Secretary Remarks

Loading Map... Photos From the Trip» Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Jerusalem, Ramallah, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Tacloban, and Manila from Dec. 11-18, 2013. In Jerusalem, Secretary Kerry met with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss a range of issues including Iran and the ongoing final status negotiations with the Palestinians. In Ramallah, Secretary Kerry met with President Abbas, where he discussed the ongoing final status negotiations, among other issues. This trip to Asia is h...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Iran , Philippines , United States , Vietnam

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

Loading Map... Photos From the Trip» Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Cairo, Riyadh, Warsaw, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Amman, Geneva, and Abu Dhabi from November 2 to November 11. In Cairo, Secretary Kerry held bilateral discussions with officials. In Riyadh, Secretary Kerry met with King Abdullah to discuss a wide range of bilateral and regional issues. He reaffirmed the strategic nature of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, given the importance of the work between our two countries...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Algeria , Iran , Morocco , Poland , Saudi Arabia , Switzerland , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

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

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Togo

July 31, 2012 to August 10, 2012 Travels With Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Photos Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled to Africa July 31 through August 10, 2012. During this trip, the Secretary emphasized U.S. policy commitments outlined in the Presidential Policy Directive - to strengthen democratic institutions, spur economic growth, advance peace and security as well as promote opportunity and development for all citizens. The Secretary’s first stop was Sene...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Somalia , South Africa , Sudan , Uganda , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy

October 29, 2012 to November 2, 2012 Travels With Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Photos Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled to Algeria , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Serbia , Kosovo , Albania , and Croatia from October 29 to November 2. On October 30 in Algeria, the Secretary consulted with President Bouteflika on issues of bilateral and regional concern and followed up the productive discussions on economic and security cooperation at the U.S-Algeria Strategic Dialogue h...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Albania , Algeria , Croatia

August 30, 2012 to September 9, 2012 Travels With Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Photos Secretary Clinton traveled to the Cook Islands, Indonesia , China , Timor-Leste , Brunei , and Russia departing Washington, DC on August 30. In the Cook Islands, Secretary Clinton attended the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Post Forum Dialogue on August 31 as part of our intensive engagement and ongoing collaboration with the Pacific Islands. Her visit emphasized the depth and breadth of American engagem...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Antarctica, Brunei , China, Indonesia , Japan , New Zealand , Russia , United States

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

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

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

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

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

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

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

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

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

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

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

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 1, 2016 On World AIDS Day, we commemorate the lives lost and communities devastated by HIV/AIDS. We also celebrate those lives that have been saved and the courageous individuals who have brought hope and healing to those living with and affected by this disease. Thirty-five years ago, the first published report appeared of five previously healthy men in Los Angeles diagnosed with what soon would be known as AIDS. I have been engaged ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Topics: Global Health

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

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Chicago, Illinois October 26, 2016 MODERATOR: It is an honor to welcome a Secretary of State to the University of Chicago. It is part of the mission of the Institute of Politics to facilitate these kinds of opportunities for you to interact with practitioners and leaders, and so we’re really pleased on that account. But I – our other mission is somewhat larger than that, which is: We live in a somewhat dispirited time in our politics. I don’t know ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, France , Georgia , Germany , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Japan , Korea, North , Lebanon , Nigeria , Philippines , Qatar , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Somalia , Syria , Turkey , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam , Yemen

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Energy, Global Health, Human Rights and Democracy, Science, Technology, and Innovation, The Ocean and Polar Affairs, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Fisher Stevens, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Piers Sellers UN Headquarters New York City October 20, 2016 MR STEVENS: Thank you all for coming this evening. It’s quite an honor to screen in this incredible place. Thank you, Secretary-General, again. So you guys got to know these two gentlemen to my – these three gentlemen to my left at the film – during the film tonight: Piers Sellers, NASA-Goddard Space Institute; Secretary of State John Kerry, legend &...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Argentina, China, India , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, and Indian Minister of Commerce Nirmala Sitharaman Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan Building New Dehli, India August 30, 2016 MINISTER SWARAJ: Secretary of State Mr. John Kerry, Secretary of Commerce Ms. Penny Pritzker, my colleague Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, co-chairs of India-U.S. CEO Forum Mr. Cyrus Mistry and Mr. Dave Cote, distinguished (inaudible). I’m delighted to welcome ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, India , Japan , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Manila, Philippines July 27, 2016 MS OPOSA: According to the Secretary John Kerry, the ocean is sort of in his DNA. He grew up with an affinity for the sea, first as a young boy in Massachusetts fishing and clamming, and then as an officer in the U.S. Navy. This passion for the blue world was evident when he was a U.S. senator. As chairman of the Senate Oceans and Fisheries Subcommittee, he oversaw the rewriting of fishery laws, the creation of the Stellwagen Bank S...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Chile, Indonesia , Norway , Philippines , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Global Health, Global Women's Issues

