Effective December 6, 2021, all air passengers 2 years or older (citizens of all nationalities, including U.S. citizens, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated) with a flight departing to the US from a foreign country, are required show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 1 day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the …
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I warmly welcome and strongly support the historic applications from Finland and Sweden for membership in NATO and look forward to working with the U.S. Congress and our NATO Allies to quickly bring Finland and Sweden into the strongest defensive alliance in history.
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In order to mobilize action to address global food insecurity, Secretary Blinken will host a ministerial-level meeting in New York on May 18, bringing together a broad, regionally diverse group of 30-35 countries, including those most affected by food insecurity and those in a position to take action to strengthen global food resilience and security. …
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The United States is committed to ending hunger and malnutrition and building more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems around the world. In support of these ongoing efforts, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is traveling to New York City May 18-19 to convene meetings to mobilize action on global food security.
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Three months ago, we lowered our flag over the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, just days before Russian forces streamed across Ukraine’s border to carry out President Putin’s unprovoked, unjustified war of choice. When we suspended operations at the embassy, we made the point clear: while we would relocate U.S. embassy personnel for their safety …
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The U.S. Department of State is announcing the launch of a new Conflict Observatory to capture, analyze, and make widely available evidence of Russia-perpetrated war crimes and other atrocities in Ukraine. The program encompasses the documentation, verification, and dissemination of open-source evidence regarding the actions of Russia’s forces during President Putin’s brutal war of choice.
Read More» The U.S. Department of State is announcing the launch of a new Conflict Observatory to capture, analyze, and make widely available evidence of Russia-perpetrated war crimes and other atrocities in Ukraine. The program encompasses the documentation, verification, and dissemination of open-source evidence regarding the actions of Russia’s forces during President Putin’s brutal war of choice.
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Thanks very much, and thanks to all of you for joining us today. As you all might remember, last June at the U.S.-EU Summit, President Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel established the U.S. and EU Trade and Technology Council. The U.S.-EU TTC, as we call …
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Russia’s war in Ukraine has resulted in more than 5.7 million refugees fleeing Ukraine into neighboring countries while an estimated 7.7 million people are internally displaced in the country, according to the U.N. A major consequence of this war is that, while Russian President Vladimir Putin destroys farms in Ukraine, people around the world go …
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We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, are steadfast in our solidarity with and our support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s unjustifiable, unprovoked and illegal war of aggression, a war in which …
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I most recently saw him in Rome, when we were there for G20, as a lead-up into the Glasgow COP26 Conference on Climate, where Italy was a – the prime co-sponsor with the U.K. That was a very productive meeting. Countries from well more than 20 countries, some – some guests were there as well. …
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States and Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy met today at the White House. The leaders reaffirmed the strong and broad U.S.-Italian partnership reflected in the deep and enduring ties between our people and our countries, of which our alliance through NATO and the U.S. partnership with …
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Well, Mr. Prime Minister, it’s great to have you here. You’ve been a good friend and a great ally. And it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the White House and have a chance to repay some of the hospitality that you — you extended to me at the G20 Summit and in Rome. And …
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On this day, 72 years ago, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman put forward the idea for what would eventually become the European Union. His vision became real 30 years ago with the signature of the Treaty on European Union in Maastricht. Schuman’s animating principle was that closer cooperation and creative thinking could bring about lasting …
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Ten days ago, I sent to Congress an urgent proposal to provide needed military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The plan was substantial in size, because the need is substantial: we must stand by Ukraine as it defends itself from Russian aggression.
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We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, underscore our grave concern over the selection process for the Chief Executive in Hong Kong as part of a continued assault on political pluralism and fundamental freedoms.
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Today, on 8 May, we, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), alongside Ukraine and the wider global community, commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe and the liberation from fascism and the National Socialist reign of terror, which caused immeasurable destruction, unspeakable horrors and human suffering. We mourn the millions …
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Our unprecedented sanctions are already exacting an immense toll on Russia’s economy and our export controls have strangled Russia’s access to critical technology and the supply chains it needs to sustain its military ambitions. Putin’s war is projected to wipe out the last 15 years of economic gains in Russia. As a result of our …
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I join my fellow Americans and people across the world as we prepare to mark the 77th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Together, we commemorate the shared resilience and resolve of all the soldiers and civilians that led to the Allied victory over the Nazis. We mourn the merciless slaughter of tens of millions …
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We live in perilous times for press freedom. At least eleven journalists have been killed in Ukraine in recent weeks. Another 11 have been wounded by gunfire. Others have been kidnapped and assaulted, and at least one remains missing. In Russia, the Kremlin has tightened its vice-grip on civil society, including through passage of a …
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I tell you what, Linda: If I were CEO of this company, I’d be worried. (Laughter.) Well, good afternoon, everybody. And thank you, Jim, for the invitation to be here today and, Linda, for the warm welcome today. And Congressman Sewell — -woman Sewell, thank you for all you do for the people of this …
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Morning, everyone. Ned, thank you very, very much. And it is particularly good to be here, and I wanted to start by saying welcome, everyone, to the Foreign Press Center. It’s been too long since those words have actually been said. This is the first in-person event, as Ned said, that we’ve been able to …
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Supported by a grant from the United States Embassy to Italy to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in museums, professionals from The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC will conduct a week of collaborative workshops from May 2 – 9 with Italian contemporary art museums in Turin (GAM – Galleria Civica d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea), Rome …
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As Muslims in the United States and around the world conclude the month of Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr, Jill and I extend our warmest wishes to all who are celebrating this joyous occasion. Eid marks the completion of a holy month dedicated to devotion and reflection, when families and communities come together to celebrate …
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ISIS has made significant inroads into Africa. An 84-member coalition committed to countering ISIS globally is working to deter further advances on the African continent by ISIS affiliates. The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS will hold its annual ministerial in Marrakesh, Morocco, on May 11 to address the growing threat from ISIS in Africa and …
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Nations are sending a loud message in response to Russia’s February full-scale invasion of Ukraine: They’re ordering Russian officials to leave. An estimated 400 Russian diplomatic officials were expelled from Europe since the invasion, according to Foreign Policy magazine. Among NATO members, at least 24 out of 30 member states asked Russian officials to leave.
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Today we released the first-ever public report on the U.S. government’s implementation of the 2021 Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons (LGBTQI+) Around the World. The report details our efforts to protect and promote the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons globally over the past year. …
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Hello, everybody. Good morning. I just signed a request to Congress for critical security, economic, and humanitarian assistance to help Ukraine continue to counter Putin’s aggression and — at a very pivotal moment. We need this bill to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom. And our NATO Allies, our EU partners — they’re going …
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President Biden looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy to the White House on May 10, 2022. The visit will reaffirm the deep bonds of friendship and strong partnership between the United States and Italy. The leaders will discuss their ongoing coordination with Allies and partners on measures to support of the people …
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On March 24, President Biden announced the launch of the European Democratic Resilience Initiative (EDRI) to bolster democratic resilience, advance anti-corruption efforts, and defend human rights in Ukraine and its neighbors in response Russia’s war of aggression. Working with Congress, the Biden Administration aims to harness the EDRI to provide up to $320 million in new funding …
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Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Risch, thank you. It’s very good to be with you, to be with every member of this committee today. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you about the administration’s proposed budget for the State Department. And as both of you noted, I just returned from Kyiv with Defense Secretary …
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Driven by President Biden’s comprehensive COVID-19 response, there are now more tools than ever before to protect people from the virus, including highly-effective treatments. Over the past 15 months, the Administration has pulled levers across the federal government and deployed resources Congress provided to expedite the development, production, and procurement of COVID-19 treatments. As a …
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U.S. citizens considering international travel should plan ahead and be informed about travel requirements before making decisions or firm travel plans. We urge U.S. citizens considering international travel to check their passport expiration date early and if renewal is needed, to submit applications as far ahead of their travel dates as possible. Travelers should check …
Read More» Fifty-two years ago, millions of people gathered across our country in a rally to protect our planet. This collective action gave birth to a new movement and spurred the creation of landmark environmental laws that protect the air we breathe and the water we drink. Today, we must recapture that spirit and, as I said in my Inaugural …
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Good morning, everyone. Sorry to keep you waiting a little bit. I had the honor of spending some time with the Ukrainian Prime Minister, who’s in town today. And he is meeting with some of my Cabinet members, including the Secretary of Treasury and others. And we had a — a good discussion. I talked …
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with French MFA Secretary General Francois Delattre, German MFA State Secretary Andreas Michaelis, Italian MFA Secretary General Ettore Sequi, and UK Minister of State for Europe and North America James Cleverly. Deputy Secretary Sherman condemned Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of choice against Ukraine and its brutal …
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Since taking office, President Biden has prioritized expanding clean energy technologies as part of his historic efforts to tackle the climate crisis – all while helping American families lower their energy costs and creating good-paying, union jobs. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) – like rooftop solar, battery storage, heat pumps, and electric vehicles – will cut …
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Food waste worsens world hunger and adds to greenhouse gas emissions, a leading cause of the climate crisis. The United Nations estimates that roughly one-third of all food is wasted or lost globally each year. Worldwide, thrown-out food accounts for 8% of all greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States, activists and organizations promote food recycling. Their …
Read More» President Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine, conducted with the complicity of the Lukashenka regime, continues to cause needless suffering and thousands of civilian casualties. The world has witnessed the horrors of this war in the images from the Ukrainian towns of Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel, and in Ukrainian towns and cities still occupied or under …
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. hosted a videoconference today with Allies and partners to discuss international support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, including the ongoing provision of security, economic, and humanitarian assistance. The leaders affirmed their solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemned the humanitarian suffering caused by Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified …
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On April 8, the United States pledged $600.8 million over the next four years to support the eighth replenishment of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-8). This is the United States’ largest GEF pledge ever. This pledge aligns with continuing U.S. priorities and supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to addressing climate change, conserving global carbon sinks and other critical …
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Today, National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy held the eleventh meeting of the National Climate Task Force to launch a week of Administration actions leading up to Earth Day that build on President Biden’s historic progress to tackle the climate crisis and reduce emissions across every sector of the economy – furthering the President’s efforts to …
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Plastic pollution affects every place on the planet, from the belly of an animal in remote Antarctica to the trees of the Sahel to the highest mountains in the Himalayas. It can take centuries to degrade. The world produces about 272 million metric tons of plastic waste each year. That’s close to the weight of …
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Muslim Americans, like all Americans, represent diverse cultures and traditions found around the world. Ramadan displays this diversity in many ways, including the food prepared for early morning suhoor and sunset iftar meals. Of the estimated 3.45 million Muslim Americans of all ages living in the United States in 2017, 58% were born in another country, according to the Pew Research …
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The Department of State has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. We are committed to providing U.S. citizens with up-to-date and timely information, so they are informed as they make international travel plans and when they are abroad.
