum against human ri...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Argentina, Chile, United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Greenwald Pavilion, Aspen Institute Aspen, Colorado June 28, 2016 MR ISAACSON: Thank you very much. It’s a great honor and pleasure for us to have a man I’ve admired – most of us have admired – for many years, a man who – U.S. Naval, served in Vietnam, won the Purple Heart – I mean, three Purple Hearts, the bronze medal, the silver medal, has been a senator, candidate for president, and now our Secretary of State. In the past two ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Canada , Colombia , Egypt , France , Germany , Iran , Iraq , Ireland , Israel , Jordan , Pakistan , Philippines , Syria , Turkey , United Arab Emirates , United Kingdom , United States , West Bank

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Dean Acheson Auditorium Washington, DC June 21, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Regina, thank you very much. Good morning to everybody. Regina is the first USAID officer to become president of GLIFAA, and I think everybody here will agree she is doing an outstanding job, so thank you very, very much. (Applause.) I want to thank and congratulate at the same time Secretary Fanning. Thank you for your groundbreaking leadership, and we appreciate enormously what you are doing. Th...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Egypt , Mexico , Russia

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic June 14, 2016 Also available in Spanish . SECRETARY KERRY:   Good morning, buenos dias .  Mr. President, thank you for your consideration and I thank all my colleagues for their understanding.  I have to step out to do a video conference with the President and others, and I appreciate your understanding. Let me begin by thanking our hosts, President Medina of the Dominican Republic and Foreign Minister Navar...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Colombia , Dominican Republic , Haiti , United States , Venezuela , Western Hemisphere

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

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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 Secretary of Treasury Jack Lew, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, and Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi Diaoyutai State Guesthouse Beijing, China June 6, 2016 PRESIDENT XI: (Via interpreter) Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of the Treasury Jacob Lew, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen (inaudible), today, the eighth round of the China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue, and the seventh ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, Iran , Korea, North , 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, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Shangri La Hotel Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia June 5, 2016 AMBASSADOR GALT: (In progress) This is also different from our past meetings because we don’t have any tea or cookies. (Laughter.) But today you have the opportunity to meet with United States Secretary of State John Kerry, so I trust that makes up for the missing cookies. (Laughter.) It’s a great privilege to introduce Secretary Kerry to you, but before I do that, I thought I would quickly introduce yo...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, France , Iran , Korea, South , Mongolia , Russia , United Kingdom , United States

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

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC May 14, 2016 On behalf of the people of the United States and President Obama, I extend my congratulations and warm wishes to the people of Paraguay on the 205th anniversary of its independence on May 15. The United States and Paraguay enjoy a strong partnership based on a shared commitment to strengthen democratic institutions, increase transparency, and confront poverty. These efforts are a testament to the shared values that make our partne...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Paraguay , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Ben Franklin Room Washington, DC May 3, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Muchas gracias . Thank you very, very much. Mr. presidents, distinguished prime ministers, ministers of everything – (laughter) – minister de todos , whatever you – but you’re masters at many, many things here – and distinguished ambassadors, distinguished guests all, we are very, very grateful to you for being here. And I can actually feel an energy in here. I’m &ndash...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Canada , Chile, Jamaica , Mexico , Tunisia , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, 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 LBJ Presidential Library at the University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX April 27, 2016 MR BARNES: Thank you very much, President Fenves. It’s my pleasure this evening to introduce our Secretary of State, my friend Secretary John Kerry. As he prepares to speak tonight, I’m reminded of the many years of dedication and service that he has brought to our country. Before graduating from Yale University, Secretary Kerry voluntarily enlisted in the United Stat...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, Cuba , Czech Republic , Egypt , France , Iran , Iraq , Ireland , Korea, North , Libya , Nigeria , Qatar , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Syria , Turkey , 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 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. ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Miami Passport Agency Miami, Florida April 17, 2016 QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, welcome. Great to speak with you. SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. Good to be with you. QUESTION: What brings you to Miami? SECRETARY KERRY: Well, I’m here in Miami actually to talk to the honors program at Dade County -- QUESTION: Miami Dade College. SECRETARY KERRY: Yes, sir. And it’s exciting for me because one of the things we’ve been trying to do is reach out across Amer...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Cuba , Haiti , Israel , United Kingdom , United States , West Bank