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

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Secretary of Treasury Jack Lew, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, and Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi Diaoyutai State Guesthouse Beijing, China June 6, 2016 VICE PREMIER WANG: (In Chinese.) SECRETARY KERRY: Well, thank you very much, Mr. Vice Premier. We’ve had a very productive discussion here this morning, and I think what’s important to point out – since we launched the Climate Change Working Group in 2013 with State Councilor Yang Jiechi orig...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, United Kingdom , United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC May 11, 2016 I am deeply concerned by the Government of Kenya’s decision to close refugee camps in Kenya, dismantle the Department of Refugee Affairs, and expedite the return of hundreds of thousands of refugees who have sought protection in Kenya. We strongly urge the Government of Kenya to maintain its longstanding leadership role in protecting and sheltering victims of violence and trauma, consistent with its international obligations...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Kenya

Topics: Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Oxford, United Kingdom May 11, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: (Applause.) Wow. I think I’m just going to stop right now. (Laughter.) Thank you for just an incredibly warm, tremendous welcome to this historic hall. It’s a great honor for me to be here. Bob, where’d you run off to? Where did he go? Thank you so much for your welcome. And Warden MacMillan, thank you very much. I appreciate it. (Inaudible) Baroness Cathy Ashton, my good friend, thank you so muc...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, Cuba , France , Guatemala , Iran , Iraq , Jordan , Lebanon , Niger , Nigeria , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State TD Garden Boston, MA May 6, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: President Aoun, thank you for your very generous introduction and thank you for the invitation to be here on this very, very special day. Jim Bean, Henry Nasella, members of the board, faculty, parents, friends, and especially the brilliant and charismatic class of 2016. (Applause.) The Garden is about as good as it gets for a commencement. All you have to do is just look up there at the banners heralding the Boston ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, India , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Energy, Global Health, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Treaties and International Agreements

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

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Rice University Houston, Texas April 26, 2016 MR LEEBRON: Good evening, and welcome to this wonderful venue at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. We are thrilled to be hosting such a remarkable event tonight and thankful to Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy for making it possible. We are very grateful to Secretary Kerry for choosing the Baker Institute for his address this evening, and we welcome him warmly to Rice University. ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Antarctica, China, France , Germany , Iran , Iraq , Mexico , Saudi Arabia , Syria , Tunisia , United Kingdom , United States

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

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State International Media Center Hiroshima, Japan April 11, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. Konnichiwa . I am very privileged to be here, and I want to thank Foreign Minister Kishida and the Government of Japan for hosting us here in Hiroshima for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of 2016. I also want to thank our terrific Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and her entire team for their hard work and for what they are accomplishing in strengthen...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, Iran , Italy , Japan , Korea, North , Korea, South , Libya , Russia , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Yemen

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Global Health, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Treaties and International Agreements

Interview John Kerry Secretary of State New York City April 5, 2016 QUESTION: John Kerry is here. He is the 68th Secretary of State of the United States. After 28 years in the Senate, he succeeded Hillary Clinton in 2013. Last year, he brokered a landmark nuclear deal with Iran. He’s also played a key role in the latest round of Syrian peace negotiations. According to The New Yorker ’s David Remnick, Kerry’s admirers and critics alike describe him in similar terms – “tirele...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Australia , China, India , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Japan , Korea, North , Russia , Syria , Tunisia , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , West Bank

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

Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Brussels, Belgium March 25, 2016 QUESTION: Secretary Kerry, thank you so much. SECRETARY KERRY: A pleasure. Thank you. QUESTION: Americans, of course we now know, are dead in these horrible terror attacks here in Brussels. Do you consider this an attack against America? SECRETARY KERRY: Whenever Americans are killed, of course. QUESTION: So you do consider it an attack on America? Do you think Americans were targeted? SECRETARY KERRY: I think it’s an attack ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Belgium , Syria

Topics: Countering Terrorism

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State The Kremlin Moscow, Russia March 24, 2016 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Distinguished colleagues, we are beginning the press conference of the ministers of foreign affairs here of the Russian Federation and the U.S. FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (Via interpreter) Ladies and gentlemen, today the State – the Secretary of State of the U.S. have had a day of negotiations in the Russian capital. First, we had a long meeting in the ministry of foreign affairs, and now, th...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Germany , Iran , Iraq , Jordan , Korea, North , Liberia , Libya , Russia , Syria , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Combating Drugs and Crime, Countering Terrorism, Energy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Sartaj Aziz, Pakistani Advisor on Foreign Affairs Washington, DC February 29, 2016 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, welcome to the State Department. Welcome to the Ben Franklin Room. We’re delighted to have you all here for a very important dialogue in an important relationship. And Sartaj, thank you so much for coming here today to take part in the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, and I’m grateful for the level of expertise that is represented here. We expect to...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Canada , China, India , Pakistan , Russia , United Kingdom , United States

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

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

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, Iran , Korea, North , Philippines , Russia , Syria , Taiwan , United Kingdom , United States