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I just want to acknowledge a few people at the outset, particularly the president, Mary Sue Coleman. Grateful for her support for so much of what we do. There are a few people who have been involved with you either now or very recently who are – have been good friends or close colleagues. Carol …
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The Kremlin is claiming the atrocities committed by Russian forces in Bucha, Ukraine — documented by satellite imagery — were a provocation staged by the West. Here’s what a staged provocation really looks like. Evidence suggests Russia used a staged incident to justify its full-scale further invasion of Ukraine on February 24. The Kremlin has …
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The annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – the Human Rights Reports – cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements. The U.S. Department of State submits reports on all countries receiving assistance and all United Nations member states …
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Greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector are significant and rising. Shipping would be the eighth largest emitter if it were a “country,” and by 2050, emissions from the sector are projected to increase by up to 50% from 2018 levels under a business-as-usual scenario. This trajectory is not compatible with the goals of the …
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Athletes from an array of sports — professional and amateur — are showing in a variety of ways their support for Ukraine and its people amid Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war.
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will deliver on-camera remarks on the release of the 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices at 1:30 p.m. on April 12, 2022, in the Press Briefing Room at the U.S. Department of State. Acting Assistant Secretary Lisa Peterson of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor will take questions in the Briefing Room immediately …
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In March 2018, Sergei Skripal, a British citizen who used to work as a Russian intelligence officer, and his daughter, Yulia, nearly died after coming into contact with Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent originally developed by the former Soviet Union.
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We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, condemn in the strongest terms the atrocities committed by the Russian armed forces in Bucha and a number of other Ukrainian towns. Haunting images of civilian deaths, …
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Two weeks after my last trip here with President Biden, we’re back in Brussels as part of this administration’s ongoing and urgent efforts with allies and partners to counter the Russian Government’s war of aggression in Ukraine and to stand up for the principles necessary to maintaining international peace and security. Together, we are sustaining …
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I applaud the overwhelming vote today in the General Assembly of the United Nations to kick Russia off the UN Human Rights Council. This is a meaningful step by the international community further demonstrating how Putin’s war has made Russia an international pariah.
Read More» Today, the United States, with the G7 and the European Union, will continue to impose severe and immediate economic costs on the Putin regime for its atrocities in Ukraine, including in Bucha. We will document and share information on these atrocities and use all appropriate mechanisms to hold accountable those responsible.
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In a display of the strengthening ties between the United States and Italy, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), the U.S. Mission in Italy, and other U.S. and local officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the new U.S. Consulate General in Milan on April 6.
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, and UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss today in Brussels, where they reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion.
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This year’s observance of World Health Day on April 7 reminds us of the need to protect people and their environment. The United States answers the call by leading an international effort to strengthen World Health Organization (WHO) regulations that will better prepare the world to prevent, detect and rapidly respond to future disease outbreaks.
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The United States is united with our allies and partners to ensure the Government of Russia pays a severe price for causing such death and destruction in Ukraine, and particularly for the horrors in Bucha and elsewhere. In furtherance of this goal, today we are implementing full blocking sanctions on two key Russian financial institutions: Sberbank, …
Read More» The world has been shocked and appalled by the atrocities committed by Russia’s forces in Bucha and across Ukraine. Ukraine’s forces bravely continue to defend their country and their freedom, and the United States, along with our Allies and partners, stand steadfast in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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The United States supports peace and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians and is committed to preserving the possibility of a two-state solution. “Israelis and Palestinians deserve to enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, opportunity, and dignity,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said following a March 27 meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in Jerusalem. “And …
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This morning’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on mitigation makes clear what we can do to stop or slow planetary warming. The report also reveals how current global efforts to mitigate the climate crisis fall far short of what is needed. Without full implementation of current national pledges and robust, aggressive, and ambitious further action we cannot keep …
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Days after Syria’s government launched a chemical weapons attack upon its citizens in the town of Khan Shaykhun on April 4, 2017, the Russian government began a disinformation campaign to protect Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The 2017 sarin gas attack in Syria killed 90 people, including 30 children.
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The United States will continue to impose severe costs on the Russian Federation in response to President Putin’s illegal war. Today, we are targeting entities and individuals in our efforts to shut down the Kremlin’s sanctions evasion networks, which play an important role in the Russian Federation’s ability to continue its unconscionable war on the citizens …
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Americans face rising prices at the pump because of Putin’s Price Hike. Since Putin accelerated his military build-up around Ukraine, gas prices have increased by nearly a dollar per gallon. Because of Putin’s war of choice, less oil is getting to market, and the reduction in supply is raising prices at the pump for Americans. …
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During today’s High-Level Pledging Event on Supporting the Humanitarian Response in Afghanistan, the United States announced we are providing nearly $204 million in additional humanitarian assistance to help the people of Afghanistan, bringing the total amount to more than $720 million since August 2021. This new funding includes nearly $134 million from the Department of …
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with French MFA Secretary General Francois Delattre, German MFA Political Director Tjorven Bellmann, Italian MFA Secretary General Ettore Sequi, and UK Minister of State for Europe and North America James Cleverly. The Deputy Secretary reiterated the United States’ support for Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire …
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President Biden spoke today with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine about the ongoing work by the United States and its allies and partners to deliver military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and to impose severe costs on Russia for its brutal aggression against Ukraine. The leaders discussed how the United States is working around the …
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Good afternoon. Today, I’d like to update you all on where we stand on COVID-19. Because of the strategy we executed over the past year on vaccinations, testing, treatments, and more, we’re now in a new moment in this pandemic. It does not mean that COVID-19 is over; it means that COVID-19 no longer controls …
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The European Union and the United States held today in Washington, D.C., the first U.S.-EU High-Level Dialogue on Russia. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland represented the United States and European External Action Service Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs Enrique Mora represented the European Union. This high-level meeting follows the commitments …
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President Biden met with NATO allies March 24 to demonstrate unity with Ukraine and condemn Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war. During his first trip to Europe since Russia’s forces further invaded Ukraine, Biden announced more than $1 billion in additional U.S. humanitarian assistance for those affected by Vladimir Putin’s war. He also unveiled new measures to …
Read More» The United States applauds recent expulsions of Russian intelligence officers by our partners in Europe and around the world. As our partners have outlined, these actions are in response to these individuals’ activities, which are in contravention of their diplomatic status, and the Russian Federation’s aggression in Ukraine.
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom. The leaders affirmed their determination to continue raising costs on Russia for its brutal attacks in Ukraine, as well as to continue …
Read More» Today, Acting Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Lisa Peterson hosted the 2022 U.S.-EU Human Rights Consultations in Washington, D.C. EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore led the European Union delegation for this series of meetings.
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Art and culture professionals from Ukraine, the United States and around the world are rushing to save Ukraine’s most treasured sites from Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war. The Russian military’s constant bombing of Ukraine has caused horrific human suffering. Bombs have hit communities throughout Ukraine, killing thousands and forcing millions of people to flee. “The situation for museums …
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Four Ukrainians share their thoughts about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked attacks against their communities in Ukraine. “We need the world’s help now,” says one.
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman met today with Italian MFA Secretary General Ettore Sequi in Washington, D.C. They discussed shared efforts to assist Ukraine in the face of Moscow’s unprovoked and unjustified war, to deliver humanitarian assistance to those fleeing Russia’s aggression, and to press the Kremlin to end its brutal attacks.
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President Biden met with Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy on the sidelines of the G7 today. The Leaders discussed the U.S. and Italy’s shared commitment to continue holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine, and to support the government and people of Ukraine.
