Secretary Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Seoul, Republic of Korea

Shilla Hotel

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

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

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

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Regions: Chile, United Kingdom , United States

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Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Francis on the eleventh anniversary of his election to the See of Rome.

The United States and the Holy See are united by common values such as respect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, as well as dignity for all. We continue to work together to address the challenges of climate change, hum

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Photos from the trip» U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Europe from December 4-11, for a series of bilateral and multinational meetings. On December 4-5, the Secretary met in Berlin, Germany, with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier to discuss cooperation on a range of regional and global issues, including the upcoming NATO and OSCE Ministerials, Syria, and Ukraine. Secretary Kerry also received the Federal Cross of Merit from Foreign Minister Steinmeier, and he met with a...

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Regions: Belgium , France , Germany , United Kingdom , United States

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

May 31, 2012 to June 7, 2012 Travels With Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Photos : Armenia  | Azerbaijan Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled to Denmark , Norway , Sweden , Armenia , Georgia , Azerbaijan , and Turkey from May 31-June 7. In Copenhagen, Denmark, Secretary Clinton held bilateral meetings with senior Danish officials. She also participated in the kick-off event for Green Partnerships for Growth, a bilateral initiative to promote green technology t...

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

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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November 11, 2012 to November 20, 2012 Travels With Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Photos: Australia  -  East Asia Summit Cambodia 2012 | President's Trip Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled to Perth and Adelaide, Australia ; Singapore ; Bangkok, Thailand ; Rangoon, Burma ; and Phnom Penh, Cambodia November 11-20, 2012. On November 11, Secretary Clinton traveled to Perth, Australia to join U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Australian Foreign Minister Bob Car...

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

December 3, 2012 to December 7, 2012 Travels With Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Photos Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is traveling to Prague, the Czech Republic; Brussels, Belgium ; Dublin, Ireland ; and Belfast, Northern Ireland December 3-7. Secretary Clinton traveled to Prague, the Czech Republic, December 3 to meet with Czech officials on strengthening Czech energy independence, as well as advancing human rights and supporting democratic transitions around the world. Secr...

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June 29, 2011 to July 2, 2011 Travels With Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Photos: Hungary | Lithuania | Spain Secretary of State Clinton traveled to Budapest, Hungary , June 29, to participate in the dedication of the Lantos Institute. The establishment of the Lantos Institute has been supported by the Government of Hungary to promote Hungarian-born Congressman Tom Lantos’ long commitment to democratic principles and the protection of individual and human rights. Secretary Clinton also ...

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December 4, 2011 to December 8, 2011 Travels With Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Photos: Switzerland | Netherlands On December 4-8, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled to Germany , Lithuania , Switzerland , Belgium , and the Netherlands . In Bonn, Germany, Secretary Clinton led the United States’ high-level, interagency delegation to the International Conference for Afghanistan on December 5. The Bonn Conference, the first of its kind to be chaired solely by the Afghan Go...

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Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC January 16, 2017 On the one-year anniversary of Implementation Day under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), we mark an historic understanding that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and demonstrated the power of sustained, principled, multilateral diplomacy to address major international challenges. Implementing this highly technical deal has required diligent efforts by all participants -- the P5+1, the European Union,...

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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 ...

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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...

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

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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...

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Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC January 9, 2017 Throughout my career, including as Secretary of State, I have stood strongly in support of the LGBTI community, recognizing that respect for human rights must include respect for all individuals. LGBTI employees serve as proud members of the State Department and valued colleagues dedicated to the service of our country. For the past several years, the Department has pressed for the families of LGBTI officers to have the same pr...

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Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Cambridge, Massachusetts January 9, 2017 QUESTION: Senator Kerry, I hear you have logged 1.4 million more miles than any other secretary of state in history, and I’m wondering, are you happy to be done with this or would you keep going if you could? SECRETARY KERRY: It’s a great job. It’s a great job. I could certainly keep going for a while, but that’s not the way it is, so I’m looking forward to new adventures – to getting out...

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Regions: Antarctica, China, France , Iran , Israel , Korea, North , United Kingdom , United States , West Bank

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Global Health, 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 Cambridge, Massachusetts January 9, 2017 QUESTION: Secretary Kerry, thank you so much for speaking with me today. SECRETARY KERRY: My pleasure. Thank you. QUESTION: First of all, I want to ask you – just big-picture here – how are you feeling at the end of your term? SECRETARY KERRY: I feel great. I mean, I feel very energized still, very focused, trying to finish up some key things; regretting a little bit that there isn’t more time to try to fi...

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

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

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

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 30, 2016 On behalf of President Barack Obama and the American people, I send warmest wishes to the people of Myanmar on the occasion of your independence day on January 4. The past year has been a historic one for Myanmar, as your first civilian-led, democratically-elected government in over half a century took office. The warm and close relationship between the United States and your country was symbolized by State Counsellor Aung Sa...