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

Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Los Angeles, California February 16, 2016 QUESTION: Over the last three years, our next guest has been to almost 80 countries and logged more than a million frequent flyer miles. He’s the head of the U.S. State Department. Please welcome Secretary of State John Kerry. (Applause.) Thanks for coming. Do I call you “Your Honor” or what? What is the proper way to address the Secretary of State? SECRETARY KERRY: Hi. (Laughter.) QUESTION: That seems si...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Syria

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Ministry of Foreign Affairs Beijing, China January 27, 2016 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Friends from the press, good afternoon. The foreign ministers of China and the United States have just had an in-depth and substantive discussion, and now, they are ready to meet the press. Now, Foreign Minister Wang will first make a statement. FOREIGN MINISTER WANG: (Via interpreter) Friends from the press, we’re sorry to have kept you waiting, and even if you...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, France , Iran , Korea, North , Taiwan , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Landmark Hotel Vientiane, Laos January 25, 2016 AMBASSADOR CLUNE: Well, I have the great pleasure of introducing somebody who needs no introduction, Secretary of State John Kerry. As most of you know, prior to joining us at the State Department in 2013, Secretary Kerry served for 28 years in the United States Senate, the last four as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He comes from very good stock. His father, Richard Kerry, was a Foreign Servic...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, France , Iran , Korea, North , Laos , Libya , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam , Yemen

Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Global Health

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Paris, France December 12, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, first of all, thank you all for tremendous patience over a complicated week with a lot of obviously private meetings, and we’re very appreciative for your steady reporting on this. For a long time we have known that climate change is real, that it’s happening now, and that unless we come together as global community – because no one country can solve the problem – we’re not going to...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, France , Indonesia , Iran , Philippines , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Le Bourget Paris, France December 9, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you, Todd, extraordinarily for those more than generous words. I really, really appreciate them. I might have loved it if you found a less menacing notion than a ballistic missile. (Laughter.) But I appreciate it. At least it gets the job done. Ambassador Hartley, really nice to have you here, and Gina McCarthy, who is the head of our Environmental Protection Agency, thank you very, very much for being...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Chile, China, France , India , Kenya , Korea, North , Libya , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Petit Palais Paris, France December 7, 2015 MR FREEDMAN: I’ll give you the big chair rather than the awkward sort of lounge couch – exactly. Welcome. Thank you for making time to do this on what is a very busy schedule in Paris. So I’ll get right to it, the first question: How does the United States define success in a COP21 agreement? SECRETARY KERRY: Well, success is getting an ambitious agreement that is durable, that has transparency and accoun...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, France , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA November 10, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very, very much. Thank you. Thank you so much. Good morning, Old Dominion University. Or what are we now? Yeah, it’s still morning. (Laughter.) I am really delighted to be with you today and I very much appreciate the warm welcome. Let me just say right at the top that the work that ODU is doing with respect to sea level rise and climate change is work that every university should...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, Greenland , Iraq , Russia , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 4, 2015 Former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin devoted his life to defending Israel. Today, on this solemn anniversary, we express our profound appreciation for his contribution to the cause of peace. And we honor his vision that would create a better future for both Israelis and the Palestinians: two states living side-by-side in peace and security. I will never forget standing in Rabin Square two years ago. Just meters from whe...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Israel

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Nazarbayev University Astana, Kazakhstan November 2, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: (In Kazakh.) (Applause.) I’m working at it, folks. (Laughter.) Thank you very, very much, President Katsu. Thank you. As all of you know, President Katsu had a very long and very distinguished career at the World Bank, and I was not at all surprised to learn that he had been working very hard to create economic opportunities for the next generation now of Central Asian leaders. So he is...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, India , Iran , Iraq , Kazakhstan , Korea, South , Russia , South Africa , Tajikistan , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Charles Hotel Cambridge, Massachusetts October 13, 2015 MR ALLISON: So thank you very much. Apologies for a short delay, but it’s a great honor to welcome to Harvard tonight our Secretary of State, and I’m Graham Allison, the Director of the Belfer Center. I would say we have not seen the Secretary of State exhibit such energy and determination in bringing home an agreement like the Iranian nuclear agreement. So the real purpose for me tonight is to, wit...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, Denmark , Egypt , Ethiopia , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Jordan , Korea, North , Lebanon , Libya , Oman , Peru , Russia , Sudan , Syria , Turkey , Uganda , Ukraine , United Kingdom , United States , Venezuela , Vietnam

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

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Revere Hotel Boston, Massachusetts October 13, 2015 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good afternoon. I’m delighted to welcome Secretary Carter and our friends from Australia, Foreign Minister Bishop and Defense Minister Payne. Julie and Marise, I’m really happy to have you here in Boston. We’ve been delighted to be able to give you a slight taste of this great city, which I have the privilege of calling home. And I think it’s been a very con...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Australia , China, India , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Philippines , Russia , Saudi Arabia , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 9, 2015 I congratulate Tunisia’s National Dialogue Quartet for their selection as winners of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize. This extraordinary honor recognizes the critical role civil society organizations played following the Tunisian revolution -- by preserving national unity and constructing a political process that led to both a constitution and free and fair national elections. As assassinations and street protests roiled domes...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: United States

Topics: Energy, Human Rights and Democracy

Op-Ed John Kerry Secretary of State Michael R. Bloomberg, U.N. Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change Bloomberg View October 8, 2015 When world leaders gather in Paris in December to negotiate a global agreement on climate change, they will have a powerful ally standing behind them and urging them onward: mayors. In fact, mayors have already helped set the stage for success in Paris, by establishing models of cooperation that provide a strong foundation for the negotiations. Thr...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Australia , China

Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Global Health

Photos from the trip» Secretary of State John Kerry stopped in Munich, Germany, on Jan. 10 to meet with Sultan Qaboos of Oman to express his gratitude for their long-standing and strong relationship. Secretary Kerry then traveled to Ahmedabad, India, to attend the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Secretary joined leading U.S. business executives and innovators at the Summit to highlight the critical role that U.S. technology plays in s...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Bulgaria , France , India , Oman , Pakistan , Syria , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Bogota, Colombia December 12, 2014 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Good morning, everyone. Welcome. We are going to listen to the statements by the President of the Republic Juan Manuel Santos Calderon and the Secretary of State of the United States of America Mr. John Kerry. Mr. President. PRESIDENT SANTOS: (Via interpreter) Good morning. First of all, I would like to welcome Mr. John Kerry, Secretary of State. It’s a warm welcome and we’re very happy to h...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Colombia , United States

Topics: Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Lima, Peru December 11, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Todd, thank you very, very much. Thank you all for being here. Thank you very much, and it’s a privilege for me to be able to share a few words here on what is, by necessity, a quick trip, and I apologize for that, and I am grateful for your steadfast efforts to get us over the finish line. Todd and I have worked together for a long time now, going all the way back to my time in the Senate, and I appreciate, Todd, ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, India , New Zealand , Peru , Philippines , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

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

Op-Ed John Kerry Secretary of State USA Today December 8, 2014 Earlier this year, a 10-year-old boy was collecting scrap metal in Bosnia when he stepped on a land mine, which killed him instantly. The mine was planted during a war of which the boy had no memory. Days later, a man met a similar fate only a few miles away. He had left home to gather firewood. Land mines and other unexploded ordnance continue to endanger civilians in more than 60 countries . Decades after soldiers have laid down their weap...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Honduras , Syria , Tunisia , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 8, 2014 Puneet, thank you very, very much.  That’s a lot of years you and I have been journeying together.  And as Puneet said, I did get to know him pretty well when he worked on the Hill for then-Senator Joe Biden and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and I’m really pleased he’s over here now.  Puneet has never shied away from taking on the tough issues we were just talking about – Iran, which he...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Cambodia , Honduras , Iran , Tunisia , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Energy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Paris, France November 20, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good afternoon, everybody. As you know, I’ve spent the last couple of days in Europe, in London, and now in Paris. And during the course of that time, I’ve had very worthwhile meetings with Foreign Secretary Hammond of Great Britain, Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal here in Paris today, and of course, with Foreign Minister Fabius, and other meetings that I have had during that time. During these meeti...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: France , Iran , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Energy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amman, Jordan November 13, 2014 FOREIGN MINISTER JUDEH: (Via interpreter) In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful. At the outset, I would like to welcome a friend of His Majesty King Abdullah to Jordan, as well as to me personally, he – His Excellency, the Secretary of State of the United States of America. I do welcome him in this important visit and at this particular important moment. We have been honored today...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, Egypt , Iran , Israel , Jordan , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Climate and Environment, Countering Terrorism, Energy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Embassy Ottawa Ottawa, Canada October 28, 2014 AMBASSADOR HEYMAN: Okay, everyone. This is an incredibly special day. As you all know, we’ve looked forward to your visit for a long time – (laughter) – a lot longer than this weekend. Here we have the 68th Secretary of State, sworn in in February of 2013. He spent 28 years in the Senate on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, so he knows foreign relations quite well; an avid proponent of working wi...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Canada , France , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy

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

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC October 10, 2014 As we celebrate International Day of the Girl, I congratulate Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan who has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. As a recipient of one of the world’s highest honors, Malala’s resilience and courage challenge us all to support the struggle against brutality, ignorance, and violence. She inspires hope in millions of people and embodies our commitment to human rights and education. International ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Pakistan , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Morgan Library New York City September 22, 2014 Thank you. Well, Steve, thank you very, very much for a generous introduction. More importantly, thank you for reminding me, but I really should be doing that. Sam Adams sounds great. (Laughter.) Sounds very appropriate right now. I’m really delighted, I very privileged actually, to be able to share thoughts with this distinguished gathering of CEOs and government officials, leaders in the environment, and I&rsqu...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, India , Peru , United States , Vietnam