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

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 ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Press Briefing Room Washington, DC April 13, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. Thanks for being here. I’m going to make a statement and I have to run from here to an NSC meeting on a number of issues, so forgive me if I dash out of here. I’m not trying to avoid you, but Tom will take some questions and I think John’s going to come to the podium and he’ll make some statements. I know there’s some events that you’re c...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Sri Lanka , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC March 30, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. I am very, very happy to welcome my friend and no stranger to the United States, Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra. She worked at the United Nations for a long period of time, working directly as chief of staff with the Secretary-General, so she knows us and she knows our country well. But most importantly, I want to begin by thanking you for a wonderful reception for President Obama ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Argentina, United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Treaties and International Agreements

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Interview John Kerry Secretary of State CBS Studio Washington, DC March 26, 2016 MR DICKERSON: We sat down earlier with Secretary of State John Kerry, who is just back from Brussels. We asked him how worried he was about another terror attack in Europe. SECRETARY KERRY: Well, I think everybody’s concerned, because for several years now foreign fighters have been returning from Syria or from other locations and implanting themselves in the communities, and this is the threat that we’ve all be...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Argentina, Belgium , Cuba , Iran , Iraq , Russia , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Energy, Human Rights and Democracy

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 ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

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

Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Hotel Nacional Havana, Cuba March 22, 2016 QUESTION: We have to start with news of the day, not very good news – terrorism once again is rocking Europe. What do you know about the terrorist attacks and is the U.S. concerned of similar attacks in the homeland? SECRETARY KERRY: Well, we’re always – all of us – concerned about the potential of these attacks. Everybody knows that it is possible for somebody who’s willing to blow themselve...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Belgium , Cuba , Germany , Japan , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Washington, DC March 10, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Please be seated, everybody. Good afternoon. Welcome – bonjour – welcome to the State Department. (In French.) We’re happy to have you here. We welcome all of the delegation, the first lady, prime minister, and we’re delighted to have everybody here. I want to begin by thanking the members of the U.S. Army Band and the U.S. Air Force Band for sharing their e...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Canada , France , Guadeloupe , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

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

Testimony John Kerry Secretary of State Opening Remarks Before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Foreign Operations Washington, DC February 24, 2016 CHAIRMAN GRAHAM: Well, Mr. Secretary, we look forward to your testimony. Assuming that you’re not chosen by Trump to be Secretary of State, this would be your last appearance, so with that in mind, proceed. SENATOR MIKULSKI: Welcome back from another trouble spot. (Laughter.) SECRETARY KERRY: I’m going to leave that one alone, Mr. Chairman....

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, Colombia , Iran , Israel , Nigeria , Pakistan , Russia , Sri Lanka , Syria , 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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Ben Franklin Room Washington, DC February 23, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. I’m delighted to welcome Minister Wang Yi back to the State Department to the Ben Franklin Room and back to Washington. And we had a – this is about the third time that we have now met in the last weeks, and we’ve had occasion to have a lot of conversations about all of the topics of interest between our countries. As I have said many times, the United St...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, Iran , Korea, North , Philippines , Russia , 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

Testimony John Kerry Secretary of State Opening Remarks Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Washington, DC February 23, 2016 Well, Mr. Chairman, thank you.  Senator Cardin, all my former colleagues and friends on the committee, I’m really happy to be here.  I think we have a chance to have a very important conversation, and I appreciate both of your opening comments very, very much, both in tone and tenor. And I want to begin just by thanking all of you.  I know it’s...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, Colombia , Iran , Israel , Korea, North , Lebanon , Libya , Pakistan , Russia , Sri Lanka , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC February 22, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Saint Lucia on 37 years of independence. Defined by its welcoming population, lively music, and beautiful beaches, St. Lucia is a major tourist attraction for travelers from around the world – and it is a key partner to the United States on a wide range of critical issues in the Caribbean and across the Western Hemisphere. Together, our n...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Saint Lucia , United States , Western Hemisphere

Topics: Energy, Human Rights and Democracy

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC February 5, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good afternoon, everybody. Thank you very much for being here with us. A few minutes ago, President Santos and members of the Colombian and American delegations completed a working lunch next door in the Jefferson Room. And now, Mr. President, I am delighted to welcome you to the Ben Franklin Room, Mr. Franklin back up there on the wall. It was named for a unique American diplomat, and I think you kno...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Argentina, Cambodia , Canada , Chile, Colombia , Iran , Norway , Russia , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam , Western Hemisphere

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Combating Drugs and Crime, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Op-Ed John Kerry Secretary of State Miami Herald January 30, 2016 This Op-Ed originally appeared in The Miami Herald. Fourteen years ago in the Colombian town of Bojayá, FARC guerillas launched an explosive that landed on the roof of a Roman Catholic church, killing 79 men, women and children who were huddled inside, seeking safety. A tragedy of such proportions was hard to comprehend even in a nation inured to the brutalities of conflict. But an event two months ago was in its own way just as ex...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Brazil , Colombia , United States

Topics: Combating Drugs and Crime, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, 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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 17, 2015 A year has passed since President Obama proposed normalizing relations with Cuba, re-opening our embassies, and creating more opportunities for our two peoples to engage with one another.  This was a dramatic change in policy, but it represented no change in our aspiration for Cuban citizens – that they be given a chance to live in a peaceful, prosperous, open, and democratic society. Since then, a lot has happened...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Cuba , Mexico , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Combating Drugs and Crime, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Human Rights and Democracy

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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 Willard Hotel Washington, DC December 5, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you all very, very much. Thank you, Bruce, for a very generous introduction. And thank you, ladies and gentlemen; I apologize that we are starting a few moments late. I’m delighted to be here, distinguished members of Congress. Steny and Nita I know are here, and Jolie Ruben, my former colleague and longtime friend, and I think Bogie Ya’alon is out there somewhere. And Bogie, good to se...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, France , Germany , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Jordan , Lebanon , Libya , Russia , Syria , Tunisia , United Kingdom , United States , West Bank , 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

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Ministry of Foreign Affairs Athens, Greece December 4, 2015 FOREIGN MINISTER KOTZIAS: (Via interpreter) Good morning. I would like to welcome dear U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, with whom we’ve been working very closely, and I know that there are traditional friendship ties that join the two countries. I would like to welcome him and hope to see him again in the future, because he is a man who loves sailing, who really loves the sea, and the Gr...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Bulgaria , Cyprus , France , Georgia , Greece , Iran , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Syria , Turkey , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Kombank Arena Belgrade, Serbia December 3, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary-General, colleagues, all. Before I address the priorities of the OSCE, let me just, first of all, say thank you to Sergey for his condolences to the American people regarding the events, and I want to express my personal condolences to the families of the victims of yesterday’s shooting in San Bernardino, California. Obviously, all of us &nda...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Azerbaijan , France , Russia , Ukraine , United Kingdom

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

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Argentina, India , United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 23, 2015 I congratulate the people of Argentina on holding successful second-round Presidential elections on November 22 , which reflects Argentina’s strong democratic values. The United States and Argentina are long-standing partners, and we look forward to working closely with President-designate Mauricio Macri and his government. We are confident that the United States and Argentina will continue to work closely to promote re...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Argentina, United States