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Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 21, 2016 On behalf of President Barack Obama and the American people, I send warmest wishes and congratulations to His Imperial Majesty on the occasion of his birthday on December 23. In the more than quarter-century of Emperor Akihito’s reign, the ties between Japan and the United States have flourished, and our alliance serves as a symbol of stability, friendship, and mutual dedication to peaceful development in East Asia and ...

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Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 18, 2016 International Migrants Day is an opportunity to reflect upon the many ways that migrants enrich our cultures, economies, and societies. Like no other time in modern history, the world is on the move. In 2015, some 244 million people crossed national borders to seek jobs, join family, study, invest, and contribute to cutting-edge research. Migrants’ contributions to America are striking. More than 40 percent of our high-...

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Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Riyadh, Saudi Arabia December 18, 2016 FOREIGN MINISTER AL-JUBEIR: (In Arabic.) SECRETARY KERRY: Assalamualaikum . Let me say how pleased I am to be back in Riyadh, and I’m particularly happy to be here with my friend the foreign minister, Adel al-Jubeir, and I want to thank him for his very warm welcome. We had as solid a discussion on a whole group of issues, as he has just shared with all of you, as we have ever had. And particularly I think the ...

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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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Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 10, 2016 The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 68 years ago today to recognize and elevate the inherent dignity and inalienable rights of all individuals. On this International Human Rights Day, we recommit ourselves to upholding universal respect for the fundamental freedoms of all humankind. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights holds the promise of hope for the civilians who are c...

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Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Embassy Paris Paris, France December 9, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very, very much, and I trust this does not have to be scanned by security so I can actually – (laughter). Jane, thank you. This is tremendously meaningful. I’ve been going to the beaches of Normandy since I was a kid. I can actually remember seeing the burned-out hulks of some of the tanks and landing craft, et cetera. I was that young. It was not too ...

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Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Hamburg, Germany December 8, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Friends and colleagues, we meet in Hamburg today to reaffirm the same idea that tied us together in Helsinki 41 years ago: that our collective security is directly linked to the growth of our economies and the protection of basic human rights. In our era as in the past, we advance the security and prosperity of our citizens when we advance the timeless principles that are at the heart of the OSCE – democratic ...

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Regions: Armenia , France , Germany , Moldova , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

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 ...

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Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 5, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I warmly congratulate Finland on the 99th anniversary of your independence on December 6. Our cooperation and friendship with Finland have never been stronger. In the last year, we accelerated our collaboration in bilateral and multilateral fora on defense, global security, human rights, and climate change. Our common democratic values and spirit have deepened our cooperati...

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Regions: Finland , United States

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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...

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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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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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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...

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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

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

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Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 25, 2016 On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the United States reaffirms our belief that gender-based violence is never acceptable, that women and girls have the right to live free from violence, and that countries are stronger when homes, neighborhoods, and communities are safe for everyone. Over the past year—indeed, throughout history—there have been far too many brutal acts of violen...

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Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 20, 2016 On Transgender Day of Remembrance, the United States solemnly honors the memory of the many transgender individuals who lost their lives to senseless acts of violence. Transgender persons around the world are targeted by rising levels of violence fueled by hatred and bigotry. This is a global challenge and we all must do more to protect transgender persons on the basis of equality and dignity. In the United States, our Consti...

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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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 17, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the Monegasque citizens as you celebrate the Sovereign Prince’s Day on November 19. Please also accept our warmest felicitations on the tenth anniversary of full diplomatic relations between the United States and Monaco. Monaco is one of the world’s oldest sovereignties and has been a trusted friend to the United States for over 150 years. The Un...

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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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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...

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

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Photos from the trip» Secretary Kerry traveled to Tipperary, Ireland, on October 30 to meet with Irish Foreign Minister Charles Flanagan for a discussion about the Northern Ireland peace process and a range of regional and global issues. While in Ireland, the Secretary also accepted the Tipperary International Peace Award, which was awarded by the Tipperary Peace Convention to honor the Secretary’s efforts to end conflicts in a number of countries. The Secretary then traveled to London, U.K....

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Regions: Ireland , Libya , United Kingdom

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Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State The Treaty Room Washington, DC November 4, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. I am extremely pleased to welcome here the new secretary-general of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, who brings very, very special and important skills to this job at this particular moment in time. He has dedicated a lifetime to public service – former prime minister of Portugal and a commissioner of the UN mission on human – on refugees. And I think everybody...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Portugal , United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 2, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia on the 30th anniversary of your Independence Day this November 3. This month also marks the 30th anniversary of the Compact of Free Association between our two countries, which demonstrates the important and long-standing relationship between our people. The United States...

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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...

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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...