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Good evening, everyone. With all the press that’s here, you must be getting very tired. Am I the 16th or 17th? At any rate, all kidding aside, thank you for taking the time. I — today marks one month since Russia began its carnage in Ukraine, the brutal invasion of Ukraine. And we held a …
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NATO leaders met today on the one-month anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine to reiterate our strong support for the Ukrainian people, our determination to hold Russia accountable for its brutal war, and our commitment to strengthening the NATO Alliance. We had the privilege of hearing directly from President Zelenskyy, and we …
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Since launching his unprovoked and unjust war of choice, Russian President Vladimir Putin has unleashed unrelenting violence that has caused death and destruction across Ukraine. We’ve seen numerous credible reports of indiscriminate attacks and attacks deliberately targeting civilians, as well as other atrocities. Russia’s forces have destroyed apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, critical infrastructure, civilian vehicles, …
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People around the world are showing support for the people of Ukraine and condemning Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war — including many who were born in Russia and are now living in the United States. “Russian people have a moral duty to stand up and say something when Russia is doing something bad,” a 40-year-old woman named Yevgenia told …
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Water is one of the world’s most precious resources. Whether mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts, strengthening global health security, improving access to food, or securing energy resources, water is essential to addressing these issues and building a better future. Millions of people around the world lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation, …
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with French MFA Secretary General Francois Delattre, German MFA Political Director Tjorven Bellmann, Italian MFA Secretary General Ettore Sequi, and UK Minister of State for Europe and North America James Cleverly. Deputy Secretary Sherman condemned President Putin’s increasingly brutal tactics that continue to kill civilians in this …
Read More» Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman spoke today with European External Action Service Secretary General Stefano Sannino to continue close U.S.-EU coordination to support Ukraine and hold the Russian Federation accountable for Putin’s unprovoked war and unconscionable attacks that continue to kill civilians in Ukraine. They also affirmed their continued commitment to strengthen the U.S.-EU partnership and …
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom. The leaders discussed their serious concerns about Russia’s brutal tactics in Ukraine, including its attacks on civilians. They underscored their continued support for Ukraine, including by providing security assistance to …
Read More» Contrary to recent false and unattributed comments, Italy continues to demonstrate itself as a strong exporter of security and robust contributor to NATO along the Alliance’s Southern and Eastern Flanks. The Department of Defense appreciates the significant contributions Italy has made to Ukraine and in support of the Alliance. The U.S. will continue to work …
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Thank you very much, and good morning, everyone. Stu, thank you for those very kind words, but also thank you for so many decades of extraordinary service to this country and to its ideals. This is something of a sacred place for me. Every time I walk through these doors, it has the same impact. …
Read More» Today, Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Senior Advisor Cedric Richmond, and National Economic Council Director Brian Deese met with 16 CEOs of major companies across several industries including energy, food, and manufacturing to provide a briefing on the latest developments on Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified …
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So let me start again with apologies. Two years into this, we’re still having challenges with Zoom and the like, but anyway, I was just saying first it’s – really appreciate everyone coming together this afternoon. I was making a bad joke about how, when you usually talk to a secretary of state, it’s probably …
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Three weeks ago, Russia launched its unprovoked war on Ukraine. With every day that passes, the numbers of civilians, including children, killed and wounded continues to climb. Russia continues to attack civilian sites, including – this week alone – a hospital, three schools, a boarding school for visually impaired kids in the Luhansk region of …
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Each March 17, people from Ireland, the United States, and around the world celebrate the Emerald Isle’s rich heritage and culture. Today and every day, the United States and Ireland cooperate closely on a number of critical issues. We work together to strengthen global health security, increase our shared prosperity, combat climate change, advance democratic …
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COVID-19 is the greatest public health crisis we’ve faced in my lifetime and it required the country to build from scratch an emergency response infrastructure that could quickly and equitably get people life-saving protections. Jeff put his decades of management experience to work formulating and executing on a plan to build the infrastructure we needed …
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Since the start of the pandemic, we have provided nearly $20 billion in health, humanitarian, economic, and development assistance to over 120 countries, including rapid response support for urgent health needs and technical assistance to expand vaccine access. We have also invested and supported the expansion of regional COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing in Africa and Asia. …
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The International Court of Justice today issued a significant ruling in Ukraine’s case against the Russian Federation under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The ruling clearly and unequivocally ordered Russia to immediately suspend the military operations Russia commenced last month and further directed Russia to ensure that anyone …
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In recent days, Russia has escalated its premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified war on Ukraine, striking hospitals, demolishing schools, leveling civilian infrastructure, and killing hundreds of civilians. As Ukrainian forces bravely continue to combat Russia’s renewed invasion, the United States and its Allies and partners stand steadfast in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and …
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Good afternoon. I want to begin by thanking President Zelenskyy for his passionate message this morning. I listened to it in the private residence, and he was convincing. And — significant speech. He speaks for a people who have shown remarkable courage and strength in the face of brutal aggression — courage and strength …
Read More» National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke today with General Nikolay Patrushev, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, to reiterate the United States’ firm and clear opposition to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. Mr. Sullivan clearly laid out the United States’ commitment to continue imposing costs on Russia, to support the defense of Ukraine’s …
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On March 15, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met in Rome with Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy to discuss international cooperation in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This followed Mr. Sullivan’s meeting with Luigi Mattiolo, Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister. The two senior officials discussed continued measures, including in coordination with the G7 …
Read More» The United States is providing over $186 million in additional humanitarian assistance to support internally displaced persons and the more than three million refugees affected by Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified war in Ukraine. This will provide further support for humanitarian organizations responding to the crisis and complement the generosity of the neighboring countries that …
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The world has been transfixed as Russia has perpetrated a premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine. Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine has resulted in widespread human suffering and casualties, including the deaths of innocent civilians, including children. Today, the Department of State is continuing to impose severe costs on Russian military leaders.
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The United States, with support from Allies and partners, is taking action to promote accountability for the Russian and Belarusian governments’ human rights abuses and violations within and outside their borders. In doing so, we reiterate our condemnation of President Putin’s premeditated, unjustified, and unprovoked war against Ukraine, as well as the Lukashenka regime’s support and facilitation of the Russian Federation’s invasion. President …
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National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met today with Chinese Communist Party Politburo Member and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission Yang Jiechi in Rome, Italy. Their meeting followed up on the November 15, 2021 virtual meeting between President Biden and President Xi. Mr. Sullivan raised a range of issues in U.S.-China relations, with …
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Thousands of Russians in more than 140 cities across the country are risking their liberty to peacefully protest Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war on Ukraine. More than 13,000 protesters have been detained in Russia since the invasion began February 24, according to OVD-Info, a rights group that tracks political arrests. Yet brave Russian citizens continue …
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On Monday, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and officials from the National Security Council and State Department will be in Rome. Sullivan will meet with Chinese Communist Party Politburo Member and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission Yang Jiechi as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication between …
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The people of Ukraine are inspiring the world as they defend their country from Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified invasion of their country. The United States and our Allies and partners stand in solidarity with the people and government of Ukraine in the face of the Kremlin’s aggression.
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Good morning. I’m sorry to keep you waiting. I’ve just spoken for some time with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. I told him, as I have each and every time we’ve spoken, the United States stands with the people of Ukraine and their bravely — as they bravely fight to defend their country. And they are …
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Today, President Biden and G7 Leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom as well as the European Union will announce new economic actions to hold Putin accountable for his continued assault on Ukraine and further isolate Russia from the global financial system. Each partner will implement actions consistent with their national …
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March 10, 2022 During her trip to Warsaw, Poland, today, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris announced nearly $53 million in new humanitarian assistance from the United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), to support innocent civilians affected by Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine. This additional assistance includes support to the UN World Food Program (WFP) …
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On December 9-10, 2021, President Biden hosted the first of two Summits for Democracy, a global gathering of 100 government leaders, hundreds of members of civil society, and the business community, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing democracies in the 21st century. At the Summit, the U.S. Government announced that the time between leaders’ …
Read More» The Kremlin is intentionally spreading outright lies that the United States and Ukraine are conducting chemical and biological weapons activities in Ukraine. We have also seen PRC officials echo these conspiracy theories. This Russian disinformation is total nonsense and not the first time Russia has invented such false claims against another country. Also, these claims …
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Good morning, folks. Sorry to keep you waiting. I was on a couple of phone calls. Today I’m announcing the United States is targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy. We’re banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy. That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable at U.S. …
Read More» Today, President Biden will sign an Executive Order (E.O.) to ban the import of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas, and coal to the United States – a significant action with widespread bipartisan support that will further deprive President Putin of the economic resources he uses to continue his needless war of choice.
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On International Women’s Day, the United States is proud to join the global community in celebrating the achievements and contributions of women and girls from around the world, while simultaneously recognizing the barriers they continue to face. The United States stands firm in its longstanding commitment to the advancement of gender equity and equality and …
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On International Women’s Day, we recognize the achievements of women and girls in the United States and across the globe, celebrate the progress we’ve made, and recommit ourselves to the work that remains to deliver the full measure of equity, dignity, and opportunity due to all women and girls.
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On February 24, 2022, Russian military forces conducted an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, causing hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes. The people of Ukraine have been caught in the middle of conflict for nearly eight years, and there are currently 2.9 million in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. In addition to the …
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On Sunday, March 7, 1965, time stopped and blood spilled as brave and righteous Americans sought to cross a bridge named after a Klansman in Selma, Alabama, to reach the other side of justice. Led by the late John Lewis, they marched to secure their sacred right to vote. Their heroism was met by batons …
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Since President Putin launched his unprovoked, unjustified, and unconscionable invasion of Ukraine over a week ago, the international community across continents has spoken with powerful unity to denounce Russia’s aggression and demand its cessation. Giving voice and purpose to that common cause requires ready international venues such as the United Nations, where the Russian government …
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We applaud the steps taken by governments, U.S. and global companies, and other institutions around the world to condemn Putin’s war of choice in Ukraine, including those that call out and contest the Russian Government’s further efforts to undermine the free press and spread disinformation.
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke this evening with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. President Biden highlighted the ongoing actions undertaken by the United States, its Allies and partners, and private industry to raise the costs on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine. In particular, he welcomed the decision this evening by Visa and Mastercard …
Read More» France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America take note of the statement of 2 March by the spokesperson of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and subsequent developments regarding the situation in Libya. We echo the UN Secretary-General’s call on all actors to refrain from actions that could undermine stability …
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We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union reiterate our profound condemnation of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of choice against Ukraine, enabled by the Belarussian government.
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We join in marking World Wildlife Day with many partners around the world. Together, we can conserve the diversity of life on this planet, which is critical for supporting healthy ecosystems. Many wildlife species are under increasing threats from wildlife trafficking and nature crime. Wildlife trafficking is a security threat and an especially harmful form of …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken travels to Belgium, Poland, Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia from March 3 to 8, 2022. The trip continues extensive consultations and coordination with our NATO Allies and European partners about the Russian Federation’s continued premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified war against Ukraine.
Read More» The United States remains united with our allies and partners in our commitment to ensure the Government of Russia pays a severe economic and diplomatic price for its aggression against Ukraine. Today we are targeting Russian elites and their financial networks and assets, major Russian disinformation outlets that contribute to the destabilization of Ukraine, and …
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I got to tell you a story. (Laughter.) I hadn’t planned on this. When Jill and I met and fell in love, she let me know her favorite day in the calendar was Valentine’s Day. The first Valentine’s Day that we were together when I was Vice President — the Vice President’s office faces the …
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Today, for the first time in 40 years, the United Nations Security Council convened an Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly under the Uniting for Peace mechanism in response to Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified, and unconscionable war on Ukraine. This extraordinary move by the United Nations demonstrates the extent of global outrage at Russia’s horrific …
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On March 1, Russia’s Prosecutor General ordered the communications authority RosKomNadzor to restrict access to the independent outlets Radio Ekho Moskvy and Dozhd TV, blocking their websites and ability to broadcast. The outlets were baselessly accused of “calling for extremist activity and violence” and sharing “deliberately false information about the actions of Russian military personnel …
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Madam Speaker, Madam Vice President, our First Lady and Second Gentleman. Members of Congress and the Cabinet. Justices of the Supreme Court. My fellow Americans. Last year COVID-19 kept us apart. This year we are finally together again. Tonight, we meet as Democrats Republicans and Independents. But most importantly as Americans. With a duty to one another to the …
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Vice President Kamala Harris today had five separate calls with European leaders from NATO’s eastern flank to discuss our collective response to Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The Vice President spoke individually with: Prime Minister Kaja Kallas of Estonia; Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins of Latvia; Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte of Lithuania; Prime Minister …
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High Commissioner Bachelet, Mr. President, fellow members, the United States is pleased to rejoin the UN Human Rights Council. More than at any other point in recent history, the principles at the heart of this Council’s work – and the entire United Nations – are being challenged. As we meet, Russia is carrying out a …
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On February 26, 2022, Ukraine filed an application at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to initiate proceedings against the Russian Federation under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Ukraine seeks to address Russia’s groundless claims that genocide has occurred in the Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts of Ukraine and …
Read More» The U.S. Department of State submitted the 2022 edition of the annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) to Congress today. This two-volume, Congressionally-mandated report assesses foreign governments’ efforts to reduce illicit drug production, trafficking, and use as well as their work to counter drug trafficking-related money laundering. The INCSR was first published in 1986, …
Read More» President Joseph R. Biden hosted a secure conference call today with Allies and partners about our unified response to Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war on Ukraine. The leaders recognized the bravery of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression and discussed their continued support to Ukraine, including security, economic, and humanitarian assistance. They also discussed …
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In coordination with our allies and partners, the United States is taking further measures today against the Russian financial system in response to Russia’s continuing premeditated war against Ukraine. Unwavering in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, we will continue to act with our allies and partners in imposing costs on Russia if …
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Today the United States joins the UN Human Rights Council at the Council’s 49th regular session. The U.S. return to that body fulfills a pledge made by President Biden and reflects the centrality of human rights to our nation’s foreign policy. The timing of this session could not be more appropriate.
Read More» Our partnership with the people of Ukraine is steadfast and enduring, and we are focused on Ukraine’s urgent humanitarian needs as an important part of our response to Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack. It is with the welfare of ordinary Ukrainians in mind that we are announcing the provision of nearly $54 million in …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the High Representative of the European Union. They were joined by the Foreign Minister of Ukraine to discuss the global response to Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine. The Secretary …
Read More» We, the leaders of the European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States condemn Putin’s war of choice and attacks on the sovereign nation and people of Ukraine. We stand with the Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian people in their heroic efforts to resist Russia’s invasion. Russia’s war represents an …
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Ukraine is a sovereign, democratic, and peace-loving nation. The United States and Ukraine have been partners since Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union more than 30 years ago. After Russia invaded and partially occupied Ukraine in 2014, the United States intensified efforts to help Ukraine deter further Russian aggression, and, if needed, to …
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Today I met with fellow leaders from our NATO Allies to discuss our shared commitment to collective defense and Transatlantic security. As President Putin threatens the very foundations of international peace and security, NATO is once again demonstrating that it stands for freedom and democracy. As I said yesterday, the United States will defend every …
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In coordination with allies and partners, we are imposing sanctions on President Putin and three members of Russia’s Security Council directly responsible for the further invasion of Ukraine: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu, and First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces …
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In February 24 remarks at the White House, President Biden reiterated the United States, its allies and partners are united in their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and condemned Russia’s “flagrant violation of international law.” “In the contest between democracy and autocracy, between sovereignty and subjugation, make no mistake: Freedom will prevail,” the president said. Biden also outlined another …
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February 24, 2022
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This is a premeditated attack. Vladimir Putin has been planning this for months, as I’ve been — as we’ve been saying all along. He moved more than 175,000 troops, military equipment into positions along the Ukrainian border. He moved blood supplies into position and built a field hospital, which tells you all you need to …
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Today, the United States, along with Allies and partners, is imposing severe and immediate economic costs on Russia in response to Putin’s war of choice against Ukraine. Today’s actions include sweeping financial sanctions and stringent export controls that will have profound impact on Russia’s economy, financial system, and access to cutting-edge technology. The sanctions measures …
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We thank Italy for its leadership and strong partnership. President Biden has condemned Russia’s unjustified aggression. PM Draghi and FM Di Maio issued strong condemnations of the unprovoked attack. Russia is violating international law and trampling on Ukraine’s national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to make its own decisions. The world will hold Russia accountable.
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The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke tonight with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to condemn Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine and discuss the Alliance’s coordinated response. The Secretary and the Secretary General also discussed further steps to ensure the security of Allied territory, especially on NATO’s Eastern Flank. Secretary Blinken stressed that the U.S. commitment to NATO’s …
Read More» President Zelenskyy reached out to me tonight and we just finished speaking. I condemned this unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. I briefed him on the steps we are taking to rally international condemnation, including tonight at the United Nations Security Council. He asked me to call on the leaders of the world to …
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Well, good afternoon. Yesterday, Vladimir Putin recognized two regions of Ukraine as independent states and he bizarrely asserted that these regions are no longer part of Ukraine and their sovereign territory. To put it simply, Russia just announced that it is carving out a big chunk of Ukraine. Last night, Putin authorized Russian forces to …
Read More» As President Biden and our Allies and partners have made clear, we will impose significant costs on Russia for Russia’s actions. Today, the Administration is implementing the first tranche of sanctions that go far beyond 2014, in coordination with allies and partners in the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and Australia. And as President …
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We strongly condemn President Putin’s decision to recognize the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” as “independent.” As we said when the Duma first made its request: this decision represents a complete rejection of Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements, directly contradicts Russia’s claimed commitment to diplomacy, and is a clear attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty …
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It’s an honor to be here, and to speak from a stage where the great musician Louis Armstrong once played jazz. Just another example of how this institution has led the way for more than a century, including on climate as the first university in the region to track your carbon footprint and at your …
Read More» Today, President Biden signed an Executive Order (E.O.) to respond to President Putin’s action to purportedly recognize the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DNR and LNR) as “independent” states. President Putin’s action contradicts Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements, refutes Russia’s claimed commitment to diplomacy, and undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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Twenty-five American presidents — including Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt and Barack Obama — were lawyers. And several presidents had military experience before going into politics. George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower attained the rank of general.
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We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, remain gravely concerned about Russia’s threatening military build-up around Ukraine, in illegally annexed Crimea and in Belarus. Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified massing of military forces, the largest …
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy. The leaders reviewed ongoing diplomatic and deterrence efforts in response to Russia’s continued military build-up on Ukraine’s borders. They reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and their readiness to impose severe economic costs on Russia if it further invades Ukraine.
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Good afternoon. Today, I’d like to provide an update on the crisis involving Russia and Ukraine. From the beginning of this crisis, I have been absolutely clear and consistent: The United States is prepared no matter what happens. We are ready with diplomacy — to be engaged in diplomacy with Russia and our Allies and …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The Secretary reiterated the U.S. commitment to continue to pursue a diplomatic solution to the crisis Moscow has precipitated. He stated that the United States looks forward to receiving Russia’s written response to the U.S. and NATO papers shared with Moscow …
Read More» Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with French MFA Secretary General François Delattre, German MFA State Secretary Andreas Michaelis, Italian MFA Secretary General Ettore Sequi, and UK Minister of State for Middle East, North Africa and North America James Cleverly.
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The United States is reaffirming our strong commitment to the Ukrainian people by joining with allies and partners to mobilize robust international support for Ukraine. The U.S. government is offering a sovereign loan guarantee to Ukraine of up to $1 billion to support its economic reform agenda and continued engagement with the International Monetary Fund …
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The first Summit for Democracy provided a platform for leaders to announce domestic and international commitments, reforms, and initiatives that defend democracy and human rights, fight corruption, and combat authoritarianism. In addition to providing Official Intervention Statements during the Summit, participating delegations were invited to submit a voluntary written compendium of announcements, pledges, and/or commitments.
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Nearly three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, global suffering continues despite heroic efforts by our healthcare workers, private citizens, institutions, organizations, countries, and economies. Throughout, it has remained a fact that no one country acting alone can stop the virus. As President Biden has made clear since the September 2021 Global COVID-19 Summit, vaccinating the …
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What if houses were cheaper to build, generated their own energy, and didn’t damage the environment? After graduating from architecture school in 1969, Michael Reynolds decided to make that question his life’s mission and prove that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. “I wasn’t trying to make a giant business or anything,” Reynolds said. …
Read More» President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Vladimir Putin of Russia about Russia’s escalating military buildup on the borders of Ukraine. President Biden was clear that, if Russia undertakes a further invasion of Ukraine, the United States together with our Allies and partners will respond decisively and impose swift and severe costs on …
Read More» Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today by phone to discuss acute and shared concerns that Russia may be considering launching further military aggression against Ukraine in the coming days. The Secretary made clear that a diplomatic path to resolving the crisis remained open, but it would require …
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with French MFA Secretary General Francois Delattre, German MFA State Secretary Andreas Michaelis, Italian MFA Political Director Pasquale Ferrara, and UK Minister of State for Middle East, North Africa, and North America James Cleverly. Deputy Secretary Sherman reaffirmed the United States’ readiness, together with Allies and partners, …
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Though it’s a major sporting event with a storied past, the Super Bowl is practically a cultural holiday, too. In the United States, even those who have no interest in the game are likely to be invited to watch it with family or friends. They’ll gather at home or maybe at a restaurant or sports …
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The Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS remains resolutely committed to achieving the enduring defeat of ISIS. Recent events in Syria underscore both the success we continue to have in degrading Daesh/ISIS leadership and the continuing threat the terrorist group poses in the region and beyond. The removal of Daesh/ISIS leader Muhammad Said Abd al-Rahman al-Mawla, …
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Well, good morning, everyone, and welcome. It’s wonderful to have our colleagues here. High Representative Borrell, Josep, so wonderful as always to be with you, to see you. Commissioner Simson, Ambassador Etienne, welcome to you all. And we are so delighted to welcome you to the State Department for what is a truly critical discussion …
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I was just checking to make sure I can say good afternoon. It is good afternoon. Good afternoon, everyone. And let me first start by thanking the High Representative Josep Borrell, Josep my friend, for traveling to Washington today for a meeting of the U.S.-EU Energy Council. The timing could not be more important; this …
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The military operation authorized by President Biden and carried out by U.S. forces last night in northwest Syria has resulted in the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, the leader of ISIS – a significant victory in the global fight to disrupt and dismantle ISIS.
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Last night at my direction, U.S. military forces in the northwest Syria successfully undertook a counterterrorism operation to protect the American people and our Allies, and make the world a safer place. Thanks to the skill and bravery of our Armed Forces, we have taken off the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi—the leader of ISIS. …
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Ukrainian Americans continue to express solidarity with family and friends in their native homeland. They worry amid threats of another Russian invasion. “We stand with Ukraine and against Russian aggression against a sovereign nation,” Ihor Diaczun, president of the Illinois Division of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, said during a December rally in Chicago. “Our rally …
Read More» Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to follow up on the U.S written response to Russia’s security proposals. The Secretary emphasized the U.S. willingness, bilaterally and together with Allies and partners, to continue a substantive exchange with Russia on mutual security concerns, which we intend to do …
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Ukraine is grappling with significant humanitarian needs. The buildup of Russian troops on the border of Ukraine has escalated tensions worldwide, but parts of Ukraine have suffered mightily since 2014. Thousands of homes, schools and hospitals have been destroyed since Russian-led forces invaded Ukraine, seized Crimea and instigated conflict in the Donbas region.
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Black communities didn’t need a week or a month dedicated to their history in order to remember and treasure it, says historian Matthew Delmont of Dartmouth University. “They kept it in diaries and family records, in black newspapers, and through stories,” says Delmont, who is busy each February speaking to groups in schools and corporations …
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“Being a black woman writer is not a shallow place but a rich place to write from,” Toni Morrison said in an interview with the New Yorker. “It doesn’t limit my imagination; it expands it.” Black women in the United States are transforming the literary world as writers, publishers, magazine editors and academics. Here are six …
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On behalf of the United States government and the American people, Charge d’affaires of the United States Mission to Italy Thomas Smitham wishes to congratulate Sergio Mattarella on his reelection as President of the Republic of Italy.
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Today, we attempt to fill a piercing silence from our past—to give voice to the six million Jews who were systematically and ruthlessly murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, and to remember the millions of Roma, Sinti, Slavs, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ individuals, and political dissidents who were killed during the Shoah. It was a destructive force …
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Focused on the urgency in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and highlighted necessary steps to help alleviate the suffering of Afghans across the country. Participants recognized steps taken to ease access for humanitarian workers, male and female, while also expressing concern that there are still certain impediments in place, and participants also reiterated the importance of swiftly removing all …
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Thank you to our friends at the Centro Studi Americani, the Aspen Institute, and the European Council on Foreign Relations for the invitation to contribute to today’s discussion. It’s an honor to be here with President De Gennaro and my fellow distinguished speakers, Ambassador Terracciano and President Tremonti. This is a very timely conference, given …
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Last week in Geneva, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and I met to discuss the crisis instigated by Russia’s military build-up on Ukraine’s borders and steps to de-escalate tensions and pursue diplomacy. Russia had previously outlined its concerns and proposals in writing, and last week I told Foreign Minister Lavrov that the United States would do …
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The executive order formalized the President and the Vice President’s commitment to ensuring that all federal agencies develop programs, policies, and activities to address the disproportionately high and adverse health, environmental, economic, climate, and other cumulative impacts on communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.
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To that end, I convened today the Administration’s first meeting of the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Agencies from across the government shared their initiatives to address this crime, with a special focus on what’s new in those efforts, including through implementation of the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.
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No, no updates, except that there has been no change in the posture of the Russian forces. There have — and now they are — as you know, they’re along the entire Belarus border. And I have made it clear to — early on to President Putin that if he were to move into …
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Why would the Russian Federation send soldiers in disguise to lead protests in another country? Or order its troops to attack partners of Russia? Russia has long conducted such “false flag” operations to portray itself or its partners as victims, evade responsibility, sow confusion and create a pretext for war. In 2008, Russia sent unmarked …
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Good afternoon. First, let me say how honored I am by the presence of so many friends, colleagues, leaders across different communities here in Germany, and also leaders in the partnership that links our two countries. I’m grateful to all of you for being here, grateful for this opportunity as well to be at the …
Read More» One year ago, President Biden and Vice President Harris took office, facing a divided country, a global pandemic and an economy under severe stress. The Administration moved quickly to deliver results for working families and has kept women and families at the center of our agenda. On International Women’s Day in March, President Biden signed …
Read More» Over many years, Russia has fabricated a set of false narratives that its disinformation and propaganda ecosystem persistently injects into the global information environment. These narratives act like a template, which enables the Kremlin to adjust these narratives, with one consistency – a complete disregard for truth as it shapes the information environment to support …
Read More» The Department of State, working with the U.S. interagency, is aware of several Russian military and intelligence entities that are engaged in information confrontation targeting Ukraine. These activities include the spread of disinformation and propaganda attempting to paint Ukraine and Ukrainian government officials as the aggressor in the Russia-Ukraine relationship. Such measures are intended to …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will deliver remarks on the crisis in Ukraine at 9:45 a.m. EST on Thursday, January 20, 2022 (3:45 p.m. CET) from Berlin, Germany. Atlantik-Brücke in partnership with the American Council on Germany, the German Marshall Fund of the United States, and Aspen Institute Germany will host Secretary Blinken for …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio. The two discussed coordination between the United States, Italy, and the European Union to address Russia’s continued threat to Ukraine. Secretary Blinken emphasized the critical role Italy, NATO, and the EU play in ensuring security on the continent, underscored the …
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Hello, folks. Thanks for being here. Well, good afternoon, everyone. Tomorrow will mark one year since I took office. It’s been a year of challenges, but it’s also been a year of enormous progress. We went from 2 million people being vaccinated at the moment I was sworn in to 210 million Americans being fully …
Read More» President Biden has been clear with the Russian President: If any Russian military forces move across the Ukrainian border, that’s a renewed invasion, and it will be met with a swift, severe, and united response from the United States and our Allies. President Biden also knows from long experience that the Russians have an extensive playbook …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Kyiv, Berlin, and Geneva from January 18 to 21, 2022. The trip follows extensive diplomacy with our European Allies and partners about a united approach to address the threat Russia poses to Ukraine and our joint efforts to encourage it to choose diplomacy and de-escalation in …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. They discussed the January 10 Strategic Stability Dialogue, January 12 NATO-Russia Council, and January 13 OSCE Permanent Council meetings. The Secretary stressed the importance of continuing a diplomatic path to de-escalate tensions surrounding the deeply troubling Russian military build-up in and …
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. paved the way of peace, justice, pluralism, and civil rights on the global stage. We all owe Dr. King our deep gratitude for the ultimate sacrifices he made to lay the groundwork for freedom and equality for all, most especially at a time where the United States was marred with …
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Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Dear Dr. Bernice King, thank you for that introduction and for all that you do every day in your role of leadership. And thank you for the invitation to address this most distinguished group of leaders. I also want to thank Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Pastor Sam Collier, …
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All across the United States, scores of parks and trails honor Martin Luther King Jr. and his remarkable life. Atlanta’s Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park includes the civil rights leader’s birthplace; the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he served as minister and co-pastor until his assassination in 1968; his burial place; and exhibits on him and …
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While Russia’s President Vladimir Putin continues to take an aggressive posture against Ukraine, the United States and its allies are calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. “President Biden has made absolutely clear to President Putin: When it comes to questions of European security, there is going to be nothing about Europe without Europe, …
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Diplomacy has solved conflicts, prevented deaths and economic turmoil, and secured peace. Think negotiation doesn’t work? Here’s a look at some critical times when it did.