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Human Rights and Democracy, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 12, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Nancy, thank you very, very much. I apologize for being a couple minutes late over here. And I’m delighted to see a lot of friends and pleased that all of you could come here, share some thoughts this afternoon. It’s great for me to be here, and I want to thank the United States Institute of Peace for hosting all of us here this afternoon. I have to tell you I’m used to flying long distances to deli...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, Colombia , Cuba , France , Iran , Iraq , Italy , Jordan , Lebanon , 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, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 3, 2015 On behalf of President Obama and the citizens of the United States, I congratulate the people of Panama as you begin Fiestas Patrias celebrations on November 3. Panama and the United States have a long, shared history of friendship and deep cultural ties. I commend President Varela for his leadership at the historic Seventh Summit of the Americas, held in Panama this past April. And I look forward next year to the opening of t...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Panama , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 1, 2015 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Antigua and Barbuda as you celebrate your Independence Day on November 1. Through the Caribbean Basin and Energy Security Initiatives, our countries are working together every day to promote human rights and sustainable economic growth, defend democracy, assist marginalized youth, and ensure citizen safety. I a...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan October 31, 2015 FOREIGN MINISTER ABDYLDAEV: (Via interpreter) Good evening, dear representatives of mass media. Negotiations between the State Secretary, Mr. John Kerry, with the president have finished. And before that we had bilateral negotiations. Immediately I would like to give the floor to our guest, Mr. Secretary of State of U.S., Mr. John Kerry, please. SECRETARY KERRY: Well, Mr. Foreign Minister Erlan, my friend, I thank you very much f...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Canada , China, Kyrgyzstan , Russia , Syria , 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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Paris, France October 18, 2015 DIRECTOR-GENERAL BOKOVA : (In French.) As the fabric of human society seems increasingly under attack by forces that deny the existence of a shared heritage, forces that strike at the heart of our sense of community, I am convinced world heritage holds out a contrary and positive vision of human society and our human nature. So it is not just world heritage; UNESCO itself holds out a positive vision of human society against violent ext...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Chile, China, France , Germany , Iran , Italy , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

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

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Loy Henderson Auditorium Washington, DC October 9, 2015 Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very, very much. I apologize for being a little bit late, and if this is indeed the moment you’ve all been waiting for, you’re leading very drab lives. (Laughter.) I’m really happy to be here with all of you. Thank you very much. Welcome to the launch of the Global Diaspora Week here at the State Department. We’re very proud of this effort and it...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Ireland , Israel , Japan , Mexico , Nepal , Pakistan , Philippines , Rwanda , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Valparaiso, Chile October 5, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: (In Spanish.) Thank you very much. PARTICIPANT: (Via interpreter) Thank you. (Inaudible.) SECRETARY KERRY: Buenos dias , everybody. How are you? Good. All right. I’m testing your English – better than my Spanish. What a pleasure for me to be here. Can you all see? Here, you want me to stand up? Is that better? There. I’ll stand up. It’s a real pleasure for me to be here. Mr. President, Senato...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Antarctica, Chile, China, Italy , Russia , Turkey , 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

Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Palace Hotel New York City October 2, 2015 QUESTION: Gracias for this interview. Thank you. SECRETARY KERRY: My pleasure. QUESTION: There was a solo handshake with the Pope at the Capitol. How would you characterize your relationship, and how much should Pope Francis be credited with the opening of relations with Cuba? SECRETARY KERRY: Well, obviously, I was very, very moved and very personally touched by the gesture of the Holy Father, and it’s hard not to ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Bolivia , Chile, China, Cuba , Germany , Iran , Korea, North , United Kingdom , United States , Venezuela

Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Ph otos from the trip» Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Panama City, Panama, from April 9 to 10 to join President Obama at the Seventh Summit of the Americas , which included participation by all 35 countries in the Western Hemisphere for the first time. Secretary Kerry championed collective hemispheric efforts to advance our shared commitments to democracy, human rights, and inclusive economic development. The Secretary also underscored the importance of engaging with civil society, as w...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Panama , Western Hemisphere