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

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 27, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as you celebrate the 37th anniversary of your nation’s independence. The United States and St. Vincent and the Grenadines enjoy a strong relationship based on our shared respect for universal human rights, the rule of law, and democracy. My government is proud to work alongside yours to promote in...

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Regions: United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

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...

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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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 26, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I am pleased to congratulate the people of the Czech Republic as you celebrate the 98th anniversary of your national day on October 28. As an American whose grandfather was born in a small town that is now Horni Benesov, I am delighted to recognize the enduring alliance between our two countries. This partnership can be seen in our joint membership in NATO and the OSCE and ...

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Regions: Czech Republic

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

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 Treaty Room Washington, DC October 25, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. It’s my pleasure to welcome the Executive Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Dinh The Huynh here to Washington for his first visit with me here in Washington. And he will be going from here to New York and to Boston and having other meetings in the course of his stay here. But the executive secretary is a member of the Politburo in Vietnam, and as executive secretary...

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Regions: China, United States , Vietnam

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Human Rights and Democracy, Treaties and International Agreements

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 24, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I am pleased to congratulate all Austrians as you celebrate your national day on October 26. The relationship between the United States and Austria is rooted in the interests and ideals we share, including our support for democracy, our respect for human rights, and our joint commitment to building a world that is peaceful, prosperous, and guided by the rule of law. My gove...

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Regions: Austria , Iran , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State The White House Washington, DC October 24, 2016 Well, thank you, Valerie. Thank you very, very much, and my apologies to all for being a moment late. But let me second what Valerie said with respect to the efforts of everybody. This is our last meeting, as she mentioned, and I have to say that over the four years of this effort, I’m personally really grateful for and impressed by the extraordinary distance we have traveled here. This all-of-government effort h...

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se, and South Korean Minister of National Defense Han Min-koo Room 1107 Washington, DC October 19, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good afternoon and welcome, everybody, to the fourth 2+2. We’re delighted – Secretary Carter and I are very delighted to welcome our counterparts here and we look forward to a very fruitful discussion on a number of topics. We have quite a broa...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Korea, North , Korea, South , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC October 19, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. Good afternoon, everybody. I want to start by welcoming my friend, Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, back to Washington. He is here with Korean Defense Minister Han for the fourth U.S.-R.O.K. 2+2 discussion, as we call it. And this afternoon, joined by Defense Secretary Carter, we had a very productive discussion about our alliance and about the various possibilities that we face in terms of increa...

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Regions: China, Iran , Japan , Korea, North , Korea, South , Russia , United Kingdom , United States

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

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

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...

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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

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 September 30, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I am pleased to congratulate the people of the Republic of Palau as you celebrate the 22nd anniversary of your nation’s independence on October 1st. The close relationship between our two countries is built upon a foundation of our shared respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The service and sacrifice of Palauans in the U.S. Armed Forces is a testament ...

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Regions: Palau , United States

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

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 29, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the citizens of Nigeria as you celebrate your Independence Day on October 1. I recently returned from my third trip to Nigeria as Secretary, and I came away with a strong sense of the nation’s resolve to build a better future. During my trip, I was reminded that many Nigerians are engaged in bringing people together across the divides of culture, reli...

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Regions: Nigeria , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

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

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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

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...

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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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State United Nations Headquarters New York City September 19, 2016 Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman. I apologize for being a little bit late. Even with a motorcade, traffic is hard. I want to applaud the United Nations for convening this very timely session on the largescale movement of refugees and migrants, and obviously, we all come here convinced that there should be no question that we all need to do more in order to help people who are fleeing persecution and violence. ...

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Regions: Syria , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Marriott New York East Side New York City, NY September 18, 2016 FOREIGN MINISTER KISHIDA: (Via interpreter) (In progress.) -- face the threat from North Korea totally different in dimension from the past regarding provocations, including the recent nuclear test (inaudible) development of nuclear and missile capabilities. The international society is required to initiate a different response accordingly. U.S., ROK, and Japan must be in the driver seat to lead the in...

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Regions: Japan , Korea, North , United States

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Human Rights and Democracy, Treaties and International Agreements

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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Regions: Honduras , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 15, 2016 On the International Day of Democracy, we remember that freedom and democracy remain the greatest safeguards to peace, security, and prosperity worldwide. More and more people around the world today are calling for representative governance that is rooted in the will of the people. A generation of young people is using technology in new ways to speak out against repression and to hold their governments accountable. Women, pe...

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Regions: United States

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

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...

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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...

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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...

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

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

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 6, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I offer warm wishes to the people of Andorra as you celebrate your national holiday, Our Lady of Meritxell Day, on September 8. With its long history of independence dating back to medieval times, Andorra exemplifies the enduring spirit of successful self-governance. Your country’s strong tradition of protecting human rights and promoting freedom has yielded outstand...