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The United States is stepping up its efforts to end the scourge of gender-based violence at home and around the world. This work is especially important given that reported cases of physical and sexual violence against women and girls dramatically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The problem has been dubbed the “shadow pandemic.”
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Today’s meeting was truly a remarkable expression of the power of diplomacy. Thirty sovereign nations spoke separately – NATO Allies – and also spoke as one. The NATO Allies spoke in complete unity in support of a set of critical international principles: that all countries must be able to choose their own foreign policy orientation, …
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman met today with French MFA Secretary General Francois Delattre, German MFA State Secretary Andreas Michaelis, Italian MFA Political Director Pasquale Ferrara, and UK Minister of State for Middle East, North Africa and North America James Cleverly, who represented their respective countries at the meeting of the NATO-Russia Council …
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with European External Action Service Secretary-General Stefano Sannino today in Brussels. The Deputy Secretary and Secretary-General reaffirmed the United States’ and EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They discussed our united approach to Russia’s unprovoked military build-up along Ukraine’s borders. They also discussed shared concerns about …
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with ambassadors from the EU’s Political and Security Committee today in Brussels to discuss Russia’s unprovoked military build-up along Ukraine’s border and to provide a readout of the U.S.-Russia Strategic Stability Dialogue, which was held yesterday in Geneva.
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We send our deepest condolences to the people of the European Union on the passing of European Parliament President David Sassoli. President Sassoli will be remembered as a strong supporter of the U.S.-EU partnership, a voice for democracy and human rights globally, and an advocate for a European Union that serves its citizens and is …
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In our lives and the lives of our nation — the life of our nation, there are moments so stark that they divide all that came before from everything that followed. They stop time. They rip away the trivial from the essential. And they force us to confront hard truths about ourselves, about our institutions, …
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This is the third time the U.S.-Russia Strategic Stability Dialogue has convened since President Biden and President Putin met in Geneva last June. The United States came to today’s extraordinary meeting prepared to hear Russia’s security concerns and to share our own. We came as well with a number of ideas where our two countries …
Read More» The United States, along with its Allies and partners, has underscored its readiness to impose significant costs on Russia if it takes further military action against Ukraine. At the same time, we have stressed our preference for de-escalation through diplomacy. The United States laid out clear principles ahead of talks with Russia. First, we will …
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The United States has prohibited import of all products made in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region unless importers show the products are not made with forced labor. President Biden signed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act into law on December 23, 2021, expanding prohibitions on products made with forced labor in Xinjiang. “We will continue doing everything …
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Madam Vice President, my fellow Americans: To state the obvious, one year ago today, in this sacred place, democracy was attacked — simply attacked. The will of the people was under assault. The Constitution — our Constitution — faced the gravest of threats. Outnumbered and in the face of a brutal attack, the Capitol Police, …
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Nuclear weapons pose an existential threat. To confront that threat, the United States is committed to working with other nations to prevent nuclear war and strengthen the landmark Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In a January 3 joint statement, the United States and the other NPT nuclear-weapon states called efforts to avoid war and reduce strategic risks …
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with French MFA Secretary General Francois Delattre, German MFA Political Director Tjorven Bellmann, Italian MFA Secretary General Ettore Sequi, and UK Minister of State for Middle East, North Africa and North America James Cleverly. They pledged to continue close U.S.-European coordination to deter further Russian aggression against …
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The U.S. Consulate General in Florence has resumed consular services to the public. Please visit the U.S. Mission Italy website (link below) for information about scheduling appointments.
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The United States and partner organizations waged a historic vaccination campaign in 2021, delivering millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses worldwide. Working with partners, the United States distributed more than 350 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to over 110 countries, supported vaccine manufacturing abroad and rushed lifesaving assistance to hot spots around the world.
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During the past 12 months, we’ve bid farewell to many notable Americans who left their mark on the world.
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The People’s Republic of China, the French Republic, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America consider the avoidance of war between Nuclear-Weapon States and the reduction of strategic risks as our foremost responsibilities.
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A NASA telescope began a space mission that will enable astronomers to study distant galaxies previously imagined only in science fiction. Scientists anticipate that the James Webb Space Telescope, launched on December 25, will reveal new insights about the origins of the universe. The telescope is equipped to examine the solar system in detail and …
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Eman Abdelmohsen Said, 20, is one of those young leaders. She grew up in Kom, a rural community near Aswan on the Nile River. She originally thought she would stay in her hometown and perhaps become a doctor. After she completed the English Access Microscholarship Program, she discovered her passion: teaching. The program also gave her the …
Read More» For health and safety reasons, we announce the temporary suspension of consular services at the US Consulate General in Florence. We will provide an update when public consular services will re-open. American citizens in need of emergency services may visit/contact one of the other Consular Sections or Consular Agencies in Italy as needed.
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Each year, revelers around the world ring in the first moments of the new year with a familiar song. You know the one: “Should old acquaintance be forgot / And never brought to mind? / Should old acquaintance be forgot / And days of auld lang syne?” With several hundred versions on YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify and elsewhere, …
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In March, the Recording Academy’s annual Grammy Awards recognized musical artists in a variety of categories. Three female singer/songwriters scored some of the biggest triumphs: Beyoncé took home four trophies, including for Best R&B (rhythm and blues) Performance for her song “Black Parade,” a tribute to Black heritage, pride and solidarity; Taylor Swift won Album of the …
Read More» The United States condemns today’s decision by the Russian Supreme Court to forcibly close International Memorial, one of Russia’s oldest and most respected scholarly and human rights organizations. For three decades, International Memorial’s researchers have worked tirelessly to recover the names and stories of the millions of victims of Soviet repression, promoting historical justice. The …
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Perhaps because we live in dramatic times, people worldwide are thinking about their place in history. Many are creating time capsules so that their descendants may one day get a glimpse of life today. The number of time capsules created since the pandemic began equals the number from the previous 350 years combined, according to …
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France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the United States welcome the statement of the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser (SASG) on Libya, Stephanie Williams on 23 December and commend the work of the SASG to engage in broad consultations across Libya over the past ten days. We express our strong support for the ongoing efforts of the …
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The United States is providing $580 million to seven multilateral organizations fighting COVID-19 around the world. The funding supports U.N. organizations that aid COVID-19 vaccine delivery, strengthen public health capacity and address the socioeconomic effects of the pandemic. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the new funding December 21 prior to a virtual meeting of foreign ministers and …
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Sea turtles, whales, sharks and other marine life can swim safely now that four Latin American nations are forming a massive wildlife protection corridor in the Pacific Ocean. The Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor will preclude industrial fishing fleets in approximately 490,000 square kilometers of waters bordering Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands. It extends to islands of …
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As autumn temperatures grew chillier recently in Rock Island, Illinois, Mara Goodvin’s music students played a festive tune, pounding on xylophones and drums. Notes from contrabass chimes — large metal tubes mounted on 2.4-meter-tall poles — reverberated through the air, steady and deep. Goodvin, who teaches children at Ridgewood Elementary, would play a rhythm, and the students …
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A 3-meter bronze replica of New York’s Statue of Liberty reached Washington this year, underscoring the friendship between France and the United States and symbolizing the same ideals associated with the replica’s famous big sister on Liberty Island in New York. The statue, on loan from France’s National Conservatory of Arts and Trades, spent five …
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Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Smitham: 2021 has been an extraordinary year for the relations between Italy and the United States. From all of us, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
Read More» The United States is working tirelessly with the international community to ensure humanitarian assistance and other essential support flows to the people of Afghanistan to support those in need. During Fiscal Year 2021, the United States provided nearly $474 million in humanitarian aid in Afghanistan and for Afghan refugees in the region making us the …
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Senior administration officials met today with European Commission counterparts on progress and next steps towards achieving the U.S.-EU Agenda for Beating the Global Pandemic Vaccinating the World, Saving Lives Now, and Building Back Better Health Security. Led by Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer and President Ursula von der Leyen’s Head of Cabinet Bjoern Seibert, …
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The United States is providing an additional $580 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to support seven partners who are working tirelessly in our global fight against COVID-19. With the emergence of the Omicron variant, and continued challenges like equitable access to life-saving care and vaccines, the world is at a critical point in …
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Good afternoon, everyone. Good to see you all. I suspect that most of you are looking forward to what will be a well-deserved break. It’s been quite a year. When I walked into the State Department on my first day as Secretary, we had COVID-19 lockdowns around the world. Less than 1 percent of the …
Read More» We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, noting the outcome of the Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong which took place on 19 December 2021, express our grave concern over the erosion of democratic …
Read More» On December 9-10, President Biden hosted the Summit for Democracy, a global gathering of heads of state, government representatives, civil society leaders, and business officials to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing democracies in the 21st century.
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Tinsel, turtledove ornaments, family photos and presents in bright red boxes mark the holidays at the White House this year. One hundred volunteers helped to decorate, using 25 wreaths, 41 Christmas trees, 300 candles, 6,000 feet of ribbon, 10,000 ornaments and nearly 80,000 holiday lights. For the Bidens’ first Christmas in the White House, first lady …
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The State Department has recognized two U.S.-based companies for their work on the climate crisis with the Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). “The climate crisis is not an issue that we can solve through government or civil society action alone,” noted Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “We need companies to make the investments that will …
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President Biden closed the two-day Summit for Democracy by highlighting countries’ renewed commitment to protect human rights, combat corruption and ensure fair elections. “The U.S. is committed to strengthening democracy at home and to working with parties around the globe to prove that democracies can deliver for people on issues that matter to them,” Biden said December …
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Italy due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. There are restrictions in place affecting U.S. citizen entry into Italy. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific …
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In an interview with national broadcast network RAI, Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Smitham highlighted key foreign policy priorities including U.S.-Italy cooperation in the fight against COVID, Russia’s escalation regarding Ukraine, and the situation in Libya.
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I’m glad to be at this event today, particularly honored to be on this distinguished panel and to meet, although some virtually, the organizers and participants in this ambitious and original project, RECOV-EW. And I’d like to acknowledge the virtual presence of my good friend and colleague, Kat Fotovat, our senior official in the Secretary’s office of Global Women’s Issues. Her presence here …
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The United States welcomes the European Union’s actions to sanction the Russia-backed Wagner Group and its associates. These actions underscore our joint commitment to respond to this organization’s destabilizing actions in multiple regional conflicts, including Ukraine, Syria, Libya, Central African Republic, and the Sahel region. We applaud the EU for its commitment to promoting respect …
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We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, are united in our condemnation of Russia’s military build-up and aggressive rhetoric towards Ukraine. We call on Russia to de-escalate, pursue diplomatic channels, and abide by its …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio on the margins of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Liverpool. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Di Maio discussed their shared concern about Russia’s military build-up on Ukraine’s borders, underscored their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and …
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So I guess we’re both (inaudible). (Laughter.) My friend, it’s great to – it’s always great to be with you. I think the – we’ve seen over the course of this year the partnership between the United States and Italy on virtually every issue has never been stronger, never been more important. And I know …
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Protecting and supporting human rights defenders is a key priority of U.S. foreign policy. Because human rights defenders seek to hold their governments accountable to protect universally recognized human rights, defenders are often harassed, detained, interrogated, imprisoned, tortured, and even killed for doing their work.
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You know, in February, I came out here to the National Institutes of Health –- NIH –- and to our Vaccine Research Center to thank all of you — the world-class doctors, scientists, researchers — for the incredible work you’ve done during the pandemic and developing the vaccines, saving lives, giving us hope, also — …
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My name is Joe Biden. I am Jill Biden’s husband. (Laughter.) On behalf of Jill and Kamala and Doug, we welcome you to the National Christmas Tree Lighting. Thanks to the Interior Secretary, Deb Haaland, for that introduction and her leadership. She has made me look awful good in my judgments. It is wonderful …
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For decades, World AIDS Day has been recognized as an opportunity for people around the world to stand together in the fight against HIV. This year on World AIDS Day, we are focused on addressing health inequities and inequalities and ensuring that the voices of people with HIV are at the center of our work …
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On November 29, International Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD) Day, the United States commemorates the work of women human rights defenders: all women and girls who work for human rights, all people who defend the rights of women and girls, and all people who defend the rights to be free from discrimination and violence on …
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When I was elected, I said I would always be honest with you. So today, I want to take a few moments to talk about the new COVID variant first identified last week in Southern Africa. It’s called the Omicron. It is –- and to their credit, the scientific community in South Africa quickly notified …
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Over these eight nights, Jews in the United States, Israel, and around the globe will proudly celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. They will light the menorah, spin the dreidel, eat latkes, and tell of how the Maccabees, guided by an abiding belief in their Creator and an inextinguishable commitment to their faith, prevailed against all odds.
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Following up on the regular briefings he had on COVID while traveling, the President met in person today with his Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of his White House COVID Response Team. Dr. Fauci and members of the COVID Response Team updated the President on the latest developments related to the Omicron …
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The holiday of Thanksgiving may seem uniquely American, but it echoes fall festivals that have been held throughout the world for centuries. Like its cousins Sukkot, Chuseok, Day of the Dead and others, Thanksgiving centers around giving thanks for the harvest, enjoying bountiful food and spending time with family and friends. Harvest festivals started in an agrarian …
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The world recognizes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, a day to heighten awareness about the physical, psychological and emotional harm women face worldwide. The U.S. Department of State sees tackling violence against women as a human rights imperative. Violence threatens women’s and girls’ safety, and it sets barriers to their potential …
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Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, November 22, to attend the signing ceremony for Project Prosperity, a new regional clean energy and water cooperation effort.
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This year, at least 46 transgender individuals in this country—and hundreds more around the world—were killed in horrifying acts of violence. Each of these lives was precious. Each of them deserved freedom, justice, and joy. Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, we mourn those we lost in the deadliest year on record for transgender Americans, …
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Good afternoon, everyone. Please be seated. I’m honored to welcome you, for the first time as President, to a Thanksgiving tradition here at the White House that reminds us to have a little bit of fun and to always be grateful. You know, as a University of Delaware man, I’m partial to Blue Hens, but …
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Human rights, the climate crisis, public health and many other challenges cross international borders. The solutions must cross them too. “Multilateralism is still our best tool for tackling big global challenges,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said May 7. Multilateralism is an organized relationship among three or more countries. When like-minded nations form alliances, the partnerships …
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Inger and I were just in Glasgow for the COP26, and UNEP was a key partner in rallying countries to take the bold, urgent steps necessary to keep warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid a climate catastrophe. To give just one example, the independent, rigorous data tracked by the UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory …
Read More» We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, condemn the Belarus regime’s orchestration of irregular migration across its borders. These callous acts are putting peoples’ lives at risk. We are united in our solidarity with …
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Many of Native Americans‘ innovations in health and medicine have been around for thousands of years, predating — and contributing to — Western medicine. Native Americans chewed willow bark (shown above) to soothe aches and pains. The active ingredient in the bark is salicin, a chemical that in 1897 formed the basis of the discovery of …
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The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased people’s reliance on the internet. In part of the world, school and doctor’s visits moved online, businesses shifted to telework and friends and family met virtually. Yet in Africa, only one-fifth of the population, 22%, has internet access, says the World Bank. That leaves 700 million people not connected. U.S. government …
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In July, the people of Cuba bravely and spontaneously took to the streets to demand change from their government: respect for human rights, greater freedom of expression, and an end to economic mismanagement by an authoritarian regime that has failed to meet their most basic needs. The Cuban regime responded with violence, censorship, arrests, and …
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Deb Haaland, the U.S. secretary of the interior, continues a family tradition of public service. Both of her parents served in the U.S. military, and her mother worked in the Bureau of Indian Affairs. As a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and a 35th generation New Mexican, Haaland is the first Native American to …
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The United States is the top destination for students who study overseas. International students come to the United States because of strong academics and institutional support at U.S. schools — and because of the value of a U.S. degree to graduates’ careers. With many options to consider, international students often look for guidance from the U.S. Department of State’s EducationUSA network of …
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On day one at the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), President Joe Biden made clear that Glasgow must raise global ambition during this decisive decade of climate action to preserve our shared future. The President reiterated that tackling the climate crisis requires the whole of society – communities, businesses, …
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The strong partnership between the United States and Italy has helped bring about an unprecedented period of peace and stability in Europe. Our two countries have stood shoulder to shoulder supporting important NATO operations, from Afghanistan to Iraq to the Italian-American military presence along NATO’s southern and eastern flanks. Through their service now, American and …
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For generations, millions of Americans have answered the call to serve — taking the sacred oath to defend and preserve our Nation’s ideals of liberty and democracy. These patriots represent the best of us. On Veterans Day, we honor their service, dedication, and valor and are forever grateful for their sacrifice.
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As announced on November 5th, Secretary Blinken will host a virtual COVID-19 Ministerial tomorrow, November 10th, starting at 8:00 am Eastern Standard Time. Today we are joined by Gayle Smith, Global Coordinator for COVID-19 Response and Health Security, who will provide information on tomorrow’s ministerial and take a few of your questions. As the Secretary …
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Thank you, Ivan, and thank you to our colleagues from the airlines. And good morning! It is a real pleasure to be here with representatives from United and Delta airlines and with our good friends from the Aeroporti di Roma who, over the past 21 months have done such impressive work under very difficult circumstances …
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The United States is working on climate-crisis solutions with countries around the world at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow. For two weeks in November, COP26 brings together thousands of people to step up the collective response to the crisis, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
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The United States is committed to making the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) the turning point in global efforts to address the climate crisis. Mobilizing a whole-of-government approach, the United States is scaling up action at home and abroad to put the world on a path to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
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The United States and its partners already have donated more than 50 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to African nations. Now a U.S. pharmaceutical firm plans to build a factory in Africa to produce up to 500 million doses annually, dramatically expanding local vaccine production on the continent. Moderna will invest up to $500 million in a state-of-the-art …
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On October 25, President Biden announced the United States will adopt a global air travel policy. This policy prioritizes public health, protecting U.S. citizens and residents as well as those who come to visit us. Effective November 8 all non-citizen, nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States …
Read More» On day one in office, President Joe Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement, restored U.S. leadership on the world stage, and reestablished our position to tackle the climate crisis at home and abroad. On day one at the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), President Biden will outline the bold steps …
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I found in all of my meetings here, both the larger sessions and the one-on-one sessions — and I had many of those — a real eagerness among our partners and allies for American leadership to help bring the world together and solve some of these big problems. I found my one-on-one engagements with so …
Read More» President Biden has made resilient supply chains a top priority of his Administration since Day One. Today, the President is holding a Summit on Global Supply Chain Resilience with the European Union and 14 like-minded countries to foster greater international cooperation on near-term supply chain disruptions and chart a course to strengthen and diversify the …
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At the G20 Summit in Rome, President Biden coordinated with fellow Leaders on shared interests, including the climate crisis, global health and pandemic preparedness, and the global economic recovery, using the power of diplomacy to address key issues that matter to the American people. Together with the European Union, we achieved a major breakthrough arrangement to …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio today in Rome. Secretary Blinken thanked Foreign Minister Di Maio for Italy’s leadership of the G20 this year and previewed the U.S.-Italy Strategic Dialogue plenary in Washington on November 10. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Di Maio reaffirmed support for a …
Read More» Thanks, Chris. And thanks, everybody, for joining. And greetings from Rome, where the U.S. and the EU have concluded an agreement with respect to steel and aluminum tariffs and the retaliatory tariffs imposed by the EU. This is really the work of Secretary Raimondo and Ambassador Tai and their teams with support from the White …
Read More» We’ll have more detailed information on the precise levels of the tariff-rate quota coming out later. But we did want to — these are set at, you know, levels that are consistent with — the historically sustainable levels that are consistent with recognizing distortions that have been in place in the market before and taking …
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with President Sergio Mattarella of Italy to emphasize the strength of the bilateral relationship and the Transatlantic bond. President Biden thanked President Mattarella for Italy’s leadership of the G20 and for bringing together the world’s largest economies to meet shared challenges, including fighting the climate crisis, ending the …
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy to affirm the strength of the U.S.-Italy bilateral relationship and thank the Prime Minister for his personal leadership of the G20 during a year of overlapping global challenges. Both leaders recognized the historic achievement of a global minimum tax, building resilience …
Read More» So, today was a good day in Rome. President Biden had a one-on-one meeting with His Holiness, Pope Francis. I know the President shared some thoughts about what the meeting meant to him. President Biden also met with President Mattarella and Prime Minister Draghi of Italy, and President Macron of France. In those meetings, …
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Today, joining us — needs hardly an introduction — our National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, who will be previewing the President’s trip — second foreign trip — later this week. And he’ll take some questions afterwards, and then I will do a full briefing — or as long as you guys would like to do …
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Today, the White House and CDC announced details of the new vaccination policy that will go into effect for international travelers on November 8. As of that date, foreign national air travelers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the …
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Well, I wanted to stop by. I knew the extraordinary national and international leaders were here visiting today. Emmy told me — Brian and Gina — we’ve been talking a lot about what we collectively must do, what we want to do, building on the great work that has already happened by the leaders at …
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Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to London, United Kingdom on October 26, 2021 to continue ongoing discussions with counterparts from the People’s Republic of China on efforts to address the climate crisis ahead of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be …
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The continued spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global threat to our health and safety. COVID-19 has resulted in more than 733,000 deaths in the United States and more than 4,932,000 deaths worldwide. New variants of SARS-CoV-2 have also emerged globally, and variants that are more transmissible or cause …
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The United States is among the many nations committing to major greenhouse gas reductions ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November. “More and more countries are emboldening their commitments to climate action — and they’re reaping the benefits for their people and their economies,” said U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry in …
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It’s a big word for a big problem: hydrofluorocarbons. And the Biden-Harris administration is acting to reduce their production by 85% over the next 15 years. Also called HFCs, hydrofluorocarbons are in refrigerators, building insulation and air conditioning units. These potent greenhouse gases have a global warming potential up to 15,000 times that of carbon dioxide, …
Read More» From Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized addressing the climate crisis both at home and as a core element of our national security and foreign policy. The climate crisis is reshaping our physical world, with the Earth’s climate changing faster than at any point in modern history and extreme weather events becoming more frequent …
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Let me start if I can by telling you why I’ve come here, to Ecuador, on my first visit as Secretary to South America. There’s a thread that runs throughout every part of United States policy, domestic and foreign, and that is working to make democracy work for all people. That’s the focus of this …
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The Library of Congress’ digital collections are stocked with billions of items. By preserving digitized information on a variety of subjects, the library is protecting important glimpses of history. The materials include papers from 23 American presidents (including Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence), man-on-the-street interviews after the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, …
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Women entrepreneurs in the United States are creating and running companies that produce modest fashion and dispel stereotypes about business and glamour in the process. Sales of modest clothing represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the global fashion industry and total an estimated $283 billion, according to MLC Media, a Chicago-based marketing strategy firm.
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That’s why the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Trevor Noah Foundation teamed up to fund Education Changemakers. The program is implemented by the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center Southern Africa. Meet four Changemakers alumni. Each in their own way seeks to improve education in communities across the African continent. Their creative …
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Jill and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and a patriot of unmatched honor and dignity, General Colin Powell. The son of immigrants, born in New York City, raised in Harlem and the South Bronx, a graduate of the City College of New York, he rose to the highest …
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As Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad steps down from his role, I extend my gratitude for his decades of service to the American people. Thomas West, who previously served as the Deputy Special Representative, will be the Special Representative for Afghanistan. Special Representative West, who served on then-Vice President Biden’s national security team and …
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Two journalists won the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for their reporting on increasingly authoritarian regimes, highlighting the vital role of free expression in protecting peace and democracy. Maria Ressa, chief executive of the website Rappler, won for exposing abuse of power, violence and growing authoritarianism in the Philippines, the Nobel Committee said October 8. Dmitry …
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It’s one of the first things mothers teach children: Wash your hands with soap and water. But experts, like Mom, say most of us are not doing it right. Believe it or not, poor hand-washing habits are a big problem, especially in hospitals, where doctors and nurses fail to wash their hands properly half the time. …
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As announced by the White House today, the new travel policy requiring foreign nationals traveling to the United States to demonstrate proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 will take effect November 8. The CDC’s website explains that, for purposes of entry into the United States, the accepted vaccines will include FDA approved or authorized and …
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Rome, Italy for the G20 Leaders’ Summit on October 30-31. Additional information about individual bilateral engagements on the margins of the G20 will be forthcoming.
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Since the earliest days of this Administration, President Biden has made clear that our foreign policy would be grounded in America’s most cherished democratic values: defending freedom, championing opportunity, upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms, respecting the rule of law, and treating everyone with dignity. He also promised to restore American engagement internationally and renew …
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The Department of State has awarded Caddell Construction Company LCC of Montgomery, Alabama the construction contract, managed by Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), for the new U.S. Consulate General in Milan, Italy. SHoP Architects of New York is the architect. The approximately 10-acre campus will provide a secure, sustainable, and resilient platform for U.S. diplomacy in …
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Free, independent media allow the public to make informed decisions, hold leaders accountable and hear a diversity of opinions — all free of government influence. Journalists in the United States can report on public health questions, question elected officials — sometimes aggressively — and raise controversial issues without fear of reprisal. “Information and knowledge are …
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The United States is among the many nations committing to major greenhouse gas reductions ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November. “More and more countries are emboldening their commitments to climate action — and they’re reaping the benefits for their people and their economies,” said U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry in …
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Women are a huge part of the agricultural labor force in developing countries — up to 50% in sub-Saharan Africa.
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At the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), September 13 – October 11, the United States advanced country-specific and thematic actions to promote greater respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls, LGBTQI+ persons, indigenous persons, members of ethnic and religious minority groups, older persons, and other marginalized …
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Private citizens and faith-based groups in the United States are getting desperately needed food, medicine and medical equipment to the Cuban people during a historic crisis. The humanitarian exemptions built into the U.S. embargo on Cuba mean that food donations to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) or individuals in Cuba help the Cuban people.
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President Biden met virtually with G20 Leaders today to discuss Afghanistan. The G20 Leaders were joined by Leaders of G20 guest countries and international financial institutions. The Leaders discussed the critical need to maintain a laser-focus on our enduring counterterrorism efforts, including against threats from ISIS-K, and ensuring safe passage for those foreign nationals and …
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