• Congratulations to Indonesian President-Elect Subianto

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    We extend our sincere congratulations to Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto on his victory and once again applaud the Indonesian people for their robust turnout and commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

    The United States and Indonesia are celebrating 75 years of our diplomatic relationship grounded in democracy and pluralism.  As close partners and friends under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we are working hand-in-hand to deli

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    Regions: Indonesia , United States

    Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

  • Secretary Blinken’s Remarks to the Press

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Washington, D.C.

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden’s NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

  • Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Video Remarks at the 25th Anniversary of the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art and Best Practices Event

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Washington, DC

    Hello, everyone.

    Thank you to the World Jewish Restitution Organization for convening this conference with the State Department to mark the 25th anniversary of the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art. Thank you to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum for hosting us.

    I’m grateful to all gathered in support of this conference’s mission: representatives of governments endorsing the Washington Principles and t

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  • On the Retirement of Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Victoria Nuland has let me know that she intends to step down in the coming weeks as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs – a role in which she has personified President Biden’s commitment to put diplomacy back at the center of our foreign policy and revitalize America’s global leadership at a crucial time for our nation and the world.

    Toria’s tenure caps three and a half decades of remarkable public service under six Presidents and ten Secret

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    Regions: China, United Kingdom

    Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena, and Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martínez before the U.S.-Mexico-Guatemala Trilateral Migration Ministerial Meeting

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Benjamin Franklin Room

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you and good morning, everyone.  Alicia, Carlos Ramiro, colleagues – welcome.  It’s wonderful to have you here today.  We have the opportunity today to host two of our most important partners in the region, Mexico and Guatemala.  And I have to tell you how much we appreciate the cooperation and the collaboration that we’ve had starting, of course, with the López Obrador administration.  I had the o

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    Regions: Guatemala , Mexico , United States

    Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski Before Their Meeting

  • 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Today, we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.  On February 18, 1949, Wells Stabler presented his credentials as the first American Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Jordan.  Since then, our countries have been partners, allies, and close friends.  Our relationship has been a testament to a shared vision of peace, security, and prosperity for the entire region.

    Over more than seve

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    Regions: Jordan , United States

    Topics: Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, And Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar At the Munich Security Conference

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Munich, Germany

    Bayerischer Hof

    MODERATOR:  (In progress) for Germany.  Welcome.  (Applause.)

    Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the U.S.  (Applause.)  Nice to have you.

    And Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, Republic of India.  Minister.  (Applause.)

    I hope that based on the topic of the session that you will not all agree with each other and we can have some sparks.  We have about 43

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    Regions: China, India , Iran , Israel , Italy , Russia , South Africa , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

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

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Israeli President Isaac Herzog Before Their Meeting

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Munich, Germany

    Bayerischer Hof

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  It’s a great pleasure to once again be with President Herzog.  We admire and rely on his leadership, his wisdom, and his vision.  We’re thinking, of course, of the hostages and doing everything possible to bring them home.  We’re thinking, as we always do, about Israel’s security both today but also for every day, for the long term.  We’re thinki

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    Topics: Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Artemis Accords Signing Ceremony With Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and Dr. Daglis

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Washington, D.C.

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good afternoon, everyone.  Georgios, my friend, welcome.  It is always good to see you and always an important occasion to say we’re so grateful for the partnership between our countries.  Administrator Nelson, Bill, wonderful to have you here today.  Dr. Daglis, you as well.  Thank you to both of you for all that you do to further our understanding of space to the benefit of everyone here on Earth.<

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    Regions: Cyprus , Greece , 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, Treaties and International Agreements

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Press Availability

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Tel Aviv, Israel

    David Kempinski Hotel

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good evening.  This is my fifth visit to the region and seventh visit to Israel since October 7th.  I’m back first and foremost to consult directly with our partners on the joint efforts to bring all of the remaining hostages home.  I’ve met with families of the hostages multiple times during prior visits, as well as in Washington, and I expect to see them again tomorrow.

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    Regions: Egypt , Iran , Israel , Lebanon , Qatar , Saudi Arabia , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani At a Joint Press Availability

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Doha, Qatar

    Diwan Annex

    PRIME MINISTER AL THANI: (Via interpreter) In the name of God the merciful, the compassionate, peace be upon you.  I am pleased to welcome His Excellency Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Doha.  We have had several meetings in the past weeks, so whether in Doha, Washington, and today we meet again in Doha.

    First, I would like to inform the media that we have received a reply from Hamas with regar

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    Regions: France , Gaza Strip , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Italy , Jordan , Qatar , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

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

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a Joint Press Availability

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  First, let me say what a pleasure it is as always to have Secretary General Stoltenberg here in Washington at the State Department.  Let me first note the drone attack yesterday by Iranian-backed militia on U.S. forces in Jordan.  It killed three of our soldiers, wounded many others. First and foremost, I’m thinking of those who lost the

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    Regions: Canada , China, Egypt , Finland , Hungary , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Korea, North , Qatar , Russia , Sweden , Syria , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

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

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken With RTI Ivorian TV

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

    Africa Cup of Nations at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara D'Ebimpé

    Via Translation

    QUESTION:  Hello everyone, and welcome to this exceptional edition.  As you may have understood, we are outside the premises of RTI, with an exceptional guest.  Indeed, Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, is currently in Côte d’Ivoire as part of his African tour.  He has granted us an interview, an exclusive by

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    Regions: Equatorial Guinea , Guinea , Nigeria , United Kingdom , United States

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

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Conversation with Thomas Friedman

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Davos, Switzerland

    World Economic Forum

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Andrea Mitchell of NBC News

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Tel Aviv, Israel

    The David Kempinski Tel Aviv Hotel

    QUESTION:  Mr. Secretary, thank you so much for being with us today.

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good to be with you, Andrea.

    QUESTION:  This is the fourth time you have been in Israel since October 7th, and you have said from the beginning that massacre had to be responded to, that Israel had to invade.  But now it’s been a hundred days;

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    Regions: Iran , Israel , Lebanon , Qatar , United Kingdom , United States , West Bank

    Topics: Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability

  • Marking Five Years Since Paul Whelan’s Wrongful Detention

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    December 28 marks five years since Russian authorities wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan.  After a secret trial behind closed doors, Paul has spent years laboring in a Russian penal colony.  In the past year alone, he has faced assault from other prisoners and harassment from Russian state-run media.

    For far too long, Paul and his family have suffered the consequences of the Russian government’s decision to wrongfully detain U.S. citizens.  U

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    Regions: United States

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a U.S. National Space Council Meeting

  • Qatar National Day

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    On behalf of the United States of America, I extend our best wishes to the State of Qatar as you celebrate your National Day.

    I am thankful for Qatar’s continuing friendship and partnership, which continues to broaden and deepen to the benefit of both countries. I want to express my gratitude for Qatar’s key role as a mediator in efforts to secure the release of unjustly detained Americans in Iran in September, and hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. These

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    Regions: Iran , Qatar , United States

  • The Passing of Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

    The Secretary of State

    I was saddened to learn of the death of Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.  On behalf of the United States, I extend my sincere condolences to the late Amir’s family and to all Kuwaitis.  I had the opportunity to know His Highness personally and appreciated his dedication to the welfare of the Kuwaiti people and the many ways he nurtured the Kuwaiti-American partnership.  His perseverance and resolve helped shape Kuwait into the prosperous and modern state it is t

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    Regions: Kuwait

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Jake Tapper of CNN State of the Union

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Washington, D.C.

    QUESTION:  Joining me now is Secretary of State Antony Blinken.  Mr. Secretary, thanks for joining us.  So the U.S. stood alone at the UN Security Council on Friday to block the ceasefire, and the administration is sidestepping Congress to rush more weapons to Israel.  You said this week there is, quote, a “gap between … the intent to protect civilians, and the actual results that we’re seeing on the ground” in Gaza.  Can you de

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    Regions: Israel , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Promoting Accountability in Support of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    The United States is marking Human Rights Day and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10th by taking actions to promote accountability for human rights abuses and violations.  Together, the Departments of State and the Treasury today have imposed visa restrictions and sanctions on 37 individuals in 13 countries.

    With today’s actions, the United States is addressing some of the most challenging and harmful forms

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    Regions: Canada , China, Haiti , Sudan , Uganda , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Climate and Environment, Human Rights and Democracy

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Cameron at a Joint Press Availability

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Dean Acheson Auditorium

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  It’s genuinely a pleasure to welcome Foreign Secretary Cameron here to the State Department, to Washington.  The infamous special relationship has never been more important than it is now, and I think that’s reflected in the conversations we’ve had.  Actually, we began on the phone almost immediately after your appointment, then we were in Brussels together jus

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    Regions: British Indian Ocean, China, Finland , France , Guyana , Iran , Israel , Mauritius , Qatar , Russia , Rwanda , Taiwan , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , Venezuela , West Bank

    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

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu Before Their Meeting

  • Release of Hostages in Gaza

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    The United States welcomes the deal to release 50 hostages, including American citizens, held by Hamas since its October 7 attack on Israel.  I cannot imagine the ordeal that each of these individuals has endured over the past few weeks, and I am thankful that they will be reunited with their loved ones soon.

    Election Results in Argentina

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

The United States congratulates Argentine President-elect Javier Milei on his victory in today’s election, and we applaud the robust democratic process through which the Argentine public has spoken. The strong turnout and peaceful conduct of the vote are a testament to Argentina’s electoral and democratic institutions.

We look forward to working with President-elect Milei and his government on shared priorities that benefit the people of both countries,

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Regions: Argentina, United States

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

  • On the Occasion of Diwali

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    I extend warm wishes for a joyous Diwali to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain communities observing the festival in the United States and around the world.  Diwali represents a time of joy and renewal, celebrated through traditions that include lighting diyas, decorating homes with rangoli, and sharing sweets with family and friends.

    Diwali is also a reminder of the strength that the United States draws from the diversity that makes up our nation, as

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    Regions: United States

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    New Delhi, India

    Leela Palace

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good afternoon.  So we just had a very productive 2+2 session with Secretary of Defense Austin and our Indian counterparts.  This builds on the important visit that Prime Minister Modi made to the United States followed by President Biden’s visit here for the G20.  And we continue – India and the United States – to deepen our partnership, to deepen our collaboration on everything

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    Regions: Canada , India , Israel , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Yusaku Ishii of NHK

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Tokyo, Japan

    The Okura

    QUESTION:  Okay, so thank you so much for sharing your time with us today.  Let me start with this question.  As you have repeatedly mentioned, Israel has the right to defend itself.  But at the same time, that does not mean they can do anything – that’s what we all understand.  And I believe that is one of the reasons why you have visit the Middle East twice a month, and talked with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

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    Regions: China, Israel , Japan , Korea, South , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , West Bank

    Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi At a Joint Press Availability

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Amman, Jordan

    St. Regis Hotel

    DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SAFADI: Good evening to you all.  I’ll start in Arabic and then I’ll switch to English if you don’t mind.  So —

    (Via interpreter) In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Gracious, I welcome Their Excellencies Sameh, Tony and the other colleagues, the foreign ministers of United Arab Emirates and Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and the secretary general of the Palestinian

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    Regions: Egypt , Gaza Strip , Israel , Jordan , Qatar , United Arab Emirates , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Launch of the 2023 U.S. Strategy and National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS)

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta, Ambassador-at-Large Office of Global Women’s Issues

    Washington, D.C.

    Benjamin Franklin Room

    AMBASSADOR RAO GUPTA:  Good afternoon, and welcome to the Department of State.  My name is Geeta Rao Gupta and I serve as ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues here in the State Department.  It is my honor an

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    Regions: Afghanistan, Colombia , Iran , Israel , United Kingdom , United States

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

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Award for Corporate Excellence Ceremony

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Jose W. Fernandez, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment

    Ramin Toloui, Assistant SecretaryBureau of Economic and Business Affairs

    Washington, D.C.

    Benjamin Franklin Room

    MODERATOR:  Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Secretary of State Antony Blinken; Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose Fernandez; Special Representative for Commercial and Business Af

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    Regions: Jordan , Kenya , Poland , Russia , Rwanda , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Climate and Environment, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Global Women's Issues, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation

  • International Religious Freedom Day – 25th Anniversary of IRFA

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), we reaffirm the United States’ strong and enduring commitment to advancing religious freedom for everyone, everywhere.  This instrumental legislation provided a range of new tools to give voice to the persecuted, to empower advocates, and to promote religious freedom around the world.  Freedom of religion or belief is a bedrock American value.  Twenty-five years ago, when

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    Regions: United States

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

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Margaret Brennan of CBS’s Face the Nation

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Washington, D.C.

    Benjamin Franklin Room

    QUESTION:   We go now to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is at the State Department.  Good morning to you, Mr. Secretary.

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good morning, Margaret.  Good to be with you.

    QUESTION:  Tension is very high in the region.  Are you changing your security posture?  Are you pulling any U.S. personnel out of the area?

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Marga

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    Regions: Egypt , Gaza Strip , Iran , Israel , United Kingdom

    Topics: Countering Terrorism, Human Rights and Democracy

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Kristen Welker of NBC’s Meet the Press

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Washington, D.C.

    Benjamin Franklin Room

    QUESTION:  And joining me now is Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who recently returned from a whirlwind diplomatic trip to the Middle East, which took him to Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia twice.  Secretary Blinken, welcome back to Meet the Press.

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good morning, Kristen.  Good to be with you.

    QUESTION:

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    Regions: Iran , Israel , Qatar , Saudi Arabia , Ukraine , United Kingdom

    Topics: Countering Terrorism, Global Health, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Humanitarian Assistance for Gaza

    The Secretary of State

    The United States welcomes the delivery of a 20-truck convoy carrying much needed humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza, the first since Hamas’s horrific October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. We thank our partners in Egypt and Israel, and the United Nations, for facilitating the safe passage of these shipments through the Rafah border crossing. With this convoy, the international community is beginning to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has left resident

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    Regions: Egypt , Israel , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Press Briefing Room

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good afternoon, everyone.  About an hour ago, two American citizens held by Hamas since October 7th were released.  These two Americans are now safely in the hands of Israeli authorities in Israel.  We expect a team from the U.S. embassy to see them very shortly.  Over the coming hours, they’ll receive any support and assistance they need, and of course we’re very anxious to be able to reunite the

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    Regions: Iran , Israel , Qatar , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Appointment of David Satterfield as Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues

    The Secretary of State

    President Biden has appointed former Ambassador David Satterfield as the Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues. Special Envoy Satterfield will lead U.S. diplomacy to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including work to facilitate the provision of life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable people and promote the safety of civilians, in coordination with the United Nations and U.S. partners. He will lead a whole-of-government campaign to mitigate

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    Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Kristen Welker of NBC’s Meet the Press

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Washington, D.C.

    The Benjamin Franklin Room

    QUESTION:  And joining me now is Secretary of State Antony Blinken.  Mr. Secretary, welcome back to Meet the Press.

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good morning, Kristen.

    QUESTION:  So the big question on everyone’s mind, Mr. Secretary:  How did Israel, how did the United States miss what Hamas was planning?

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, first, put this in perspective –

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    Regions: Iran , Israel , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Countering Terrorism, Energy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Welcoming Amy E. Pope as Director General of the International Organization for Migration

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    The United States welcomes Amy E. Pope’s appointment as the new Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Ms. Pope, who took on her new role October 1, is the first woman to lead this critical international organization in its more than 70-year-old history.

    As we face the challenges presented by historic levels of migration and displacement around the world, IOM is an essential partner of the United States in promoting safe

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    Regions: United States

    Topics: Climate and Environment, Global Health, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Joint Statement Signing Ceremony with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown

    Washington, DC

    Treaty Room

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good evening, everyone.  It’s a great pleasure to be here with Prime Minister Brown, and a particular pleasure because of the reason we’re here.  When we had the initial summit with our Pacific Island partners back in 2022, President Biden announced his intent to recognize the Cook Islands.  And today, with the exchange of letters signed by t

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    Regions: Cook Islands , United States

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

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils: Global Solutions for Food Security Event

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    New York City, New York

    Rockefeller Foundation

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.  Thank you very, very much.  So we’re, what, about halfway through High-Level Week, I think – (laughter) – which is known at the department basically as speed-dating for diplomats.  And we have lots of events, lots of meetings, lots of gatherings.  But I have to tell you I was really looking forward to this particular meeting, this particular gathering,

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    Regions: Russia , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Climate and Environment, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Energy, Global Health

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the High-Level Dialogue on the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention In State-to-State Relations

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    New York City, New York

    Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you all very much.  I have to say, it’s a little bit humbling to speak after Jason, who has been an extraordinary profile in courage, an extraordinary profile in absolute determination to move all of us to a better place on this issue that in so many ways is, for me, one of the most profound things that I have to deal with in my job.  And I su

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    Regions: Canada , Iran , Russia , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Energy

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the USAID Democracy Delivers Event

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    New York City, New York

    Ford Foundation

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Administrator Power, Sam, my friend, thank you – thank you very much, but thank you especially for truly remarkable leadership at USAID.  I see that every day, and I see that around the world whenever I go to one of our missions around the world; where the rubber really meets the road is in the work of USAID, and it’s extraordinary, and it’s making a profound difference in lives a

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    Regions: Moldova , Tanzania , United Kingdom , United States

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

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Meet and Greet with Embassy Kyiv

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Kyiv, Ukraine

    AMBASSADOR BRINK:  It is a privilege and an honor for me to be here with you as we give a very, very warm welcome to our Secretary of State, Tony Blinken.  Thank you, Mr. Secretary.  (Applause.)

    As members of Mission Kyiv, we all know the challenges and the demands of this work.  The hours are long – sometimes dangerous – and the future can seem uncertain.  But we also know why we’re here and we know why it matters.  We are h

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    Regions: Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Coronavirus (COVID-19), Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Human Rights and Democracy

  • Actions Against Senior Rapid Support Forces Commanders in Sudan

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur have committed atrocities and other abuses, inducing ethnically motivated killings, targeted abuses against human rights activists and defenders, conflict-related sexual violence, and looting and burning of communities. In response, the Department of State and Department of the Treasury are taking actions against two of its senior commanders.

    The Department of State is imposin

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    Regions: Sudan

    Topics: Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Condolences on the Passing of Governor Bill Richardson

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    I am saddened to learn of the passing of Governor Bill Richardson and offer my deepest condolences to his loved ones. Bill dedicated his life to public service as a Congressman, Governor of New Mexico, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and Secretary of Energy. After leaving government Bill continued serving others through the Richardson Center for Global Engagement, where he worked tirelessly to secure the release of Americans held unjustly overseas and r

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    Topics: Energy

  • On the Occasion of World Humanitarian Day

    The Secretary of State

    On World Humanitarian Day, the United States honors the humanitarian aid workers who continue to sacrifice so much to protect and assist the world’s most vulnerable populations.  We commend the bravery and compassion of those who put the welfare of others before their own, and we are grateful for humanitarians around the world who continue to work in complex environments, often at great personal risk.  We recall the origin of this day twenty years ago – August 1

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    Regions: Iraq , United States

    Topics: Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Press Availability

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Washington, D.C.

    Press Briefing Room

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good morning.  Good morning.

    QUESTION:  Good morning.

    QUESTION:  Well, barely morning.  (Laughter.)

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Speak for yourself, Matt.

    Very good to see everyone here.  Actually, I kind of hoped more of you might be on vacation by now but – (laughter) – I see we have a pretty full house

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    Regions: Afghanistan, China, Iran , Japan , Korea, North , Korea, South , Moldova , Niger , Romania , Russia , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

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

  • Indian Independence Day

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    On behalf of the United States of America, we send our warmest wishes to the people of India as they commemorate 76 years of independence this August 15. On this momentous day, we reflect on the depth and breadth of our strategic partnership, and we celebrate the proud history of the Indian people, who are the key to the bright future we are building together.

    This last year has shown that the U.S.-India relationship is deeper and more expansive than ev

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    Regions: India , United States

  • United States Sanctions Three Sinaloa Cartel Fentanyl Traffickers

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Today, as part of the United States whole-of-government strategy to tackle the nation’s overdose epidemic, and in close coordination with the Government of Mexico, the United States is designating three Sinaloa Cartel members involved in the illicit trafficking of fentanyl and other deadly drugs.

    Illicit production and trafficking of synthetic drugs pose a serious global health and security challenge and directly contribute to the U.S. opioid overdose e

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    Regions: United States

    Topics: Combating Drugs and Crime, Global Health

  • Extraordinary ECOWAS Summit on Niger

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    The United States welcomes and commends the strong leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government to defend constitutional order in Niger, actions that respect the will of the Nigerien people and align with enshrined ECOWAS and African Union principles of “zero tolerance for unconstitutional change.” We join ECOWAS and regional leaders in calling for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum and his f

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    Regions: Niger , United States

    Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

  • Morocco Throne Day

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    On behalf of the Government and citizens of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes and congratulations to his Majesty King Mohammed VI and the people of Morocco as you celebrate Throne Day and the 24th Anniversary of his Majesty’s accession.

    Our deep and abiding relationship continues to be a pillar of peace and stability for our two countries and the region.  We commend King Mohammed VI for his role in furthering regional stability, secu

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    Regions: Morocco , United States

  • Liberia National Day Message

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I would like to congratulate the people of Liberia as you mark your 176th year of independence.

    The United States and Liberia share a strong bond stemming from our shared history and cultural ties. We remain committed to work with Liberia and re-emphasize our shared values in democracy, human rights, economic development and the environment.

    Please accept my best wishes to the people of

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    Regions: Liberia , United States

    Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku at a Joint Press Availability

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    PRIME MINISTER HU’AKAVAMEILIKU:  (In Tongan.)

    It is a great honor to warmly welcome to the Kingdom of Tonga the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Mr. Antony Blinken.  The visit today by Secretary Blinken is historic.  It is the first visit by a sitting U.S. secretary of state to Tonga.  It is the highest-level visit we have received from the United States Government in our recent history.  There is a clear indication t

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    Regions: Afghanistan, China, Guinea , Indonesia , Israel , New Zealand , Papua New Guinea , Solomon Islands , Tonga , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , Vanuatu

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

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken At Aspen Security Forum Fireside Chat Moderated by NBC News Chief Washington and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Andrea Mitchell

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Aspen, Colorado

    Aspen Meadows Resort

    MS MITCHELL:  Good morning, everyone.  It’s wonderful to be back in Aspen, and especially after such a great program all week, and most especially to be with Secretary Blinken.

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.

    MS MITCHELL:  Tony Blinken, of course, you all know, but – (applause) – I think this is your first time here since becoming Secretary.

    <

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    Regions: Australia , China, France , Germany , Iran , Israel , Italy , Japan , Korea, North , Korea, South , Mexico , Netherlands , New Zealand , Romania , Russia , Sweden , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Combating Drugs and Crime, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Science, Technology, and Innovation

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Press Availability

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Karuizawa, Japan

    The Prince Karuizawa

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good afternoon, everyone.  Let me – let me start with the situation in Sudan.  For the past 36 hours, we and our partners have been focused on how to stop the widespread fighting in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.  Indiscriminate military operations have resulted in significant civilian deaths and injuries, and are recklessly endangering the Su

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    Regions: Brazil , China, France , Iran , Japan , Russia , Sudan , Taiwan , Ukraine , United Kingdom

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

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, and Philippine Senior Undersecretary and Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez at a Joint Press

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Washington, D.C.

    Dean Acheson Auditorium

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  Secretary Manalo, Secretary Galvez, it has been an honor to host you at the State Department for the third ever – and first since 2016 – U.S.-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial alongside Secretary of Defense Austin.  Today’s meeting builds on the momentum of the high-level U.S. visits to the Philippines just over the past year, including by Vice Presiden

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    Regions: China, Japan , Philippines , Russia , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

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

  • Announcing Matthew Miller as State Department Spokesperson

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Today, I am appointing Matthew Miller as the next State Department Spokesperson.  I benefitted greatly from Matt’s wisdom, his experience in government, and his deep understanding of foreign policy when he was tapped to head up my nomination.  Matt stepped up once again in the early months of Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine when he took leave to join the National Security Counci

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    Regions: Ukraine , United Kingdom

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abdul Momen Before Their Meeting

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Washington, D.C.

    Thomas Jefferson Room

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  It’s a pleasure to have Foreign Minister Momen here with us today at the State Department, and important to take account of the fact that the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States has grown tremendously over the last 50 years – economically, our people-to-people ties, work that we’ve been doing more recently on everything f

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    Regions: Bangladesh , United States

    Topics: Climate and Environment, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Finland’s Accession to NATO

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    On this historic day as we mark the 74th anniversary of NATO, we also welcome Finland as NATO’s 31st Ally.  Finland is stronger and safer within the Alliance, and the Alliance is stronger and safer with Finland as its Ally.  Finland has a highly capable military and has been an active participant in NATO-led operations; it also shares our values and strong democratic institutions.  We are confident Finland’s membership will strengthen our collective defense an

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    Regions: Finland , Hungary , Sweden , Ukraine , United Kingdom

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Virtual Panel Session on “A Just and Lasting Peace in Ukraine”

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Washington, D.C.

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, everyone.  Thank you all so much for joining.  It’s very good to be with friends and partners from around the world as we prepare to open the second Summit for Democracy.

    In his first year in office, President Biden launched the summit to look at the future of democracy, which we see is at an inflection point.  Worldwide, we see autocrats violating human right

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    Regions: Argentina, Belarus , France , Iran , Israel , Italy , Japan , Liberia , Malawi , Poland , Russia , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , Zambia

    Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Treaties and International Agreements

  • Targeting Syrian and Lebanese Illicit Drug Traffickers

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s family members and associates rely on the illicit drug trade to fund his regime’s violent oppression and abuse of the Syrian people.  Today, the United States is taking action, in coordination with the United Kingdom, by designating six of these individuals, and two entities owned by one of those individuals, for facilitating the production and export of the amphetamine-type stimulant known as Captagon in Syria and Lebanon.

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    Regions: Syria , United Kingdom , United States

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

  • Secretary Blinken With Colombian Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva at the U.S.-Colombia High-Level Dialogue

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Washington, D.C.

    Burns Auditorium

    ASSISTANT SECRETARY NICHOLS: Good morning. Buenos días. I would like to welcome all of you, especially our guests from Colombia. Bienvenidos a todos. This is the 10th year we mark the – this High-Level Dialogue, and we are honored to host this year. The High-Level Dialogues present remarkable opportunities to engage at a deeper level on our shared interests. The dialogue continu

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    Regions: Afghanistan, Bangladesh , Brazil , Canada , China, Colombia , Mexico , United States , Venezuela

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

  • United States Imposes Additional Sanctions on Jet Fuel Suppliers and Military Cronies to Address Burma Military Regime’s Atrocities

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    The United States continues to promote accountability for the Burmese military regime’s assault on the democratic aspirations of the people of Burma.  Today we are designating two individuals and six entities.  The regime continues to inflict pain and suffering on the people of Burma.

    The U.S. Department of the Treasury is imposing sanctions on Tun Min Latt and his spouse Win Min Soe, as well as three entities owned or controlled by Tun Min Latt.

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    Regions: Burma , Canada , United Kingdom , United States

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita Before Their Meeting

    Office of the Spokesperson

    Washington, D.C.

    Thomas Jefferson Room

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon.  It’s a great pleasure to welcome my friend, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, here to the State Department, back to the State Department.  We have a longstanding, historic, and steadfast partnership with Morocco, which has been such an important force for stability, for peace, for progress and moderation – something that we deeply value and appreciate.

    W

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    Regions: Israel , Morocco

    Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Global Health

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Shaun Tandon of AFP

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Niamey, Niger

    Presidential Palace

    QUESTION:  Mr. Secretary, thanks very much for taking this opportunity.  We appreciate it.

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thanks, Shaun.  Good to be with you.

    QUESTION:  Thanks.  I wanted to ask you – I understand you’re going to announce some assistance today for the Sahel, but I wanted to ask you more broadly about the Sahel strategy.  This has been a few months since the French ended th

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    Regions: China, France , Guatemala , Niger , Nigeria , Russia , Taiwan , United Kingdom , United States

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

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Ethiopian Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide Following Tour of UN Logistics Center Warehouse

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    U.S. Logistics Center Warehouse

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  We’ve had an enduring partnership when it comes to humanitarian assistance with Ethiopia, going back decades.  And it’s enduring because we’ve had periods of famine, conflict, displacement, and yet throughout we have found ways, working with extraordinary partners like World Vision, like Catholic Relief Services, to make sure we were

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    Regions: Ethiopia , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

    Topics: Climate and Environment, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability

    Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    Addis Ababa University

    SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good evening, everyone.  It is great to be back in Africa, but also to make my first appearance to Ethiopia as Secretary of State.

    I’m here in Ethiopia – and then on to Niger – to reaffirm the pledge that President Biden made at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit late last year.  As he put it, the United States is “all in on Africa, and all in with Africa.”  That mea

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    Regions: China, Ethiopia , Iran , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , Zambia

    Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation

  • Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Tunisian President Kais Saied Before Their Meeting

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