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Regions: Andorra

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 1, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the Sammarinese people as you celebrate the Feast of San Marino on September 3. After your nation’s Regent Captains offered Abraham Lincoln honorary citizenship during the U.S. Civil War, Lincoln replied, “Although your dominion is small, your State is nevertheless one of the most honored, in all history.” Today, San Marino remains a parago...

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Regions: San Marino , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

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...

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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...

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

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

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 August 18, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Hungary as you celebrate Saint Stephen’s Day this August 20th. The United States values its partnership with Hungary. As NATO allies and members of the broader transatlantic community, we share the burden of combating new and emerging challenges to global security, from Iraq and Afghanistan to the realm of cybersecurity. Our par...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Hungary , Iraq , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC August 11, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I offer my best wishes to the people of Chad as you celebrate your national day on August 11. On April 10, the Chadian people turned out in historic numbers to make your voices heard in the democratic process, and the United States commends all who participated. Our shared commitment to democracy is one of many ties that bind our nations together. We are also united in the f...

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Regions: Chad , United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC August 11, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of the Principality of Liechtenstein on the occasion of your National Day on August 15. The longstanding partnership between our nations is firmly grounded in the interests we share and the values we uphold, including a firm commitment to the promotion of human rights, peace, and democracy around the world. The United States applauds Liechtenstein f...

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Regions: Liechtenstein , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC August 11, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I extend my congratulations to the people of the Republic of Korea on the celebration of your Independence Day on August 15. Our bilateral partnership continues to thrive based on our shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Our enduring relationship brings opportunities and prosperity to our two countries, and our critical security alliance br...

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Regions: United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Global Health, 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...

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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...

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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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Benjamin Franklin Room Washington, DC August 3, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good morning, everybody, and welcome to the State Department. Last fall, we convened the first meeting of the C5+1 – we being the +1 – in Samarkand, which is an ancient crossroads of culture and commerce, where we discussed modern challenges of economic prosperity and global security and how to address them. And the six of us engaged in a very frank and important dialogue about h...

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Regions: Singapore , 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 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...

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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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Manila, Philippines July 27, 2016 MODERATOR: Good morning to everyone, and welcome to the joint press conference of the Philippine secretary of foreign affairs and United States Secretary of State. To begin, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs the Honorable Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr., will give his opening statement. FOREIGN SECRETARY YASAY: Good morning. I am pleased to welcome Secretary John Kerry and his delegation to the Philippines. The U.S. Secretary of State...

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Regions: China, Philippines , 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, The Ocean and Polar Affairs, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Dean Acheson Auditorium Washington, DC July 21, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. As I think you know, today we convened a meeting of the foreign and defense ministers of the counter-Daesh coalition. And with the welcome addition of Interpol, that coalition now stands at 67 members. And today’s sessions included presentations from the Secretary of Defense, Secretary Carter; Special Presidential Envoy Brett McGurk; the Director of National Intell...

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Regions: Iran , Iraq , Kuwait , Libya , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Syria , Turkey , Ukraine , United Kingdom , Yemen

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Energy, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry    Secretary of State Brett McGurk    Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition To Counter ISIL , Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter Loy Henderson Auditorium Washington, DC July 21, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good morning, everybody, and thank you very, very much for joining us at an extremely important meeting, and an important moment. And we are very grateful to ever...

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Regions: Afghanistan, Australia , Czech Republic , France , Germany , Iraq , Italy , Norway , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC July 21, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. I’m delighted to welcome Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry of Egypt. As we all know, Egypt has been undergoing extraordinary challenges in these last years with the popular uprising that took place a number of years ago in Tahrir Square now famous – Egypt opted for change. The problem is there are terrorists who do not want to allow that change to take place, people who are c...

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Regions: Egypt , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Human Rights and Democracy, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Foreign and Commonwealth Office London, United Kingdom July 19, 2016 FOREIGN SECRETARY JOHNSON: Good afternoon, everybody. Welcome to the Lacarno Room and a particularly warm welcome to U.S. Secretary John Kerry. We’re delighted to have this early opportunity to welcome the Secretary of State to London and for a key meeting with our international partners to discuss Syria and Yemen and the conflicts there. Secretary Kerry and I have just come from a very produ...

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Regions: Afghanistan, China, Egypt , Iran , Korea, North , Kuwait , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Syria , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , Yemen

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, 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 ...

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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 17, 2016 The United States is deeply concerned by the decision of a Bahraini court to dissolve the opposition Al Wefaq political society and liquidate its assets. This ruling is the latest in a series of disconcerting steps in Bahrain, including the Government of Bahrain's revocation of Sheikh Isa Qassem’s citizenship and the arrest of human rights activist Nabil Rajab. We take note of the government’s prior outreach to th...

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Regions: Bahrain , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy