Informal Communication

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

QUESTION:  Mr. Secretary, thank you for joining us.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you for having me.

QUESTION:  This is your sixth tour in the region since the war started in October.  Are you carrying any more initiatives to end the bloodshed in Gaza?

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  We are.  We’re pressing for an immediate ceasefire t

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

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Thomas Jefferson Room

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

JW Marriott Hotel

QUESTION:  Secretary Blinken, thank you so much for the interview.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s great to be with you.  Thank you.

QUESTION:  Why don’t I start asking about a very important topic for both of our countries?  Democracy was one of the main topics between your meeting with President Lula.  And what do you think that the two countries can learn with each other in t

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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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Bayerischer Hof Munich, Germany

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good afternoon.  We’ve heard the reports from Russia of Aleksey Navalny’s death in prison.  For more than a decade, Russian Government, Putin, have persecuted, poisoned, and imprisoned Aleksey Navalny, and now reports of his death.  First and foremost, if these reports are accurate, our hearts go out to his wife and to his family.  Beyond that, his death in a Russian prison and the fixation and fear of one man only underscores the weakness

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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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I wish to extend my congratulations to the Republic of Nauru as it celebrates the 56th anniversary of its independence.

As proud members of a common Pacific family, the United States and Nauru share a history of democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. We will continue to work together to address the shared challenges facing our two countries, including confronting the climate crisis, advancing econo

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Regions: Nauru , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment

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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Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley

Washington, DC

Thomas Jefferson Room

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Luanda, Angola

Luanda Science Center

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s a particular pleasure to be here in Angola’s brand-new science museum, to get a chance to see the museum.  I can just see the generations of young Angolans who will come here to be inspired, to have their eyes opened, maybe choose careers in science, and to add to the incredible storehouse of human knowledge.  It’s a wonderful facility, but it’s also, I think, symbolic

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Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you very much.  Well, good afternoon, everyone.   And for me, it was both a pleasure and fascinating to be here, both with my colleague from the African Development Bank and also from AfricaRice, just to see the extraordinary work that’s being done to get to a place where, as President Biden has said, Africa feeds itself – and actually, more than itself, a place where Africa feeds the wor

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Regions: United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Global Health, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Cabo Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva

Praia, Cabo Verde

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Davos, Switzerland

World Economic Forum

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Davos, Switzerland

World Economic Forum

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  John, thank you very much.

(Applause.)

Thank you.  Thank you.  Good afternoon.  John, my old friend, thank you very, very much.  And as always, here, it’s particularly good to be with leaders from across government, business, civil society.  So when you think about soil, the U.S. Secretary of State is probably not the first person who comes to mind.  (Laugh

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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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Topics: Climate and Environment, Human Rights and Democracy

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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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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

MODERATOR:  So on behalf of the broad, diverse USGLC Coalition, business and NGO leaders, military, faith leaders, mayors and farmers from all 50 states, we are honored to pay tribute to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken with the USGLC’s Global Leadership Award for truly making our world a better, safer place.  Please welcome Secretary Blinken to the stage.  (Applause.)

MS SCHRAYER:  Ple

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Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I extend to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, and to all our partners and friends in the UAE our congratulations on the UAE’s National Day.

The United States and the UAE are bound together by more than five decades of friendship and partnership. Our many successes stand as a testament to our leaders’ shared commitment to advance regional peace and stabi

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Topics: Climate and Environment, Global Health

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

San Francisco, California

Moscone Center

MS GANZER:  Good evening, everyone.  My name is Ann Ganzer.  I am the principal deputy assistant secretary in the Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation.  And it is my pleasure to welcom

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Regions: Morocco , Philippines , United States

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Energy, Global Health

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

San Francisco, California

Moscone Center

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good afternoon, everyone.  Prime Minister, (inaudible) hospitality (inaudible) economic and security partner.  We’re also working very closely together here (inaudible) good week.  And day in day out, we are working to

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Regions: Guinea , New Zealand , Papua New Guinea , United States

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Tokyo, Japan

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

FOREIGN MINISTER KAMIKAWA:  (Via interpreter) Tony, please let me begin by extending my heartfelt welcome on your visit to Japan.  First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt condolences to the victims, including U.S. citizens, of the recent terrorist attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, and express my sympathies to the grieving families. 

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Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Global Health

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Johannesburg, South Africa

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Hello, everyone.  I want to start by thanking President Ramaphosa for bringing together so many government, private sector, and civil society leaders at this important forum.  Last year, I traveled to South Africa to lay out the United States strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa.  At its core, it’s about partnership – what the United States can do with African nations, not for African nations.

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate Antigua and Barbuda on the 42nd anniversary of your Independence Day.

Our countries share a commitment to democracy and a desire to promote a safe, resilient, and prosperous Caribbean region.  Through the U.S.-Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, we have made great strides in combating drugs and weapons trafficking, and under the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC

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Regions: United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Combating Drugs and Crime, Human Rights and Democracy

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Treaty Room

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good morning.  It’s a great pleasure to welcome Chairperson Faki here to the State Department, to Washington, for what is now our ninth High-Level Dialogue between the African Union and the United States.  I think this reflects the vital and increasingly close partnership between the United States and the AU, and it also reflects the critical role that the AU plays not only reg

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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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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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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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

I offer my sincere congratulations on behalf of the American people to the people of Türkiye as you mark the centenary of the founding of the Turkish Republic.

Over these 100 years, we have seen Türkiye play an ever more important global role and the friendship between the people of our nations grow deeper and stronger. Our NATO Alliance is the foundation for regional peace and security, and we stand together in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and demo

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Regions: United Kingdom

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I offer my sincere congratulations to the people and government of the Czech Republic as you celebrate the 105th anniversary of the founding of a free and democratic Czechoslovakia.

Our nations share a deep friendship and an abiding commitment to democracy and the rule of law. We stand united in our support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression. The Czech Republic has demonstrated that commitmen

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Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Arlington, Virginia

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Regions: Armenia , Azerbaijan , Canada , China

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I send my warmest congratulations to the people of Spain as you celebrate your National Day.

Spain is a close ally and a friend with whom we tackle a vast number of urgent global issues. Our friendship is based on shared values and interests such as the fight against climate change, the defence of democracy, and a commitment to an international rules-based order.

The United States is grateful for Spain’s

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Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I want to congratulate the people of Fiji as you celebrate 53 years of independence on October 10.

Since 1970, Fiji and the United States have worked together towards a free, open, and resilient Pacific.  Together, we are responding to the climate crisis; countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; addressing regional security concerns; and fostering economic development.  The United States appreci

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Topics: Climate and Environment

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Austin, Texas

The University of Texas at Austin

MR EDGAR:  All right.  Welcome, everyone.  Please, if you haven’t already, take your seats, and we’ll begin the program shortly.  My name is Paul Edgar, and I am the interim executive director of the Clements Center for National Security.  On behalf of the Clements Center and the Strauss Center for International Security and Law, welcome to a conversation on the state of foreign aff

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Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the Government and the people of the United States of America, I extend to Prime Minister Sudani and the Iraqi people our sincere congratulations as you celebrate your independence.

The 360-degree strategic partnership that exists between our two countries continues to advance our shared values as we work together to address global challenges like tackling climate change, promoting economic development, advancing human rights, protecting th

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Regions: Iraq , United States

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I send my warm wishes to the people of Germany as they celebrate 33 years of reunification on this German Unity Day.

The American and German people share an inherent commitment to defend and promote democratic institutions, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. Over the years, our friendship has grown into a multi-faceted partnership. Today, the United States views Germany as a key G7 partner, vital NATO Ally

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Regions: Germany , United Kingdom , United States

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

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Benjamin Franklin Room

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good afternoon.  Welcome.  Welcome back to the State Department for so many of you.  Welcome to the Ben Franklin Room, newly refurbished.  A lot went into this.  And I think maybe a word about Ben Franklin before we get to today’s event.

As you all know, he was America’s first diplomat, ambassador to France, negotiated our first treaty, charted the Gulf Stream, pioneered el

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Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Turkmenistan as they celebrate Turkmenistan’s National Day on September 27.

The United States maintains an enduring commitment to Turkmenistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, rooted in your country’s principle of positive neutrality. As we reflect on our bilateral achievements during the past year, we look to our 32nd year of diplomatic rela

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Topics: Climate and Environment, Human Rights and Democracy

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Treaty Room

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good morning, everyone.  It’s always a great pleasure to be with my colleague and my friend Foreign Minister Pandor.  We’ve had many opportunities over the last couple of years to work closely together, quite literally around the world.  But it’s particularly gratifying to have the foreign minister here at the State Department in Washington.

South Africa is a vital an

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Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Benjamin Franklin Room

ASSISTANT SECRETARY KRITENBRINK:  Good evening, everyone.  Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the State Department and to the Benjamin Franklin Room.  Esteemed guests and friends from across the Pacific, it is my honor to welcome you tonight to our dinner program and to introduce our co-hosts, the Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfi

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Topics: Climate and Environment, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Global Health, Treaties and International Agreements

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Millennium Challenge Corporation CEO Alice Albright

iKiribati President Taneti Maamau

Washington, DC

Treaty Room

MS ALBRIGHT:  Hello.  Thank you all so much for joining us, and I thank with deep appreciation the Government of Kiribati for partnering with the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

Specifically, I want to recognize all of our friends, officials from the Government of Kiribati, who have joined us here today, i

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

New York City, New York

United Nations Headquarters

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you very much.  Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for focusing the Security Council on this critically important issue.  And Mr. Secretary-General, thank you for the moral clarity that you’ve shown in dealing with Russia’s war against Ukraine.

We’re grateful to have been able to welcome President Zelenskyy to this council table, and we thank him.  We thank him

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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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.  Good morning, everyone.

AUDIENCE:  Good morning.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Dean Steinberg, Jim, thank you for the honor of joining the SAIS community to help inaugurate this truly magnificent new home.

Jim has contributed so much over his remarkable career, but his most lasting contribution is the generation of thinkers, the generation of d

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Topics: Climate and Environment, Combating Drugs and Crime, Countering Terrorism, Coronavirus (COVID-19), 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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I share my best wishes to the people of Tajikistan as they mark 32 years of independence on September 9.

The United States reaffirms our commitment to supporting Tajikistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We are proud to continue to strengthen our partnership through economic linkages, expanding people-to-people ties, supporting civil society, and bolstering cooperation

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Regions: Tajikistan , United States

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Brazil on the 201st anniversary of its independence this September 7th.

Brazil and the United States proudly stand together as vibrant and diverse democracies. We strongly value our joint commitment to address regional and global challenges, promote social and economic inclusion, and combat climate change to create a just, equitable, and sustainable environment where all our citizen

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Regions: Brazil , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Global Health

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate all Eswatini on 55 years of independence. As you mark this momentous occasion, let us also celebrate the strong friendship between our two nations. We honor our progress on health, climate change adaptation, and addressing a period of unrest. This collaboration has only strengthened the relationship between the United States and Eswatini as we hope for democratic elections followed by an inclusive natio

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Regions: United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Global Health

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Trinidad and Tobago as you celebrate 61 years of independence.

As we consider the challenges and opportunities this year will bring, the United States looks forward to working with Trinidad and Tobago as steadfast allies and partners, united by our common values of resiliency, diversity, and democracy. We also look forward to broadening our cooperation under the Caribbean Basin Secu

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Regions: United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Human Rights and Democracy

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States, I would like to congratulate the people of Gabon on the 63rd anniversary of your independence.

The United States stands ready to work directly with Gabon as it strives to diversify its economy, strengthen its maritime security, and counter illicit trafficking of its natural resources.  Our bilateral resolve to promote United States-Gabon trade, bolster Gabon’s security capacity, and further develop conservation efforts de

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Regions: Gabon , United States

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

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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Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

I welcome the news that the UN has completed a complex maritime operation in the Red Sea to safely offload the entirety of the oil onboard the FSO Safer, a decaying 47-year-old oil supertanker moored off Yemen’s Red Sea coast.  The Safer was at risk of an oil spill four times the size of the Exxon Valdez disaster.  Such a spill would have cost tens of billions of dollars to clean up and been an environmental, economic, and humanitarian catastrophe for the regi

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Regions: Yemen

Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I wish to congratulate the people of the Republic of Chad as you celebrate the 63rd anniversary of your independence.

Our two countries share more than six decades of collaboration on shared priorities. We support the people of Chad in their pursuit of an inclusive democratic transition, leading to free and fair elections that reflect the will of the Chadian people.

As Chad pursues this transition, we re

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Regions: Chad , United States

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

QUESTION:  Well, we’re now joined by the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the Black Sea Grain Initiative and food security.  He’s joining us from Washington, D.C.

Secretary Blinken, thanks so much for making time for Focus on Africa.  And I’ll get straight into it.  Russia says it will only return to the Black Sea grain deal if reconnected to the SWIFT payment system.  And all this is happening w

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Regions: Niger , Russia , United Kingdom , United States

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

QUESTION:   Okay.  So I’m going to start by asking you a little bit about the Brazil role in this global crisis of food insecurity because the Brazilian president has a position of neutrality in the war.  Lula has already spoken to President Zelenskyy, President Vladimir Putin.  And do you believe this puts him in a good place to perhaps mediate a talk with – and try to convince Russia to go back to the grain agreement

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Regions: Brazil , Russia , Ukraine , United Kingdom

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Omni Shoreham Hotel

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon, Mandela Fellows.

AUDIENCE: Good afternoon.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: What an incredible pleasure to join you for the first in-person Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit in four years – (applause) – and to see, to feel the incredible energy, the ingenuity, the talent in this room.

Liz, my friend, my colleague, t

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Regions: United Kingdom , United States

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the people and Government of the United States of America, I extend my greetings and warm congratulations to you and the ni-Vanuatu in celebration of your National Day on July 30.

For many decades, our shared stories in the Pacific have been connected through past challenges and future hopes. Since the reopening last year of borders which the pandemic had closed, we have worked diligently to reconnect our two countries, and I am excited for

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Regions: United States , Vanuatu

Topics: Climate and Environment, Global Health

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Brisbane, Australia

Government House Queensland

QUESTION:  Well, you’ve just wrapped up two days of intense talks.  What’s been the tone of the discussions here?

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s hard to overstate how, first of all, much genuine friendship there is among the four of us – among the Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, among the Foreign Minister Penny Wong and myself and Lloyd Austin.  So it starts

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Regions: Australia , China, Japan , Russia , Taiwan , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Global Health

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the Peruvian people on the anniversary of Peru’s independence. The ties between our nations began in 1826, and our relationship today remains strong as we work together to create opportunities for inclusive economic growth and uphold our commitments to democracy and human rights.

We look forward to our continued collaboration, including through the Americas Partnership for Economic Pr

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Regions: Peru , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Human Rights and Democracy

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Treaty Room

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  It’s a great pleasure to have the secretary general of the OSCE here, a longtime colleague and someone who’s doing an extraordinary job leading what has been, for nearly 50 years – a vital institution for all of Eurasia, one the United States strongly supports.  And we see the incredible work the OSCE is doing under very difficult circumstances in s

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Regions: Russia , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Global Health, Treaties and International Agreements

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen Security Forum

QUESTION:  Mr. Secretary, pleasure to have you on.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s great to be with you, Fareed.

QUESTION:  Tell us what you can sense of what is going on in the counteroffensive that Ukraine is managing – attempting with Russia.  So far the reports seem to be, it is very slow and very tough going.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, first, Fareed, put this in pe

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Regions: China, France , Iran , Israel , Japan , Russia , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Tokyo, Japan

Kantei

PRIME MINISTER KISHIDA:  (Via interpreter) Well, Secretary Blinken, first of all, allow me to welcome you back to Japan.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.

PRIME MINISTER KISHIDA:  (Via interpreter) With the solidarity of the G7 becoming more important than ever, I have agreed that very rich and meaningful discussions were held at the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting on critical topics, including th

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Regions: Japan , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Energy, Global Health

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

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

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Brussels, Belgium

European Council Building

SECRETARY BLINKEN: High Representative Borrell, Josep, thank you. Thank you for bringing us together today and for continuing an ongoing discussion, an ongoing action that we’ve had with the United States and the European Union on an issue that’s critical in the lives of all of our fellow citizens. I’m very much looking forward to pursuing the discussion we actually began earlier this

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Regions: Russia , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Brussels, Belgium

European Council Building

HIGH REPRESENTATIVE BORRELL: Good morning. Good morning. I’m very happy to welcome you, Secretary Blinken, in Brussels. We just had a very good bilateral meeting marking our great transatlantic cooperation. Now we will co-chair the EU-U.S. Energy Council, and later we will see each other also at the NATO Ministerial.

Allow me some words about our bilateral discussion.  Certainly

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Regions: China, Ethiopia , France , Israel , Russia , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

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

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

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the United States of America, I would like to convey my warmest congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on your Independence Day.

As you celebrate your 53rd Independence Day, Bangladesh has many reasons to be proud. With a rapidly growing economy, an increasingly well-educated workforce, and a dynamic youth demographic, Bangladesh is quickly becoming a regional leader. By generously welcoming Rohingya fleeing genocide, you have demonstr

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Regions: Bangladesh , United States

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Dirksen Senate Office Building

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, thank you very much, Chairman Menendez, Ranking Member Risch, committee members.  Very good to be with you today as always, and thanks for the opportunity to speak to the administration’s proposed FY24 budget for the State Department and the Agency for International Development.

We meet at an inflection point and I think that’s reflected actually in what both

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Regions: China, Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

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

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.

Dirksen Senate Office Building

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you very, very much.  Chairman Coons, Ranking Member Graham, very good to be with you.  Chair Murray, Vice Chair Collins, to all the committee members here today, thank you for this opportunity to speak with you about our proposed FY24 budget for the State Department and USAID.

And I think as you’ve both laid out in different ways, we are meeting at

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Regions: China, Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

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

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