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

Testimony John Kerry Secretary of State Opening Remarks Before the House Foreign Affairs Committee Washington, DC September 18, 2014  Well, thank you very much, Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, all the members of the committee. It’s my privilege to be here today. I’m glad to have this opportunity. Let me begin by both congratulating you and thanking you for the vote that took place yesterday. We are enormously appreciative because stepping up the efforts with respect to the moderat...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Australia , France , Iraq , Saudi Arabia , Syria , Turkey , United Kingdom

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Testimony John Kerry Secretary of State Senate Foreign Relations Committee Washington, DC September 17, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, Chairman Menendez, Ranking Member Corker, and members of the committee, my friends and former colleagues, I really thank you for holding this hearing on an issue that is obviously fraught with all the high stakes that both the chairman and the ranking member have just described and all of the members of the committee understand deeply. And I really look forward to this oppo...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Iraq , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC September 13, 2014 The United States has asked one of our most respected and experienced military experts, General John Allen, to join the State Department to serve as Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL. In this role, General Allen will help build and sustain the coalition so it can operate across multiple lines of effort in order to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL. General Allen is a patriot and a remarkab...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Iraq , United Kingdom , United States

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Ankara, Turkey September 12, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, thank you for being patient. I appreciate it very, very much. And good evening to all. I’m very pleased to be back here in Turkey, where I have had a series of productive meetings through the course of the day with President Erdogan and Prime Minister Davutoglu and my new counterpart, Foreign Minister Cavusoglu, who I’ve actually gotten to know pretty well in a frequency of meetings in the last wee...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Australia , Canada , France , Iran , Iraq , Kuwait , Libya , Pakistan , Syria , Turkey , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Energy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger, James Baker, Madeleine Albright, Colin Powell, and Hillary Clinton George Marshall Conference Center Washington, DC September 3, 2014 UNDER SECRETARY KENNEDY: Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to welcome everyone here today for the groundbreaking ceremony for the new United States Diplomacy Center. We are celebrating the start of construction of the center, a state-of-the-art museum and educational resource that wil...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Burma , China, Estonia , France , Iran , Ireland , Jordan , Korea, North , Pakistan , Tunisia , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, The Ocean and Polar Affairs, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC August 4, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. It’s my great pleasure to welcome President Nkurunziza of Burundi, and I’m delighted to be able to have a chance to share some thoughts with him today. We – the United States engages with our Burundi partners on a number of different fronts. First, we are working with them to augment their capacity with respect to law enforcement, the judiciary and military, to de...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Burundi , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Center for American Progress Washington, DC July 28, 2014 Neera, thank you very, very much. Thank you for confirming to me your mother’s fealty. (Laughter.) I’m deeply appreciative for her support through the years and I’m sorry we lost you when you were 18, but I’m glad you wound up here, as is everybody else. We’re delighted that you’re here. It’s a privilege for me to be back at the Center for American Progress, and I am ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, India , Israel , Pakistan , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Press Briefing Room Washington, DC July 28, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. How are you? AUDIENCE: Morning. SECRETARY KERRY: Is everybody good? So I’m going to make – David, I want you out here with me, if you would. Tom, why don’t you come out here on the other side. Thank you, sir. I’m going to make a statement, and then I need to rush out of here because I have a phone call literally in about 10 minutes. And I’ll leave...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Burma , China, Iran , Iraq , Israel , Korea, North , Turkmenistan , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Countering Terrorism, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC July 16, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. I’m very pleased to be here with Jean Asselborn, the foreign minister of Luxembourg, a good friend. We have worked together now for a year and a half on a lot of different issues. We’re very grateful to Luxembourg for its leadership, its work on the Children in Armed Conflict Working Group, also its important role played as a member of the UN Security Council. And over the...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Iran , Iraq , Jordan , Luxembourg , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Secretary of Treasury Jacob Lew, State Councilor Yang Jiechi Diayuotai State Guesthouse Beijing, China July 10, 2014 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Special representatives, friends of the business community, (inaudible) joining us in the Strategic and Economic Dialogue through a cultural performance, then the roundtable is a routine program of this cultural show. So I will first give the floor to State Councilor Yang Jiechi. STATE COUNCILOR YANG: (Via interpreter) Vic...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, United States

Topics: Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Treaties and International Agreements

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Diaoyutai State Guesthouse Beijing, China July 9, 2014 ADMINISTRATOR ZHAO: (Via translator) Vice Premier Liu Yandong, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, Secretary John Kerry, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, we are very glad to have with you here on this U.S.-China event combating wildlife trafficking, which is aimed at raising the awareness of the international community and the general public to participate in and to support the fight against illegal wildlife...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Vice Premier Wang Yang, Secretary of Treasury Jacob Lew and State Councilor Yang Jiechi Diaoyutai State Guesthouse Beijing, China July 9, 2014 MODERATOR: (Via translator) The Joint Opening Session of the sixth round of China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue now begins. We will have Vice Premier Wang Yang, Secretary John Kerry, Secretary Jacob Lew, and State Councilor Yang Jiechi. (Applause.) VICE PREMIER WANG: (Via translator) Secretary of State John Kerry, Secr...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State U.S. Embassy Baghdad Baghdad, Iraq June 23, 2014 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good afternoon. I have a quick comment I want to make on a topic other than the visit here to Iraq, and then I’ll proceed to make some comments about the visit here. And then I look forward to taking some questions. Today, the International Maritime Task Force completed the extraordinary mission of removing the final 8 percent of declared chemical weapon precursors from Syria. So I want to...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Egypt , Iran , Iraq , Israel , Syria , United Kingdom , United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC June 23, 2014 Today, the international maritime task force completed the critical mission of removing the last 8 percent of declared chemical weapons precursors from Syria. With this step, 100 percent of the declared chemicals are out of war-torn Syria. We congratulate the OPCW-UN Joint Mission and the entire international coalition, which operated under dangerous conditions to remove more than 1,000 tons of declared chemical weapons materials...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Italy , Norway , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Energy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Dean Acheson Auditorium Washington, DC June 18, 2014 Ken, thank you very, very much for reminding me of the years that have passed. (Laughter.) And first, let me begin with a profound apology to everybody here. I don’t make it a practice to run over your schedules; unfortunately the world is not cooperating with mine today. (Laughter.) So I was not able to get down here in time, and I’m going from here upstairs for the unveiling of former Secretary Condo...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

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

Remarks John Kerry    Secretary of State Catherine A. Novelli    Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment  Loy Henderson Conference Room Washington, DC June 16, 2014 ANNOUNCER: "Our Ocean" Conference hosted by the U.S. Department of State. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Secretary of State of the United States of America, the President of the Republic of Kiribati and the Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environm...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Guinea , Iraq , Kiribati , Nauru , Palau , Spain , United Kingdom , United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC June 5, 2014 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Sweden on the 205 th anniversary of the adoption of your constitution. Sweden’s June 6, 1809, constitution set forth principles of democracy and freedom to which all nations should aspire. Those shared values continue to form the bedrock of the close friendship between Sweden and the United States today. My visits last year to Kiru...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Sweden , United States

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

Op-Ed John Kerry Secretary of State Los Angeles Times June 3, 2014 The way a country winds down a war in a faraway place and stands with those who risked their own safety to help in the fight sends a message to the world that is not soon forgotten. As President Obama announced last week, the U.S. will withdraw all but 9,800 troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year, and by the end of 2016, only a small force will be left at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. As the withdrawal proceeds, the United States is...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, United States

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 27, 2013 On behalf of President Obama and the United States, I condemn in the strongest possible terms today's abhorrent terrorist attack and assassination of former Lebanese Cabinet Minister Mohamad Chatah in Beirut. This is a terrible loss for Lebanon, the Lebanese people and for the United States. I had the privilege of spending many hours with Chatah during my visits to Beirut as a United States Senator, and I know he was a vo...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Lebanon , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 26, 2013 The United States is alarmed by the December 24 and 25 attacks in the Central African Republic (C.A.R.) by both Seleka and Anti-Balaka fighters against civilian populations in the capital Bangui. These attacks resulted in dozens of deaths, including several MISCA troops, and the large-scale displacement of those living in the northern part of the city. We were deeply disturbed by the discovery on December 26 in Bangui of a ma...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: France , United States

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Human Rights and Democracy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 20, 2013 We welcome the pardon and release from prison of Mikhail Khodorkovskiy. We have repeatedly expressed our concerns about due process violations and selective prosecution in Russia, including against Khodorkovskiy and his business partner Platon Lebedev, who remains in prison. The United States strongly encourages Russia to pursue reforms that establish a transparent, independent, and reliable judicial system that upholds its c...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Russia , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy, Treaties and International Agreements

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 20, 2013 The international community is laser-focused on the deeply alarming violence in South Sudan. We are all determined to continue standing for the aspirations of a people who have endured far too many years of conflict and sacrificed far too much to allow their young country to plunge back into turmoil. With the world watching and South Sudan’s people yearning for a country marked by peace and prosperity not conflict and d...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Sudan , United States

Topics: Energy, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State USAID Tacloban Tacloban, Philippines December 18, 2013 AMBASSADOR GOLDBERG: Good morning, everyone. I’m Philip Goldberg, the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines. I’d like to first thank our distinguished colleagues from the Government of the Philippines who are here, Secretary of Defense Gazmin, Congressman Romualdez, Mayor Romualdez of Tacloban, Ambassador Cuisia, who is here from Washington, and Under Secretary Del Rosario. So without going any further,...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Philippines , Sudan , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State U.S. Embassy Manila Manila, Philippines December 17, 2013 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very, very much. Magandang gabi. ( Laughter.) I’m going to let you have it. What? AUDIENCE: Almost. SECRETARY KERRY: Almost. Well, come here. Come here. Come here. How should I say it? (Laughter.) All right. Give me the right way. AUDIENCE: Magandang gabi. SECRETARY KERRY: Magandang gabi . (Applause and cheering.) So he’s not such a good teacher. (Laughter.) Anyway, it i...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Philippines , United Kingdom , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Manila, Philippines December 17, 2013 Well, Rick, thank you very, very much. Thank you for a great welcome here to the combined Chamber of Commerce and the Makati Business Club. And I’m really honored by the distinguished guests who are here. Thank you very much, all of you, for taking time to come and join us. And for the executives from various businesses, thank you for taking a minute away. And I hope our exchange here this afternoon, though it isn’t ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Philippines , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy, Energy

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Department of Foreign Affairs Manila, Philippines December 17, 2013 MODERATOR: Friends from the media, let us welcome the arrival of the Honorable Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert S. del Rosario and His Excellency, John F. Kerry, Secretary of State of the United States of America. Ladies and gentlemen, the Honorable Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert S. del Rosario and His Excellency, John F. Kerry, Secretary of State of the United States of America, will now give the...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, France , Japan , Korea, North , Philippines , United Kingdom , United States

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

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State Government Guest House Hanoi, Vietnam December 16, 2013 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Excellency John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh, ladies and gentlemen, correspondents; you may now have the honor to introduce Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to co-chair the press conference announcing the outcomes of the talk b...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, Thailand , United States , Vietnam

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

Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam December 15, 2013 QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, I want to get right to reports out of North Korea that the young leader, Kim Jong-un, has executed his uncle, his mentor, one of the most powerful people in North Korea. What does this tell you about the danger coming from North Korea? SECRETARY KERRY: Well, it tells us a lot about, first of all, how ruthless and reckless he is. And it also tells us a lot about how insecure he is, to a certain de...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, China, Iran , Korea, North , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

Topics: Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Countering Terrorism

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 15, 2013 The United States remains deeply concerned over the fate of Sombath Somphone, one of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s most respected civil society figures, on the one-year anniversary of his abduction. Sombath was abducted on the evening of December 15, 2012, from a Lao police checkpoint in Vientiane. This deplorable event was recorded on Lao Government surveillance cameras. Our thoughts are with Sombath&rsq...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Laos , United States

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Kien Vang Market Pier Mekong Delta, Vietnam December 15, 2013 SECRETARY KERRY: I want to thank Dr. Dang Kieu Nhan for – from Can Tho, from the Can Tho University, who just gave me, over the course of our boat ride, a briefing, and before the boat ride, a really eye-opening briefing about the effect of climate change here in the Mekong Delta. Dr. Nhan and colleagues of the Climate Change Research Institute have been working very closely with the U.S. Geological...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Brunei , China, Thailand , United States , Vietnam

Topics: Climate and Environment, Energy, Global Health

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam David B. Shear U.S. Consulate Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam December 14, 2013 AMBASSADOR SHEAR: Welcome, everybody. Mr. Secretary, I’d like to introduce you to team Ho Chi Minh City. (Cheering and applause.) I’d like especially to introduce you to our new Marine detachment, five new Marines led by Staff Sergeant Childress. Where are you? (Applause.) There they are. I’d like also to welcome 10 or 12 loyal empl...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State American Center Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam December 14, 2013 SECRETARY KERRY: Mr. Ambassador, David, thank you very, very much. And thank you so much for your great leadership these past years. Xin chao, Vietnam. I’m very, very happy to be here and to be back. It’s an honor for me to be here with so many people who’ve really been taking part in and contributing to the great transformation and the great success that is taking place here in Vietnam. I...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Chad , Slovenia , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 14, 2013 SECRETARY KERRY: This is Secretary of State John Kerry and standing with me in the State Department are active duty personnel and service academic alumni of the U.S. Army -- GROUP: GO ARMY! SECRETARY KERRY : -- and the U.S. Navy. GROUP : GO NAVY! SECRETARY KERRY: What a privilege it is for me to stand here with our brave men and women and to be with all of you who wear the uniform of our country. From all of us at the State Departmen...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Jerusalem December 13, 2013 PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Good morning. Do you mind if I say a few words in Hebrew, then in English? SECRETARY KERRY: Yeah, please. PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: (In Hebrew.) John, would you like to say a few words? This is the first time we spoke about -- SECRETARY KERRY: I figured (inaudible.) PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Jerusalem was under siege once in antiquity. We’re celebrating – we’re commemorating that today. It&rsquo...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Israel , United Kingdom , Vietnam

Press Availability John Kerry Secretary of State U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, Israel December 13, 2013 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good afternoon, everybody. I want to thank Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas yet again for their great hospitality and for their joint commitment to try to continue very, very doggedly to work on these difficult issues. We had a very interesting evening last night which unfortunately was a little bit cut short because of the road conditions and the need for us to be able to ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Iran , Israel , Syria , Turkey , United Kingdom , United States , West Bank

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 12, 2013 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I extend my warm congratulations to Juan Orlando Hernandez on his election as President of the Republic of Honduras. The Honduran people turned out in record numbers to vote on November 24, and we commend the Honduran Government for ensuring that the election process was generally transparent, peaceful, and reflected the will of the Honduran people. Honduras&rs...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Honduras , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Loading Map... Photos From the Trip» Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Brussels, Chisinau, Jerusalem and Ramallah from December 3 to 6. In Brussels, Secretary Kerry attended the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Foreign Ministerial and associated meetings December 3-4. In Chisinau, Secretary Kerry met with senior Moldovan officials. He discussed bilateral issues, as well as Moldova’s path toward European integration.  Dipnote» In Jerusalem, Secretary Kerry&...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Belgium , Iran , Moldova , Russia , United States

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 11, 2013 On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Kenya as you celebrate your Golden Jubilee on December 12. Jamhuri Day is a testament to the strength of the Kenyan people. The United States applauds Kenya for holding a peaceful national election this year and for implementing its new constitution. The devastating Nairobi airport fire and the tragic terrorist attack at the Westgat...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Kenya , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC December 11, 2013 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, thank you, David, very, very much. Thank you, Foreign Policy Magazine. And thank you, all of you, for not singing. I really appreciate it. (Laughter.) The – I understand that you’ve had a terrific session today talking about transformational trends with a lot of speakers. I guess Danny Russel was just here, who’s doing a superb job on Asia. And I have just come from the Hill...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, Egypt , Iran , Israel , Jordan , Malaysia , South Africa , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Vietnam , West Bank

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

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 10, 2013 On behalf of the American people, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Burkina Faso on the 53rd anniversary of your independence on December 11. The United States and Burkina Faso share a commitment to promoting democracy, economic development, and regional stability. We are especially proud of our work together to boost agricultural productivity, improve girls’ access to education, strengthen maternal an...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Burkina Faso , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 10, 2013 Around the world, the fundamental struggle for dignity – for economic justice, political freedom, and personal expression – continues every day and in many forms. I’ve seen firsthand what can happen when we work together to change things for the better. As a young Senator visiting Manila, I saw tears of joy in the eyes of a Filipino woman who emerged from a voting booth casting her ballot for the first time ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Afghanistan, Belarus , China, United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 10, 2013 The United States expresses its disgust with the decision of Ukrainian authorities to meet the peaceful protest in Kyiv's Maidan Square with riot police, bulldozers, and batons, rather than with respect for democratic rights and human dignity. This response is neither acceptable nor does it befit a democracy. Last week in Brussels and Moldova, I underscored publicly the importance of all sides avoiding violence and called...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Testimony John Kerry Secretary of State Opening Remarks Before the House Foreign Affairs Committee Washington, DC December 10, 2013 SECRETARY KERRY: Well, Mr. Chairman, thank you very, very much. Ranking Member Engel, Members of the Committee, thanks very much for welcoming me back, and I am happy to be back here. There’s no more important issue in American foreign policy than the question of the one we’re focused on here today. And obviously, from the Chairman’s introduction, you know...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, France , Iran , Israel , United Kingdom , United States

Topics: Countering Terrorism, Energy, Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 9, 2013 Yesterday marked the fifth anniversary of Nobel laureate and writer Liu Xiaobo’s detention. The United States is deeply concerned that Chinese authorities continue to imprison Liu Xiaobo, as well as other activists, such as Xu Zhiyong, for peacefully exercising their universal right to freedom of expression. Equally concerning is the nearly three-year politically motivated house arrest of Liu Xiaobo’s wife, Liu Xia...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: China, United States

Topics: Human Rights and Democracy

Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 9, 2013 The United States joins the international community today in saluting individuals, governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and international organizations dedicated to preventing and combating the scourge of corruption. It is difficult to overstate the profoundly negative impact that corruption has on society. The abuse of entrusted power for private gain does violence to our values, our prosperity, and even our ...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: United States

Interview John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 9, 2013 QUESTION: Secretary Kerry, thanks – thank you very much for this interview. SECRETARY KERRY: Delighted. Thanks for coming up. QUESTION: Thank you. You made a big speech recently at the Organization of American States about Latin America, but there is a perception in Latin America that the U.S. doesn’t care about Latin America. And they cite, for instance, the fact that you’ve made 19 trips abroad and only two to La...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

Regions: Brazil , Canada , Chile, China, Colombia , Cuba , Iran , Mexico , Peru , South Africa , Syria , United Kingdom , United States , Venezuela

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

Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State National Women in the Arts Museum Washington, DC December 9, 2013 SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. Thank you very, very much. I much appreciate your welcome. I will inform you that Winston Churchill once said the only reason people give a standing ovation is they desperately need an excuse to shift their underwear. (Laughter.) But I will believe that you had a much more noble goal. (Laughter.) Stuart, thank you. Stu, you are a marvel. And I tell you, I’m honored to...

Roles: Everyone: All Users

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

Topics: Climate and Environment, Global Health, Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Treaties and International Agreements