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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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 …
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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 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 …
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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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During a visit to an orphanage in Kenya in 2008, Celeste Mergens, a humanitarian aid worker from Washington state, learned that girls were sitting on cardboard for several days each month, often going without food unless someone would bring it to them. That is when Mergens said she first learned that many women and girls …
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In the 80 years since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered his Four Freedoms speech — citing freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear — the United States has made these democratic principles central to its foreign policy. Today, the United States continues to champion human rights as a critical component of …
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The United States is working with Haitian leaders to address the root causes of the Haitian migration crisis. Brian A. Nichols, U.S. assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, traveled to Haiti September 30 to October 1. He met with political and civil society leaders to discuss solutions to benefit all Haitians.
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The climate crisis poses a serious threat to the Department of State’s mission of advancing the interests, health, safety, and economic prosperity of the American people. With thousands of personnel spread out over 270 posts in 190 countries, the Department understands the urgency of frequent extreme weather events and other climate impacts taking place around …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio today in Paris. Secretary Blinken thanked Foreign Minister Di Maio for close coordination on Afghanistan, including Italy’s support for the temporary transit of thousands of Afghans through Naval Air Station Sigonella.
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Well, good morning, everyone. Just a special pleasure to be with my good friend and colleague, Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio. We have been working very, very closely together these past nine months, and in particular, besides our work here at the OECD, Luigi, very much looking forward to continuing to work on the Italian …
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Today in The Hague, the United States and 44 other countries submitted questions to the Russian Federation regarding the poisoning of Mr. Aleksey Navalny on Russian soil last year. The presentation of these questions coincides with the Ninety-Eighth Session of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Executive Council, a 41-member policy-making body charged …
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The United States is stepping up efforts to combat corruption and support honest governance around the world. President Biden, in a June 3 memorandum, elevated the fight against global corruption to a national security priority. Anti-corruption efforts are one of three pillars of the Summit for Democracy that Biden will host December 9-10. The other two …
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A technology designer, a landscape ecologist and a radio producer for Spanish-speaking communities in the Americas are among the 25 recipients of the 2021 MacArthur Foundation fellowships, often called “genius grants.” “As we emerge from the shadows of the past two years, this class of 25 fellows helps us reimagine what’s possible,” said Cecilia Conrad, …
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Australia, India, Japan and the United States are strengthening cooperation through their Quad partnership to tackle pressing challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. “We are four major democracies with a long history of cooperation,” President Biden said while hosting the first in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit at the White House September 24. “We know how to …
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The Amur leopard runs 60 kilometers per hour and leaps 6 meters horizontally and 3 meters vertically. Yet this remarkable cat, like so many other animals, is endangered. The first step you can take toward conserving animal species is to understand what harms them.
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Thank you very much, Taoiseach. Secretary-General Guterres, thank you for your presence, thank you for your leadership on climate. And Taoiseach, thank you so much for convening today’s discussion, for putting the connection between climate and security on the Security Council’s agenda. And thank you as well, together with our colleagues from Niger, for the important work …
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As I said yesterday at the United Nations, nothing is more urgent than all of us working together to defeat COVID-19. And that — that world is going to be much better prepared for future pandemics. We have to do both. This summit is about supercharging our efforts in three key areas: vaccinating the world …
Read More» Vaccination is the most effective response to the COVID pandemic. The United States and the EU are technological leaders in advanced vaccine platforms, given decades of investments in research and development. It is vital that we aggressively pursue an agenda to vaccinate the world. Coordinated U.S. and EU leadership will help expand supply, deliver in …
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Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, my fellow delegates, to all those who dedicate themselves to this noble mission of this institution: It’s my honor to speak to you for the first time as President of the United States. We meet this year in a moment of — intermingled with great pain and extraordinary possibility. We’ve lost …
Read More» Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio today. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Di Maio discussed U.S. and Italian collaboration to mobilize an effective global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The United States and European Union announced today the Global Methane Pledge, an initiative to reduce global methane emissions to be launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in November in Glasgow. President Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged countries at the U.S.-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and …
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The United States and international partners are ensuring COVID-19 vaccines reach people in remote and traditionally underserved communities around the world. The United States is providing more than 600 million safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses — with no political strings attached — to developing countries and economies. Most donations are through COVAX, an international partnership designed to …
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Hispanic writers, painters, actors, singers, filmmakers and fashion designers are prominent in the U.S. arts scene. These eight greats have drawn on their Latin American roots as well as the complexity and richness of their American experience to shape the artistic landscape
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Today, National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy convened the sixth National Climate Task Force meeting where she was joined by Cabinet members and senior leadership from across the federal government. The Climate Task Force discussed the President’s recent travel to New York, New Jersey, Idaho, California, and Colorado, which demonstrates the mounting costs of the climate …
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Folks, last week, I laid out a six-point plan for the fall to beat this pandemic, and it’s based on what science tells us. And vaccination is key to getting the pandemic under control and keeping — and keeping the economy strong. And the first part of the plan is to vaccinate the unvaccinated. …
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A strong democracy encourages a free press — one that keeps the public informed, enables a diversity of voices, and holds leaders accountable. There’s so much news around us — on the internet, television and radio and in newspapers — it’s easy to forget what an important role reporters play. In the U.S., the press …
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Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. Ranking Member Risch, thank you very much. And to all members, I appreciate the opportunity to be with all of you today to discuss our policy on Afghanistan, including where we are, how we got here, and where we’re going in the weeks and months ahead. For 20 years, …
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On this International Day of Democracy, we underscore our support for democracy as we strive toward a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world. The United States places democracy and human rights at the center of our foreign policy; they are essential elements in achieving and sustaining peace and stability the world over. Our commitment is firm and …
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Good evening, my fellow Americans. I want to talk to you about where we are in the battle against COVID-19, the progress we’ve made, and the work we have left to do. And it starts with understanding this: Even as the Delta variant 19 [sic] has — COVID-19 — has been hitting this country hard, …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will join the Department of State workforce in honoring the lives and memories of those we lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Secretary Blinken will host the ceremony at 9:00 a.m. EDT on Friday, September 10, at the Department of State. Under Secretary for Arms Control and …
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Just before arriving here in Germany, I was in Doha; I had a chance to meet with our friend, Foreign Minister Al Thani, and the emir as well and to thank them personally for Qatar’s remarkable partnership with all of us and particularly in allowing the transit of more than 58,000 people evacuated from Afghanistan, …
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Before I really begin, I want to say that I think one of the biggest things that’s changed is — my dear mother, God bless her soul, used to say, “Out of everything bad, something good will come if you look hard enough for it.” And I think one of the good things that’s come …
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The United States mobilized an unprecedented, global effort through our diplomatic channels to evacuate U.S. citizens, personnel from partner nations, and at-risk Afghans from Kabul. In total, the United States and our partners relocated more than 124,000 people to safety, including 6,000 U.S. citizens. With support from partners and allies, the United States put together a global network – consisting of more than …
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First, our new team in Doha is up and running. Second, we’re in constant contact with Americans who remain in Afghanistan and may still wish to leave. We’ve assigned case management teams to each remaining American citizen who has expressed an interest in leaving. As you know, starting in March, we sent 19 separate notices …
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“The United States has successfully evacuated and facilitated the evacuation of over 100,000 people and their families on U.S. military and coalition flights. The departure of planes bound for the United States is the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of American citizens and Afghans who have undergone much hardship,” said Thomas Smitham, …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio today. Secretary Blinken extended the United States’ deep appreciation for Italy’s support for evacuation and relocation operations from Afghanistan and discussed with Foreign Minister Di Maio plans for diplomatic, security, and humanitarian engagement in Afghanistan.
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When Bushai Ayat Othou learned COVID-19 vaccine doses would be available in South Sudan, she felt elated. But rumors and misinformation soon raised concerns in her mind. A UNICEF myth-debunking session, held in the Malakal region, gave Othou confidence in the vaccine and she received her shot the first day it was available. “We saw …
Read More» We continue to closely monitor events and carefully assess conditions in Afghanistan. The safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas remain a top priority.
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Last night in Kabul, the United States ended 20 years of war in Afghanistan — the longest war in American history. We completed one of the biggest airlifts in history, with more than 120,000 people evacuated to safety. That number is more than double what most experts thought were possible. No nation — no nation …
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The United States is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with security and prosperity for all nations, Vice President Harris said. In a major speech in Singapore August 24, Harris outlined an “optimistic vision” for the Indo-Pacific region based on partnerships between nations committed to freedom of navigation, trade, human rights and sustainable growth. “The …
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Eighteen days ago, the United States and our allies began our evacuation and relocation operation in Kabul. As you just heard from the Pentagon, a few hours ago, that operation was completed. More than 123,000 people have been safely flown out of Afghanistan. That includes about 6,000 American citizens. This has been a massive military, …
Read More» We are all committed to ensuring that our citizens, nationals and residents, employees, Afghans who have worked with us and those who are at risk can continue to travel freely to destinations outside Afghanistan. We have received assurances from the Taliban that all foreign nationals and any Afghan citizen with travel authorization from our countries …
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On Monday, August 30, 2021, the United States will host a virtual ministerial meeting with key partners on Afghanistan, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Qatar, the European Union, and NATO. The participants will discuss an aligned approach for the days and weeks ahead.
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This morning, I met with my national security team in Washington and my commanders in the field. We discussed the strike that U.S. forces took last night against the terrorist group ISIS-K in Afghanistan. I said we would go after the group responsible for the attack on our troops and innocent civilians in Kabul, and …
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U.S. emergency workers are rushing to assist Haiti after a massive earthquake, searching for survivors, airlifting them to hospitals and delivering urgent humanitarian assistance. President Biden authorized an immediate response after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on August 14. The earthquake killed at least 2,200 people and injured more than 12,000 as of August …
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Been a tough day. This evening in Kabul, as you all know, terrorists attacked — that we’ve been talking about and worried about, that the intelligence community has assessed has [was] undertaken — an attack — by a group known as ISIS-K — took the lives of American service members standing guard at the airport, and wounded …
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Today’s bombings around the Kabul airport were a devastating reminder of the dangerous conditions in which our servicemembers and diplomats are operating as we conclude the United States’ 20-year military mission in Afghanistan. As the President said, the servicemembers who were killed and wounded today are heroes. They put their lives on the line to …
Read More» As a mark of respect for the U.S. service members and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be …
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We’ve seen time and again how the technologies we rely on — from our cell phones to pipelines, to the electric grid — can become targets of ha- — hackers and criminals. At the same time, our skilled cybersecurity workforce has not grown fast enough to keep pace. We’re about — the estimates many of …
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After a strict process, the FDA has reaffirmed its findings that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, and the FDA has given its full and final approval. So let me say this loudly and clearly: If you have — if you’re one of the millions of Americans who said that they will not …
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Vaccines have helped limit the spread of many deadly diseases and enabled us to eradicate smallpox. Innovators in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and other countries have developed safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19 that are helping fight the pandemic. U.S. pharmaceutical firm Moderna and German-based BioNTech, in partnership with U.S.-based Pfizer, have …
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The Olympic and Paralympic Games unite the world in peaceful competition. Delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Summer Paralympic Games run August 24 through September 5 in Tokyo. The United States celebrates the athletes whose feats of strength, beauty, grace and sportsmanship remind us all of our shared humanity.
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As the United States mobilizes an unprecedented, global effort to evacuate Americans, personnel from partner nations, and vulnerable Afghans, we are working closely with our allies to ramp up evacuation/relocation operations. Our focus right now is getting people out of harm’s way. To do that, the United States is working with the government of Italy …
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Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke today with Italian Minister of Defense Lorenzo Guerini regarding the latest developments in Afghanistan. He expressed appreciation for the continued close coordination between Italy and the United States to safely evacuate our citizens, at-risk Afghans who supported the coalition war effort, and vulnerable Afghan nationals.
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President Biden will virtually meet with G7 leaders on August 24, 2021. The leaders will discuss continuing our close coordination on Afghanistan policy and evacuating our citizens, the brave Afghans who stood with us over the last two decades, and other vulnerable Afghans. They will also discuss plans to provide humanitarian assistance and support for Afghan refugees. The …
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President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy talked today about the latest developments in Afghanistan. They discussed the importance of continued close coordination between their military and civilian personnel in Kabul, who are working together tirelessly to safely evacuate their citizens, Afghans who courageously supported us and NATO in the war effort, …
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Good afternoon. I’ve just met with the Vice President, Secretary Blinken, Secretary Austin, National Security Advisor Sullivan, and other members the national security leadership team in the Situation Room to discuss our ongoing efforts to evacuate American citizens, third-country civilians, Afghan allies, and vulnerable Afghans. And I want to provide the American people with a …
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We are united in our deep concern about the grave events in Afghanistan and call for an immediate end to the violence. We also express deep concerns about reports of serious human rights violations and abuses across Afghanistan. We affirm our commitment to the statement by the UN Security Council on 16 August, and we …
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Good afternoon. I want to speak today to the unfolding situation in Afghanistan: the developments that have taken place in the last week and the steps we’re taking to address the rapidly evolving events. My national security team and I have been closely monitoring the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and moving quickly to …
Read More» President Biden is pleased to announce that in December he will bring together leaders from a diverse group of the world’s democracies at a virtual Summit for Democracy, to be followed in roughly a year’s time by a second, in-person Summit.
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In commemoration of Eid al-Adha, we honor Muslim frontline worker Younes El Sharkawy, who embodies the universal values of service, selflessness, and compassion in service to bettering the lives of others. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, Younes El Sharkawy, a medical student at the University of Brescia, volunteered with Bresciasoccorso’s ambulance service and worked …
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Carissa Moore of Honolulu, Hawaii, is the top-ranked female surfer in the world and a four-time world champion. She won a world title at 18, becoming the youngest person to achieve that feat. Moore is one of four Americans competing for the USA Surfing Team in the sport’s Olympic debut in Tokyo. Moore learned to surf …
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Before I turn to today’s announcement, I want to take a moment to address a few urgent matters. First, I want to condemn again the attack on Friday against the commercial ship the Mercer Street, which was peacefully transiting through the north Arabian Sea in international waters when it was targeted by a drone laden …
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Washing your hands frequently is one of the best ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but access to soap and water is a challenge for some 3 billion people worldwide. That’s why the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Water for the World (PDF, 171 KB) programs, provides water and hygiene products and promotes the …
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The United States and international partners are investing $80 billion in Africa’s private sector to help end the COVID-19 pandemic and spur sustainable growth. The commitment that the Group of Seven (G7) nations and international development banks announced in June will support renewable energy and infrastructure development, as well as Africa’s manufacturing, agriculture and technology …
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Preserving our planet requires the collective action of every nation on earth. Each country must do its part, even if its contribution is small, said Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry. “We have to make choices — together. Life is about choices,” Kerry said at the Royal Botanic Gardens in London on July 20. “So is …
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The Olympics are about more than dazzling feats of athletic prowess, stirring pageantry and how often a country’s anthem is played during gold medal presentations. They also sound a clarion call for world peace. It’s a tradition dating back to the first games in 776 B.C.E., when the kings of three warring Greek city-states struck a …
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On July 28, Charge d’Affaires Thomas Smitham hosted an event in honor of American actor Harvey Keitel who was in Italy as Honorary President of the Filming Italy Sardinia Festival. CDA Smitham gave remarks expressing solidarity with the people of Sardinia who are suffering from devastating fires. The CDA also highlighted the power of culture …
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Today, the United States is launching a plan to address the root causes of irregular migration from Central America and to manage migration humanely throughout North and Central America. As President Biden announced shortly after taking office, the United States is committed to a multi-year, $4 billion, comprehensive, regional strategy to improve people’s lives throughout …
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It’s the oft-asked question of impatient children going on a vacation. Last year, for 237 million people during the COVID-19 pandemic, “there” referred to one of America’s national parks. The National Park Service, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, controls 423 national parks and employs 20,000 people, including park rangers, to look after them.
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Violence against journalists is blatant repression. However, authoritarian regimes are finding that less obvious, nonviolent tactics like freezing assets, revoking licenses or blocking access to ink can shutter newspapers without provoking international outcry, according to the watchdog group Reporters Without Borders. “Someone not paying close attention may assume that the newspaper was the victim of …
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22 luglio 2021 La seguente intervista è apparsa sul quotidiano “La Repubblica” del giorno 22 luglio 2021 di Maurizio Molinari “By protecting the environment we have a real possibility of making life better for people; we are on the verge of the greatest change since the industrial revolution”. U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John …
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John Kerry, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London July 20, 2021 Thank you Robin for a remarkably generous introduction. Ladies and gentlemen I accept the nomination. [laughter] I really appreciate Robin being here and I’m a great admirer of the incredible work of Chatham House, so thank you very, very much for being …
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The United States is pleased to announce nearly $155 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Iraq as well as Iraqi refugees in the region and generous communities hosting them. With this additional funding from the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. humanitarian support for Iraq amounts to …
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The U.S. Department of State’s Investment Climate Statements provide country-specific information on the business climates of more than 170 countries and economies. They are prepared by economic officers stationed in embassies and posts around the world and analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses of all sizes.
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Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry had a phone call on July 14 with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss U.S.-Russia cooperation on combatting the climate crisis. Special Presidential Envoy Kerry emphasized that the United States and Russia have important roles to play, including on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in this critical decade, aiming …
Read More» At the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), June 21 – July 14, the United States pushed forward on priority issues as an observer state while actively pursuing election to the Council for the 2022-2024 term. We continued to model the integrity we intend to bring to Council leadership, recognizing that we are most …
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Every 10 years, the United States redraws the lines that decide legislative districts at the federal and state levels. In the federal government, each state has two senators, but the 435 House of Representatives seats are divided among the states based on their population. That means the census, which happens every 10 years in years …
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But thank you all for being here. I truly appreciate it. Governor, it’s above and beyond the call. Mr. Mayor, I’d compli- — I thought you were a great mayor — still think you are — but your judgment in fiancées is even stronger. And — but — but all of you. And a good …
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The Biden Administration is committed to promoting democratic values that underpin a stable international system critical to freedom, prosperity, and peace. This Administration will defend and protect human rights around the world, and recognizes the prevention of atrocities is a core national security interest and a core moral responsibility. This report highlights countries of concern and whole-of-government …
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Folks, I want to start by recognizing the remarkable protests that are taking place in Cuba, with the Cuban people demanding their freedom from an authoritarian regime. And I don’t think we’ve seen anything like this protest in a long, long time — if, quite frankly, ever. The United States stands firmly with the people …
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Radhika Bolakhe, a dairy farmer near Kathmandu, Nepal, used to spend hours manually cutting feed for livestock. But after the Patikhoriya Cooperative invested in training and equipment for its more than 1,300 members, Bolakhe says she can now cut feed in 20 minutes. “We could not afford the machinery needed to chop hay and straw …
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Good afternoon. Earlier today, I was briefed by our senior military and national security leaders on the status of the drawdown of U.S. forces and allied forces in Afghanistan. When I announced our drawdown in April, I said we would be out by September, and we’re on track to meet that target. Our military …
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In 2020, as governments focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, human traffickers found new ways to perpetrate their crimes, a new State Department report says. Traffickers targeted vulnerable families with fraudulent offers that led to exploitation. And more time online left some more vulnerable to trafficking. Meanwhile, lockdowns and social distancing requirements limited victims’ access to …
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The United States is working with allies across Europe to counter human rights abuses, preserve democracy and tackle climate change. On his trip to Germany, France, Italy and the Vatican, Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the United States’ long-lasting relationships with each of the countries and the United States’ commitment to strengthening the NATO …
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The United States is working to develop more avenues for legal migration while also developing efficient, effective and humane ways to enforce current immigration policies. “The President and I are absolutely committed to ensuring that our immigration system is orderly and humane,” said Vice President Harris on a June 25 trip to the U.S.-Mexico border …
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When an earthquake begins, a few seconds’ warning can mean the difference between life and death. New U.S. technology will give millions that warning. Already in domestic use, it’s being tested in countries such as Chile, Greece, Israel, the Republic of Korea and Turkey, among other nations. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) partnered with …
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The U.S. is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing safe, effective vaccines to as many people as possible while increasing supply. Nations need strong health systems that are able to deliver vaccines. Because COVID-19 disrupted health, education, jobs and the fight against HIV and AIDS in many nations, the U.S is providing humanitarian aid worldwide. By working with partners, the …
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CDA Smitham It is our custom/tradition to celebrate United States’ Independence Day here in Villa Taverna. Unfortunately, this year it was not possible. However, we are honored to be able to host Minister Di Maio and Secretary of State Blinken to commemorate July 4th in the spirit of friendship between our countries. Secretary Blinken Thank …
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Acting Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Ian Brownlee shares important steps we are taking toward ensuring the fair treatment of LGBTQI+ U.S. citizens.
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This year’s Trafficking in Persons Report sends a strong message to the world that global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and enduring discriminatory policies and practices, have a disproportionate effect on individuals already oppressed by other injustices. These challenges further compound existing vulnerabilities to exploitation, including human trafficking. We must break this …
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Women are a powerful force for peace and essential partners in advancing international security. The United States has long championed the safe, meaningful participation of women in our diplomatic, development, and defense efforts. As underscored by the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Act of 2017 and our support of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will release the 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report) at 1 p.m. EDT on Thursday, July 1, 2021, in the Benjamin Franklin Room at the U.S. Department of State. As required by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the TIP Report assesses government efforts around the world to combat …
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Well, it’s hard to say what Russia’s goal is because it’s hard to put oneself in – necessarily the mind of Russian leaders. But what I can tell you is this: President Biden met with President Putin recently in Geneva and told him very clearly that we would like a more predictable, stable relationship. And …
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Secretary Blinken travels to Bari and Matera, Italy, June 28-29, to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where he will reinforce the United States’ commitment to strong coordination with partners and allies to address global challenges, including combating the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening global health security, supporting democracy and human rights, addressing the climate crisis, preventing famine and acute food insecurity, and fostering a sustainable and …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Rome. Secretary Blinken and President Mattarella emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Italy partnership in the global effort to combat the climate crisis and recover from COVID-19. They also discussed our shared values, including in the context of human rights in China and around the globe, as well as our collective support for Libya’s plan to hold national elections in …
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I am particularly delighted that we’re meeting so soon after the G7, NATO, the U.S.-EU leader summits. Italy and the United States did significant work together in the leadup to those meetings, and that helped lay the groundwork for the real commitments the countries made at the summits themselves.
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At the Global Coalition Ministerial in Rome on June 28, the U.S. Department of State wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the Coalition and its goals. The 83-member Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS has worked diligently since 2014 to reduce the threat ISIS poses to international security and our homelands.
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Mr. Foreign Minister, Luigi, my friend, thank you so much. And thank you for the extraordinary job in bringing us all together, and it’s wonderful to be with so many colleagues today. Mostly, thank you for hosting what is a very important meeting. And to all of the members of the Global Coalition to Defeat …
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The Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS, reconvening in-person after two years, met today in Rome at the invitation of Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio and U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. The Ministers reaffirmed their shared determination to continue the fight against Daesh/ISIS, and to create conditions for the enduring defeat of the terrorist …
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Well, thank you all very, very much, and Tom, thank you not just for your very kind words but thank you for your remarkable leadership here, and Jenny and Patrick, to both of you as well. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it, we appreciate it, the President appreciates it. And I have …
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In the past few years, mistakes were made. Israel’s bipartisan standing was hurt. We will fix those mistakes together. In the past few days I spoke with a series of American leaders, both Democrats and Republicans. I reminded them all that we share America’s most basic values – freedom, democracy, free markets, the constant search …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with the heads of the Rome-Based Food Security Agencies today in Rome, including UN World Food Program (WFP) Executive Director David Beasley and UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Qu Dongyu. Secretary Blinken affirmed the importance of combating global hunger as well as addressing the main drivers …
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Prior to his arrival in Rome, Acting Special Envoy Godfrey travelled to Erbil on June 22 for meetings with senior officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq. On June 24, Acting Special Envoy Godfrey led a delegation of officials to northeast Syria to visit the Al-Hol camp for displaced persons, where they heard updates from …
Read More» Secretary Antony J. Blinken will travel to Rome and Matera, Italy, June 27-29, where he will meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio to discuss the importance of Transatlantic unity and our strong bilateral relationship. They will also discuss the economic and security ties that strengthen …
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The United States joined other leading industrialized nations in the Group of Seven to announce new measures to tackle climate change, both at home and abroad. Through the new Build Back Better World (B3W) Partnership, the G7 nations — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States — will work together …
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The United States is purchasing a half a billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to donate to nearly 100 developing countries around the world through COVAX. President Biden announced the “monumental commitment by the American people” on June 10, saying the donation lays the foundation for democratic nations’ sustained efforts to rid the world of COVID-19. “We’re …
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The United States is collaborating with Central American leaders — in the government, private sector and civil society — to address the root causes of irregular migration. “Our goal is to work with the people of Central America to create safe, prosperous, democratic societies where citizens can build their own lives with dignity,” said State …
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In Rome, Secretary Blinken and Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio will co-chair a meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. On the margins of the D-ISIS meeting, the Secretary will participate in a Syria Ministerial to discuss the crisis in Syria and underscore the importance of meeting humanitarian needs. He will also have …
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Bees, bats and butterflies aren’t pests. They’re hardworking pollinators, supporting plant life, ecosystems and agriculture. They also are important enough for the Obama administration to take notice, calling pollinators “critical to the nation’s economy, food security and environmental health.”
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Malaria kills more than 400,000 people each year, most of them children under age 5. That may change soon, thanks to a promising vaccine developed by U.S. and other researchers. Malaria is spread by mosquitos and infects more than 200 million people annually. The new vaccine, called R21, has proven 77% effective in preventing malaria …
Read More» Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will join Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio in co-hosting a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS on June 28 to discuss efforts in the campaign to achieve the enduring defeat of ISIS. Ministers will discuss ways to …
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I think obviously, as you know, President Biden recently took part in both the NATO and the U.S.-EU summits just last week. And his participation obviously underscored the U.S. commitment to a strong transatlantic partnership. And it’s a partnership based on shared interests and values, and as the Secretary travels, as Ned just mentioned, in …
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Today, I join people around the globe in commemorating World Refugee Day, a day when we recognize the courage and humanity of the millions forced to flee violence, persecution, and war. It is also a moment to honor the generosity of communities welcoming refugees and the bravery and dedication of humanitarian workers who provide life-saving …
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World Refugee Day presents an opportunity to recognize the courage and resilience of the millions of refugees who have been forced to flee their homes, the generosity of the communities that host them, and the united global response of humanitarian partners that help them. We mark today with news that the immense global forced displacement …
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In Berlin, the Secretary will attend the Second Berlin Conference on Libya to support national elections in December and the withdrawal of foreign forces. While in Berlin, Secretary Blinken will meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas to highlight the importance of the U.S.-Germany relationship in addressing common challenges and priorities.
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Juneteenth, or June 19, is a reflective day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery. Yet it wasn’t until two and a half years later, on June 19, 1865, that his notice of freedom was received across our country. …
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We, President of the United States of America Joseph R. Biden and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, note the United States and Russia have demonstrated that, even in periods of tension, they are able to make progress on our shared goals of ensuring predictability in the strategic sphere, reducing the risk of armed …
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The United States works to stop forced labor around the world. That’s why it won’t import seafood from a fishing fleet based out of the People’s Republic of China. A yearlong U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigation found evidence that PRC-based Dalian Ocean Fishing Company demonstrated all 11 of the International Labour Organization’s indicators of forced …
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U.S. scientists are developing technologies and new approaches to reduce desertification and in some cases return harmed land to its earlier fertile condition. A classic example of desertification is the 1930s Dust Bowl period in the United States, which devastated Midwestern states. It was a time when severe droughts combined with poor land-management practices to …
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I’m happy to have with me today the members of my Cabinet: Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken; he suffers from the problem of having worked with me for years. And also Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai, who has made some real progress already. And Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, who was a first-rate governor and …
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The United States and the European Union represent 780 million people who share democratic values and the largest economic relationship in the world. We have a chance and a responsibility to help people make a living and keep them safe and secure, fight climate change, and stand up for democracy and human rights. We laid …
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with Prime Minister Draghi of Italy on the margins of the G7 Summit. President Biden pledged to further deepen our strong bilateral ties, highlighting this year’s 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Italy. The President and the Prime Minister pledged to …
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Of the seven species, three — the green, hawksbill and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles — are listed as endangered or critically endangered on the Red List of Threatened Species, issued by the nonprofit International Union for Conservation of Nature. Another three — the leatherback, olive ridley and loggerhead sea turtles — are listed as “vulnerable,” …
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The U.S. Agency for International Development is committed to immunizing people everywhere. Immunization is cost-effective, slows or halts preventable disease and gives children a healthy start in life. Most importantly, it saves an estimated 2 million to 3 million lives each year, cutting child deaths globally by at least half. During the last decade, USAID’s child health …
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The 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision that ensured a nationwide right to same-sex marriage was a significant milestone on the path to equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) people. The ruling came after many years of activism by individuals, organizations and lawmakers whose work changed hearts, minds, and — eventually …
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Thank you, very much Chairman Menendez, Ranking Member Risch, all the members of the committee here today. Very much appreciate this opportunity to talk about the proposed budget and how it will help us achieve our national security priorities and deliver results for the American people, which is our common responsibility and common cause. We …
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The United States is open for business. Together with its international partners, it continues to spur global economic growth. From June 7 to June 11, the 2021 SelectUSA Investment Summit will illustrate just how and give entrepreneurs from around the world the opportunity to make valuable business connections with American partners. Hosted virtually this year by the …
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The United States will celebrate the accomplishments of great American women on new coins, starting with writer Maya Angelou and astronaut Sally Ride in 2022. The U.S. Mint will feature as many as five new women on U.S. quarter dollars each year through 2025. The Mint recently announced that Angelou and Ride will be the …
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There is only one global ocean — a vast body of water that covers 71 percent of the Earth. That ocean is geographically divided into five ocean basins: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Southern. A healthy planet needs a healthy ocean. The interdependency of the five basins and humans’ dependence on the marine environment …
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Forty years ago today, five young men in Los Angeles were confirmed as the first known patients stricken with an illness that the world would later come to know as AIDS. In the decades since, more than 700,000 Americans and 32.7 million people worldwide have been lost to AIDS-related illnesses – a heartbreaking human toll …
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The United States has promised to send a projected 80 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to other nations. On June 3, President Biden announced how the first 25 million will be distributed. In his statement, the president said that at least 75% of the vaccines will go to COVAX — the international partnership working to distribute vaccines to …
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures that food produced in the United States is safe to eat, benefiting consumers at home and abroad. The FDA, the U.S. government’s oldest consumer protection agency, regulates 78% of the U.S. food supply and has conducted international inspections since 1955. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees meat, poultry and egg …
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The events we speak of today took place 100 years ago. And yet, I’m the first President in 100 years ever to come to Tulsa — (applause) — I say that not as a compliment about me, but to think about it — a hundred years, and the first President to be here during that entire …
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On behalf of the American people, I send my heartfelt congratulations to you and the people of Italy as you celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Republic. This year also marks the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Italy and the United States. The deep, longstanding ties between …
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On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send sincere congratulations to the people of Italy as they celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Republic.
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Today is MemorialDay, the day we honor fallen men and women in the name of freedom. Close in solid friendship, the United States and Italy continue to work together for a more prosperous and democratic world.
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On Memorial Day, we honor and reflect upon the courage, integrity, and selfless dedication of the members of our Armed Forces who have made the greatest sacrifice in service to our Nation. Whether in the waters of the Pacific, on the beachheads of Europe, in the deserts of the Middle East, or in the mountains of Afghanistan, American …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Secretary Blinken and Secretary General Stoltenberg discussed next month’s NATO Summit as well as NATO’s importance to the security and prosperity of the Transatlantic community and the world. The Secretary and the Secretary General stressed that adapting and modernizing NATO to …
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You know, certain places, just by chance and circumstance, can become markers in the course of your life or of a na- — of the course of the nation. And for me, Tri-C is one of those places. Just a little over a year ago, March 10, 220- — in 2020, I came to Cleveland …
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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 unprecedented action by the Belarusian authorities in arresting independent journalist Raman Pratasevich and his companion, Sofia Sopega, after forcing flight FR4978 …
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The United States is a strong partner with African nations, supporting public health and economic growth across the continent. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Akunna Cook told an Africa Day celebration May 25 that the Biden administration is committed to advancing America’s long-standing partnerships with African nations. “We believe in the nations of …
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Ntokozo Zakwe grew up in a South African community where girls seldom dreamed of a safe, healthy and hopeful future, or a life free of HIV/AIDS. “There were no mentors or role models. There was poverty, rape and violence,” recalled Zakwe. “All these factors left us vulnerable to HIV.” Today Zakwe is full of hope …
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We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States of America wish to make clear that Syria’s May 26 presidential election will neither be free nor fair. We denounce the Assad regime’s decision to hold an election outside of the framework described in UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and …
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And let me start by conveying the deep condolences of the United States to the families who’ve lost loved ones in the recent violence – the children, the women, the men whose lives were lost. I say this as a father. No child, whether Israeli, Palestinian, or American, is a statistic. We know the human …
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President Biden asked me to come here today, really, for four reasons: First, to demonstrate the commitment of the United States to Israel’s security, to start to work toward greater stability and reduce tensions in the West Bank and Jerusalem, to support urgent humanitarian and reconstruction assistance for Gaza, to benefit the Palestinian people, and …
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The Global Pursuit of Racial Justice (Video)
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The Summer of 2020 saw the United States’ biggest protests for racial justice and civil rights in a generation, when deaths of African Americans in police custody brought a national reckoning with systemic racism. As we near the one year anniversary of some of the largest demonstrations in U.S. history, Dr. Alvin Tillery, Associate Professor of Political Science at Northwestern University, discusses: what …
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In my conversation with President [Prime Minister] Netanyahu, I commended him for the decision to bring the current hostilities to a close within less than 11 days. I also emphasized what I have said throughout this conflict: The United States fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks from Hamas and other …
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Foreign ministers, permanent participant heads of delegation, working group representatives, Arctic Council observers and guests, it really is an honor to join you for this meeting of the Arctic Council. And I’m especially pleased to be here today with Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, a longstanding leader and expert on Arctic issues.
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Today, at the 12th Arctic Council Ministerial meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland, foreign ministers from all eight Arctic States signed onto the 2021 joint declaration reaffirming the Council’s commitment to maintain peace, stability, and constructive cooperation in the Arctic region, emphasizing Arctic States’ unique position to promote responsible governance in the region, and asserting the importance …
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Secretary Blinken will lead the U.S. delegation to the 12th Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council May 19-20, in Reykjavik, Iceland. The United States will join the seven other Arctic States and six Permanent Participants at this biennial gathering to ensure the region remains free of conflict and to strengthen cooperation on issues such as …
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Without bees, nearly a third of the plants consumed by humans wouldn’t exist. The hardworking pollinators may be tiny, but they have an enormous impact on the planet. It is no surprise, then, that many American English phrases owe their origin to the work habits of bees. For example, you “make a beeline” when you …
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The 12th Ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council will mark the end of the two-year Icelandic Chairmanship term. The meeting will be held on 20th May 2021 in Reykjavik, Iceland. It provides an opportunity to review the Council’s activities and accomplishments under Iceland’s Chairmanship. It will also see the Russian Federation assume the role for …
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Senior Official for the U.S. Department of State E Under Secretariat and Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Ambassador Marcia Bernicat previews Secretary Blinken’s participation at the Arctic Council Ministerial meetings this week. The United States commends Iceland on their productive Chairmanship these past two years.
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This year’s May 17 marks 16 years since the first International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB). In the intervening period, the United States has endeavored to reaffirm the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex persons. To be sure, we have encountered challenges and …
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“While progress has been made, human rights abuses against transgender persons, particularly trans women of color and non-binary persons, remain all too common in many countries around the world,” said the State Department’s Scott Busby at a virtual event to honor the Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31. “Governments have an obligation to protect, …
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President Biden spoke today with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to convey the U.S. commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Palestinian partnership. They discussed the current tensions in Jerusalem and the West Bank and expressed their shared desire for Jerusalem to be a place of peaceful coexistence for people of all faiths and backgrounds. President Biden updated …
Read More» The President spoke today with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The President reaffirmed his strong support for Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket attacks from Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza. He condemned these indiscriminate attacks against towns and cities across Israel. The President updated the Prime Minister on high-level U.S. engagement with regional …
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Special Presidential Envoy John Kerry will travel to Rome, London, and Berlin, May 13-19, 2021, to meet with European government officials and business leaders on enhancing global climate ambition ahead of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change later this year. In Rome, Special Presidential Envoy …
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The annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom – the International Religious Freedom Report – describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The report covers government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious freedom around the world. The U.S. Department of …
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Special Presidential Envoy John Kerry will travel to Rome, London, and Berlin, May 13-19, 2021, to meet with European government officials and business leaders on enhancing global climate ambition ahead of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change later this year. In Rome, Special Presidential Envoy …
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It sounds like the plot of a Hollywood blockbuster, but it’s real. NASA scientists will soon launch a mission to change the course of a distant asteroid in a test of technology that could one day save planet Earth from disaster. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spaceship could launch as early as July. It …
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The United States stands with partner nations and civil society to ensure the Western Hemisphere remains free and democratic. “The Western Hemisphere is our home,” Vice President Harris said on May 4 during the virtual 51st Washington Conference on the Americas. “And because it is our home, because the people within it are our neighbors, it is imperative …
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The U.S. government, the private sector and the American people are rallying together to deliver emergency assistance as quickly as possible to India as it battles COVID-19. “We will do everything possible to help India,” Vice President Harris told an audience of Indian diaspora communities May 7. Speaking of her Indian heritage and her family members in …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken says the United States will work with other nations to uphold the rules and values that support international peace and cooperation. In May 7 remarks to the U.N. Security Council, Blinken defended a rules-based international order that ushered in the most peaceful and prosperous era in modern history and remains essential …
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When countries came together after World War II to form the United Nations, virtually all of human history up till then indicated that might made right. Competition inevitably led to collision. The rise of a nation or group of nations necessitated the fall of others. Then our nations united in choosing a different path. We …
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The U.S. Department of State is commemorating forgotten heroes who gave their lives decades ago advancing America’s diplomatic mission. An ambassador born into slavery, a hero of the War of 1812, and diplomatic envoys to the Republic of Texas stricken with yellow fever are among the 71 historical names recently added to the memorial to …
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Tai is the 19th person sworn in as U.S. trade representative since an act of Congress created the position in 1962. Before then, the U.S. Department of State conducted U.S. trade and investment diplomacy. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative was created 13 years later. Today, the agency employs 200 professionals with specialized experience in …
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U.S. charities are working to expand access to safe water in communities around the globe. For Isidora Calderon Vargas, a single mother in San Pedro, Bolivia, that means no longer spending 90 minutes each day carrying water to her home. Water for People, based in Denver, has worked in Bolivia since 1997 and in 2019 connected …
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In the United States, government policies, innovations from the American auto industry and consumer interest in clean air have combined over recent decades to reduce emissions from passenger vehicles. President Biden’s American Jobs Plan includes a $15 billion investment for a national network of 500,000 charging stations to give electric vehicle drivers charging options where they need …
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Hakakian and her mother had arrived — as Jewish Iranian refugees — in the U.S in 1985, after Hakakian had come of age during the upheaval and aftermath of the 1979 revolution in her home country. Hakakian is a human rights activist, poet and author whose new book is A Beginner’s Guide to America. On a day …
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On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American — and the second man — to travel in space when he launched a 15-minute, sub-orbital flight aboard NASA’s Mercury spacecraft Freedom 7. (Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin had completed one orbit of the Earth on April 12, about three weeks earlier.) Shepard, whose mission ushered …
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Tomorrow, the United States joins the international community in celebrating World Press Freedom Day. Information and knowledge are powerful tools, and a free and independent press is the core institution connecting publics to the information they need to advocate for themselves, make informed decisions, and hold governmental officials accountable. The United States advocates for press freedom …
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Michael Collins, the Apollo 11 astronaut who decades ago orbited high above the moon for hours while his two crewmates, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, took mankind’s first steps on the moon, died April 28 of cancer. He was 90.
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The United States partners with other countries and international organizations to protect and empower workers around the world. By supporting international labor groups and leveraging trade and development projects, the United States contributes to the protection of workers’ rights and better working conditions for many of the world’s workers.
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Throughout the United States, religious leaders are urging their followers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, dispelling myths and misinformation about the vaccines. Some leaders participate in public health campaigns or offer houses of worship as vaccination sites. And many are getting vaccinated in public or sharing photos of their jab.
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On Tuesday, April 27, CdA Thomas Smitham participated in a ceremony at the Emergency Medicine Unit at Policlinico Umberto I for the donation of medical equipment worth approximately 259 thousand euro. The donation to the Policlinico Umberto I’s ICU consisted of 10 tilting beds, with integrated scales and anti-decubitus mattresses; 10 central multi-parameter monitors, equipped …
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Leaders from around the world committed to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to clean energy at President Biden’s virtual Leaders Summit on Climate. “We made great progress,” Biden said on April 23, the second day of the summit. “I’m grateful to all the leaders who have announced new commitments to help us meet the existential …
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At President Biden’s Leaders Summit on Climate on April 23, 2021, the United States and United Arab Emirates, with endorsement from the United Kingdom’s COP 26 Presidency, and with support from Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Israel, Singapore, and Uruguay, announced plans to launch the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate). The goal of AIM …
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The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travelers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends U.S. citizens reconsider all travel abroad. As travelers face ongoing risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State has updated its Travel Advisories this week to better reflect the Centers for Disease Control …
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On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans rallied together to protect the right of all of us to live free from environmental hazard and harm. On that first Earth Day, they gathered all across America — on college campuses, in public parks, and State capitals — galvanized by a vision of a healthier, more prosperous …
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Good morning to all of our colleagues around the world — the world leaders who are taking part in this summit. I thank you. You know, your leadership on this issue is a statement to the people of your nation and to the people of every nation, especially our young people, that we’re ready to …
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Today, the 51st Earth Day, we must work together to combat the climate crisis and restore our Earth for the benefit of everyone. Each year, an estimated one billion people around the world mobilize for action on Earth Day, and this year, the United States joins this wave of action. This morning, President Biden will welcome leaders from around the globe to the …
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As President Biden and Vice President Harris have made clear, this administration intends to do more than any in U.S. history to meet the climate crisis. What the United States can do at home can make a significant contribution toward keeping the Earth’s warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. That’s why we’re raising our ambitions, as …
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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 country. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Italy. There are restrictions in place affecting U.S. citizen entry into Italy.
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April 22 was established as Earth Day in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson to encourage Americans to protect the environment. Since then it has become a global day of of action to restore our Earth. For Earth Day 2021, President Biden will convene a virtual Leaders Summit on Climate. On U.S. plans to address climate issues, the …
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will join President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and several U.S. cabinet secretaries and private sector and civil society leaders at the Leaders Summit on Climate. President Biden will host leaders from around the world in discussions highlighting the urgent need …
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Many citizens of developing world nations will receive COVID-19 vaccines thanks to funds being raised by the United States and partner organizations. The recently launched COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility Advance Market Commitment (AMC) aims to raise $2 billion to procure and distribute up to 1.8 billion safe and effective vaccines to low- and middle-income countries.
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Well, good afternoon, everyone. And Will, thank you for a wonderful introduction. And thank you for lending us this absolutely spectacular setting and backdrop – certainly the best setting and backdrop I’ve had in my brief tenure as Secretary. And thanks so much to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for your lasting commitment to save the …
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American diplomats represent U.S. values abroad and embody a core tenet of American life: diversity. In the United States, anyone — regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background — can become a diplomat and represent America abroad as a member of the U.S. Foreign Service. One of the many ways the State …
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The renowned environmentalist and author, Rachel Carson, wrote in her seminal book Silent Spring that, “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” …
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The United States and its allies are calling on Russia to stop its military buildup along the border of Ukraine and abide by its international commitments. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken told reporters after an April 14 meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Brussels that representatives of 30 allied nations unanimously opposed Russia’s military …
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Good afternoon, everyone. Earlier this week, I spoke with President Putin of Russia about the nature of our relationship — the relationship between our two countries. And I was candid and respectful; the conversation was candid and respectful. Two great powers with significant responsibility for global stability. And President Putin and I have had a …
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We have engaged Russian authorities to share our concerns about their actions and the steps we are taking in response. The President is signing a new Executive Order on Russia that will broaden the scope of our sanctions authorities. Under this new Executive Order, the U.S. Department of the Treasury is issuing a directive prohibiting U.S. …
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced April 12 that former Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley will be the U.S. Department of State’s first chief diversity and inclusion officer. The State Department supports racial equity both abroad and at home, and has created the position to ensure a diverse and inclusive diplomatic corps.
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Through the Sister Parks program, national parks in the United States share a mission of environmental stewardship with similar parks around the world. Participant countries enter a five-year agreement, overseen by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of International Affairs, with the United States allowing park rangers from both nations to share conservation tips and best practices for …
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The United States is not as old as some other nations, but it includes many historically important cultural sites. The National Historic Landmarks Program helps preserve them for the enjoyment of future generations. Each National Historic Landmark represents an exceptional aspect of American history and culture, according to the U.S. National Park Service (NPS).
Read More» Today we commemorate over 160 years since the unification of Italy as a single state and the establishment of United States-Italy diplomatic relations. Our nations share a deep and enduring friendship, bolstered by the bonds of family and culture that tie our peoples together. It is a particularly meaningful relationship for the millions of proud …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio today in Washington, D.C. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Di Maio celebrated the historic U.S.-Italy relationship, including the establishment of diplomatic relations 160 years ago, and committed to renew the deep and productive ties between the United States and Italy.
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We are working in so many ways on so many different levels, the United States and Italy, to strengthen the prospects for our people across many, many different issues. We have a lot to discuss today. But it’s particularly fitting because this is the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United …
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Jill and I send our warmest greetings and best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world. Ramadan Kareem. As many of our fellow Americans begin fasting tomorrow, we are reminded of how difficult this year has been. In this pandemic, friends and loved ones cannot yet gather together in celebration …
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President Biden is committed to NASA’s multilateral mission to return to the moon and send astronauts to Mars. “Through the Artemis program, the United States government will work with industry and international partners to send astronauts to the surface of the moon,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said February 4, announcing the Biden administration’s …
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After losing her leg to a land mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2016, Justine Nabuko wondered if she would still lead a meaningful life. She suffered discrimination and lost her job as a teacher. Now as vice president of the Victimes des Mines en Action Association, Nabuko helps other land mine …
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Muslim actors, singers, directors and comedians are representing their experiences more authentically in the entertainment industry, from Broadway to Hollywood. In the United States, Islam is the third largest religious demographic and, according to the Pew Research Center, is set to become the second largest by 2040, making it important that Muslim Americans see themselves reflected …
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You know, we’re joined today by the Attorney General, Merrick Garland, who I’ve asked to prioritize gun violence. It’s also good to see the Second Gentleman, who is here. And it’s good to see the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, who cares deeply about this issue as well. And I look out there and …
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Before nominating a candidate, the White House reviews his or her qualifications, finances, career and personal life. U.S. officials also engage the receiving foreign nation to ensure the candidate is acceptable in a process called “agrèment”, which is codified in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
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The United States is pleased to announce that, working with Congress, we plan to restart U.S. economic, development, and humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people. This includes $75 million in economic and development assistance in the West Bank and Gaza, $10 million for peacebuilding programs through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and $150 million in humanitarian assistance …
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The seminary and other houses of worship in the area are partnering with the community health centers to offer vaccination and vaccination sites. They’re seeing these kinds of partnerships where — and not just there, but we’re seeing them all over the country. People are coming together across the different faiths to serve those most …
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Although climate change is a threat to us all, research shows women are more vulnerable than men to its consequences. Women and children are 14 times more likely than men to die from climate disasters such as droughts and floods. And because they make up the majority of the world’s poor, women are the first to feel …
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The United States is working with international partners to defend human rights worldwide as authoritarian regimes step up repression amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “Standing for people’s freedom and dignity honors America’s most sacred values,” Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said March 30, announcing the release of the 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. “At …
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The United States is the world’s single largest financial supporter of conventional weapons destruction, investing more than $4 billion in over 100 countries since 1993 to promote international peace and security by addressing humanitarian hazards from landmines and unexploded ordnance in post-conflict countries, as well as by partnering with nations to reduce the availability of …
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Rock, rap and hip-hop may rule the charts, but jazz, with roots in the spirituals of African-American slaves, is still America’s gift to the world. “There is no better example of democracy than a jazz ensemble: individual freedom but with responsibility to the group,” a primer from the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz explains. Jazz isn’t heard …
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This year marks the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Italy and the United States, dating back to 1861, when Italians came together, propelled by the momentous awakening of the Risorgimento, under the banner of a single, unified Nation. Over the past 75 years, our ties have grown ever closer and our …
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Some churches hold vigils the night before to greet the new day at sunrise and reflect on the meaning of resurrection. Above, the Capitol Church held a sunrise service at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. With Lent officially over, families and friends gather in their homes and churches for an Easter meal.
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Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to Abu Dhabi, New Delhi, and Dhaka April 1-9, 2021, for consultations on increasing climate ambition ahead of President Biden’s Leaders Summit on Climate April 22-23 and the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change later this year. For media inquiries, please contact ClimateComms@state.gov.
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Arab Americans have long made outsized contributions to American society, whether in the area of science, politics, the arts or other disciplines. The 2019 American Community Survey shows an estimated 2.1 million people in the United States reported Arab ancestry. The largest group is of Lebanese ancestry, but others claim Yemeni, Algerian, Saudi Arabian, Tunisian, Kuwaiti, Libyan, Kurdish …
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Later this year, the Department of State will release an addendum to each 2020 country report that expands the subsection on women in Section 6, entitled “Discrimination, Societal Abuses, and Trafficking in Persons,” to include a broader range of issues related to reproductive rights. The addendum will cover maternal health issues such as maternal mortality, …
Read More» I very much want to thank you, Lisa, and thank the many folks at the department, here in Washington but also around the world – in our embassies, in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor – who researched, drafted, and edited these reports. They brought not only their expert knowledge of the issues …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken travels virtually to New York City on March 29 to chair a meeting of the UN Security Council, meet with UN officials, and meet with the staff of the United States Mission to the United Nations. Secretary Blinken’s UN engagements will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to working through …
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When NASA engineers need a name for a robotic Mars “rover,” they know where to find creativity. They turn to America’s young people. More than 28,000 students — from kindergarten through 12th grade — submitted names for the rover that landed on Mars last month. It was Alex Mather, a Virginia seventh-grader, who won the …
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On International Transgender Day of Visibility and every day, the United States defends the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) people around the world. The United States works with groups in over 100 countries to affirm a consistent global message that LGBTQI+ people have the same human rights and fundamental freedoms as …
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Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. participated virtually in a scheduled summit of the European Council. Meeting with the heads of state or government of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU) chaired by European Council President Charles Michel, the President reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing relations between the United States and the European …
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken is pledging U.S. support for NATO as the decades-old alliance faces new global challenges. At the outset of the meeting of NATO foreign ministers on March 23-24 in Brussels, Blinken said the United States and NATO member countries share a common vision of democracy, freedom and a rules-based international order.
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Many of the modern conveniences we rely on each day come from the accomplishments of African American women. Black women inventors helped shape the way we watch movies, conduct online meetings, and even heat and secure our homes. They succeeded in developing new technologies despite obstacles, such as resistance to developing their products and other …
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken wants to revitalize U.S. alliances to counter modern threats, including economic coercion, disinformation and climate change. In a speech March 24 in Brussels, Blinken affirmed America’s commitment to NATO and allies around the world. He urged nations to cooperate in the face of increasingly complex challenges.
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On March 24, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell met in Brussels to discuss ways to strengthen the U.S.- EU relationship and coordinate responses to priority foreign policy, security, and economic issues. They also committed to cooperate in the face of global challenges, including …
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A few weeks ago, not long after becoming Secretary as State, I spoke directly to the American people. I said that my number one job is to ensure that America’s foreign policy delivers for them – that it makes their lives more secure, creates opportunities for their families and communities, and addresses the global challenges …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio today on the margins of the NATO Foreign Ministerial in Brussels. The Secretary emphasized the importance of the enduring partnership between the United States and Italy. The ministers agreed the United States and Italy will continue to work together to address shared …
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On Thursday, March 25, President Biden will meet virtually with the European Council during its summit. At the invitation of European Council President Charles Michel, President Biden will join a session of the EU leaders’ scheduled summit meeting.
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We wanted to get folks together quickly, as we are just now very literally rolling from the NATO Ministerial, just to give a little atmospherics of what we encountered today. We’re going to do this call on background. You can attribute what you hear to a senior State Department Official. For your knowledge, we have …
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Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, has become increasingly popular throughout the United States in recent years. And despite the coronavirus pandemic, Holi’s purpose — to welcome spring and affirm the triumph of good over evil — remains as meaningful as ever.
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President Biden “is committed to building an America that is more inclusive, more just, and more accessible for every American, including Americans with disabilities and their families,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said January 25, announcing that an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be present at daily briefings.
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Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield has a new role as the representative of the United States to the United Nations, America’s highest-profile diplomatic position after secretary of state. Thomas-Greenfield is the 31st person to lead the U.S. Mission to the United Nations since the mission’s creation in 1947 by an act of Congress. She brings decades of experience …
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Members of President Biden’s Cabinet are being confirmed and beginning their work. Below are the names and faces that make up this important group.
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Washing your hands frequently is one of the best ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but access to soap and water is a challenge for some 3 billion people worldwide. That’s why the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Water for the World (PDF, 171 KB) programs, provides water and hygiene products and promotes the …
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After criticizing the Venezuelan government’s response to COVID-19 in April, human rights lawyer Iván Virgüez was arrested and tortured by the illegitimate regime of Nicolás Maduro. Chinese reporter Zhang Zhan traveled to Wuhan, China, in February 2020 to report on the city’s coronavirus outbreak and was later sentenced to four years in prison. The journalist’s …
Read More» Today marks ten years since the Syrian people peacefully took to the streets calling for reform. The Assad regime’s response has been one of appalling violence. President Assad and his backers bear responsibility for the years of war and human suffering that followed. We praise the brave individuals and organisations who over the last ten …
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Dr. Daniel Becker wakes up around 4:30 a.m. every day, pours a cup of coffee, then disappears into his office for an hour. There, he writes poems before starting his day treating patients. Becker is a physician at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, and he is among a growing number of American doctors …
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The United States and Quad partner nations are ramping up production of U.S.-developed vaccines in India to strengthen vaccination efforts across the Indo-Pacific. President Biden announced the vaccine partnership plan March 12 at the outset of the first leaders’ summit of the Quad, a partnership between the United States, India, Japan and Australia.
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This week, President Biden stopped by W.S. Jenks & Son – a historic hardware store in Washington, D.C. Check out his visit in the latest weekly conversation.
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Patricia “Patti” Ann Morton broke the glass ceiling for women at the U.S. Department of State with her persistence and strength in the name of diplomacy. Morton was the first woman to become a State Department security agent in 1972, a position now known as a Diplomatic Security Service special agent. But her colleagues called …
Read More» France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America welcome the vote of confidence by the overwhelming majority of the members of the House of Representatives meeting in Sirte 8-10 March to endorse the cabinet chosen by Prime Minister-designate Abdulhamid Dabaiba for an interim Government of National Unity.
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While Kamala Harris shattered a few glass ceilings metaphorically — becoming the first woman, the first Black American and the first South Asian American elected vice president — Swiss artist Simon Berger did it literall
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From fiddle and blues music to Native American beadwork and canoe building, a March 4 celebration by the 2020 National Heritage Fellows showcased many forms of American folk and traditional arts. Acting Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts Ann Eilers praised the fellows’ art for illustrating that “there are many versions of American life, and …
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Today in Brussels, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry met with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans, and the College of Commissioners to discus efforts to raise global climate ambition heading into COP26 in Glasgow. After their meetings, they released the following statement.
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As the virus continues to spread throughout the world, and with new variants emerging, it is important to improve preparedness and resilience in the health care sector. These ventilators are part of the United States’ $60 million assistance package to Italy that aims to help Italian healthcare institutions, NGOs, and private sector fight the pandemic …
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On Friday, I submitted to the Senate for confirmation my first slate of nominations for four-star command positions in our Armed Forces — among them, two outstanding and eminently qualified warriors and patriots. General Jacqueline Van Ovost in the United States Air Force is currently the only female four-star officer serving in our military. I …
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When NASA’s Perseverance rover searches Mars for signs of ancient life it uses technology from partner nations across Europe. The 2,260-pound (1,025-kilogram) rover is armed with imaging and sensor equipment from France, Italy, Spain and Norway.
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For more than 40 years, biochemist Katalin Karikó researched synthetic messenger RNA (ribonucleic acid), or mRNA — a genetic code. Her path was not easy. She left her native Hungary in 1985 and settled in Philadelphia with her husband and 2-year-old daughter. But while she landed teaching positions, her grant applications to study mRNA were …
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The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi recently supported a session at one of the world’s largest literary festivals, the 2021 Jaipur Literature Festival in Rajasthan, India. The embassy’s participation reflects a commitment to deepen strong people-to-people ties between the United States and India.
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National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke today with Luigi Mattiolo, Diplomatic Advisor to the Italian Prime Minister. Mr. Sullivan welcomed Italy’s new government and underscored his desire to further strengthen our bilateral partnership.
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Innovators on U.S. campuses are fighting COVID-19 by creating masks that detect and protect against the virus that causes it as well as by making breathing through masks and testing easier.
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Since 2015, the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking in 2015 has activated a three-pronged strategy to promote law enforcement, build international cooperation, and reduce demand for illegal wild animals and their parts. The U.S. attorney general and secretaries of State and Interior co-chair the task force, which draws upon 17 federal agencies to implement …
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American and international students are connecting through exchange programs and diplomacy simulations that challenge them to work together and design solutions to global crises. These student diplomats participate in online simulations run by the National Museum of American Diplomacy, whose dedicated education program encourages teachers and students around the world to immerse themselves in the world …
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March is Women’s History Month. Here’s a look at political milestones for U.S. women.
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The U.S. agency that explores outer space is aiding the global fight against climate change. With more than two dozen satellites and other measuring tools, NASA collects massive amounts of environmental data on everything from air pollution to global temperatures. Scientists use that information to better understand climate change and how to slow it.
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Each year, Women’s History Month offers an important opportunity for us to shine a light on the extraordinary legacy of trailblazing American women and girls who have built, shaped, and improved upon our Nation. Throughout American history, women and girls have made vital contributions, often in the face of discrimination and undue hardship. Courageous women …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio today to express his deepest condolences for the tragic death of the Italian Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and two others in an attack on a World Food Program convoy.
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America’s first president, George Washington, voluntarily gave up the office more than two centuries ago. The speech he gave announcing his departure is still so important that it is read aloud every year in the Senate. Washington wrote his Farewell Address in 1796, toward the end of his second term as president. He used the address to …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken participated virtually in today’s EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) at the invitation of EU High Representative Josep Borrell. Secretary Blinken highlighted the United States’ commitment to repairing, revitalizing, and raising the level of ambition in the U.S.-EU relationship. He emphasized the importance of close cooperation with the EU and …
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