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

Op-Ed John Kerry Secretary of State Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew Miami Herald December 20, 2014 President Obama’s decision to begin normalizing relations with Cuba will advance United States’ interests and those of the Cuban people. The 11 million people of this island nation have waited far too long — over half a century — to fulfill their democratic aspirations and build closer ties with the rest of the world in the 21st century. Our new...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Cuba , Panama , United States , Western Hemisphere

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 17, 2014 Also available in Spanish . I was a seventeen year old kid watching on a black and white television set when I first heard an American President talk of Cuba as an "imprisoned island.” For five and a half decades since, our policy toward Cuba has remained virtually frozen, and done little to promote a prosperous, democratic and stable Cuba. Not only has this policy failed to advance America's goals, it has actu...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Cuba , United Kingdom , United States , Western Hemisphere

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Energy, Human Rights and Democracy

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Presidential Palace Lima, Peru December 11, 2014 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. The government palace of Peru would like to welcome you. We are now going to begin with the press statements given by the President of Peru Ollanta Humala Tasso and the Secretary of State of the United States of America Mr. John Kerry. First of all, the Secretary of the United States will take the floor, Mr. John Kerry. SECRETARY KERRY: Well, muchas gr...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, Peru , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Combating Drugs and Crime, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 10, 2014 Roberta, thank you very much. Thank you all for being here. Thank you for your patience. I apologize for – I know we’ve kept you a little bit, and I apologize for starting late. I was stuck at the White House at a meeting, and I think some of you know what that’s like, right? I mean being stuck, not at the White House. (Laughter.) Roberta, I really appreciate your incredible stewardship. Thank you for your partnersh...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Brazil , Canada , Chile, Colombia , Costa Rica , Honduras , Mexico , Panama , Peru , United Kingdom , United States , Western Hemisphere

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 1, 2014 We congratulate the Uruguayan people and electoral officials on a peaceful and orderly election. We look forward to working with President-elect Vazquez and his administration to advance our bilateral relationship. We are grateful for the vibrant relationship we have had with Uruguay under the leadership of President Mujica and congratulate him on winning a seat in the Senate. The United States and Uruguay share a long history...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: United States , Uruguay

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC November 17, 2014 Thank you. David, thank you very much. Thank you all. Good morning to you. I’m delighted to have a chance to be able to be here and appreciate the breadth of what you all are going to be tackling over the course of the day, so I particularly am grateful. David, thank you for – everyone – rearranging schedules so that we could flip this around today, literally leaving straight from here to go to th...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Canada , Egypt , Indonesia , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Jordan , Lebanon , New Zealand , Norway , Russia , Syria , Turkey , United Kingdom , United States

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

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...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 31, 2014 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Panama as you begin Fiestas Patrias celebrations on November 3. The Republic of Panama has much to celebrate this year. You marked the 100-year anniversary of the Panama Canal. Your government created the Panama Bilingue initiative which will significantly increase educational exchanges between our two nations. And you inaugurated a ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Panama , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Lester B. Pearson Building Ottawa, Canada October 28, 2014 FOREIGN MINISTER BAIRD: (In French.) President Obama and Secretary Kerry were among the very first world leaders to show their solidarity after the attack here in Ottawa. And John, you are the first to make a journey to do so in person, and that is recognized and greatly appreciated by all Canadians. On behalf of the Government of Canada, as a member of parliament from Ottawa, I want to thank you for that. I...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Bahrain , Canada , France , Iraq , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Syria , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 26, 2014 Today the community of nations made an historic statement in support of LGBT rights, which are human rights. The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted the second-ever UN resolution on the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons. Along with the Ministerial event at the UN General Assembly yesterday, this marks yet another important chapter in UN efforts to stand united against the human rig...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Chile, United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy