The CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.
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Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale Palazzo della Farnesina, Roma June 5, 2023 (As prepared for delivery) Buongiorno everyone. I would like to thank Minister Tajani and the staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for hosting this important event. We appreciate your commitment to this outstanding binational partnership. I would also like …
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Good morning, buongiorno. Division General Pietro Tornabene, Admiral Ishee, Consul General Gupta, Angel and the ABMC team, distinguished guests, veterans, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to be with you today on this important occasion. I am particularly grateful for the current and former members of the military in attendance. We thank you for …
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Good morning, everyone. Twenty-five years ago, President Clinton signed the International Religious Freedom Act into law. And that gave us a range of new tools to give voice to the persecuted, to empower advocates, to promote religious freedom around the world. At that time, President Clinton noted that freedom of religion was a bedrock American …
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Each year, International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) is commemorated in 130 countries on May 17, a date established in 1990 when the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. “We’re celebrating that LGBTQI+ people should no longer be considered mentally ill, sick, or in other ways different just because of …
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Renowned musicians will pay tribute to Andrei Sakharov, the famed Russian Nobel Peace Prize laureate, scientist and human rights activist whose ideas about peace and humanity still resonate more than 30 years after his death.
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Good morning! I would like to thank President Tosti and the Campus for their hospitality and for promoting this important initiative. Thank you to Mirta Michilli and the Fondazione Mondo Digitale for your commitment to an inclusive and fair digital world. I welcome so many young people with so much energy and talent to the …
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First of all, I would like to thank the two crucial leading actors at the core of this great event. Thank you, Director Roberto Sgalla and your team of Centro Studi Americani for hosting all of us today; and Thank you President Leonardo Buonomo and all members of Associazione Italiana Studi Nord Americani (AISNA) for …
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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 is building the broadest and most diverse international human space exploration coalition in history,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in November 2022. The Artemis program aims to land the …
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Even before the United States entered World War II in December 1941, America was sending arms and equipment to the Soviet Union to help it defeat the Nazi invasion. Although in August 1939 the Soviet Union and Germany had signed a nonaggression treaty, Germany’s June 1941 invasion of the USSR brought their alliance to an …
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On April 17, Russian journalist and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza was sentenced to 25 years in prison. His crime? Criticizing the Russian government’s brutal war against Ukraine. Journalists in Iran, many of them women, have been arrested simply for covering demonstrations involving many parts of Iranian society — from teachers and workers’ unions to lawyers and students.
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The U.N.’s Black Sea Grain Initiative has delivered nearly 28 million metric tons of Ukrainian foodstuffs to help many of the world’s most needy. The deal also has helped to lower global food prices. “This critical work is done against the backdrop of the ongoing war and active hostilities,” Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. …
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The United States and Ukraine are working together with the international business community to accelerate rebuilding efforts in Ukraine. The U.S.-Ukraine Partnership Forum brought together government, private sector and other leaders to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington April 13 to discuss ways to rebuild and revitalize Ukraine’s economy. “The need for the bold and original ideas of …
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Following intense negotiation over the past 48 hours, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have agreed to implement a nationwide ceasefire starting at midnight on April 24, to last for 72 hours. During this period, the United States urges the SAF and RSF to immediately and fully uphold the ceasefire. To …
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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will deliver remarks at the opening session of the conference on April 18 and participate in a Q&A session with in-person attendees. Only the opening session will be livestreamed on the U.S. Department of State website and on YouTube . The conference will be chaired by U.S. …
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Today, the Department of State and the Department of Treasury are imposing sanctions on more than 120 entities and individuals across more than 20 countries and jurisdictions in connection with the Russian Federation’s unlawful and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, including facilitators of sanctions evasion.
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While visiting a farm outside Lusaka, Zambia, Vice President Harris announced $7 billion in private sector investments to boost food production across Africa and mitigate the effects of climate change. The March 31 announcement came as the vice president wrapped up a weeklong trip to Africa, which included visits to Ghana and Tanzania.
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The department’s International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI) will be spread over five years in $100 million allotments, starting in fiscal year 2023. The bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the $280 billion package that President Biden signed into law in August 2022, released the money that powers new initiatives with American allies and partners.
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As the Thomas Jefferson Memorial turns 80 on April 13, its stewards are taking steps to ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy it and the beauty of the Tidal Basin where it is situated for decades to come. The Tidal Basin, adjacent to the National Mall, is a popular destination for locals and tourists …
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Originally located in Paris, the NATO Defense College was founded thanks to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the first Supreme Allied Commander Europe, who identified early on the need for a new international defense institution with a unique educational mission. It moved to Rome in 1966, where it continues to fulfil its mission to contribute to the …
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In December of 2021, I asked Ambassador Dan Smith to lead an After Action Review of the Department of State’s execution of its duties related to ending the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan. The After Action Review covers the period from January 2020 to the end of August 2021 and the completion of the U.S. …
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Lily Manson, a 7-year-old Illinois girl, watched news about Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on television and wanted to help. Her father, Chris Manson, told Voice of America that during dinner she asked, “Can we pray for the people of Ukraine?” They did more than pray.
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Zimbabwe’s liberation war ended in 1979, but for cattle herder Elvis Chauke, the danger remains. Chauke grazes animals near a minefield along Zimbabwe’s southeastern border. He’s lost livestock and fears for his children’s safety. U.S.-supported mine-removal operations in areas near Zimbabwe’s Chilotlela village allow Chauke to breathe easier. “Although they have been educated to stay …
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Seventy-four years ago today—as the United States and 11 other nations came together to form the North Atlantic Treaty Organization—President Truman said, “if there is anything inevitable in the future, it is the will of the people of the world for freedom and for peace.” Today, that will is stronger than ever with the addition …
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On this historic day as we mark the 74th anniversary of NATO, we also welcome Finland as NATO’s 31st Ally. Finland is stronger and safer within the Alliance, and the Alliance is stronger and safer with Finland as its Ally. Finland has a highly capable military and has been an active participant in NATO-led operations; …
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One benefit of scientific research is how expanding knowledge in one area leads to breakthroughs in another. In the United States, research designed to protect astronauts from radiation exposure in space is helping to fight cancer on Earth. An astronaut working on the International Space Station for six months faces as much radiation as 1,000 …
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One year ago this week, the United States and the European Union (EU) stood up a joint U.S.-EU Task Force on Energy Security launched by President Biden and President von der Leyen. The Task Force has made major progress in meeting its goals to reduce the EU’s reliance on Russian energy, including by diversifying its …
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As NATO marks its 74th anniversary on April 4, the alliance can claim a record of remarkable achievements since its founding in 1949. Retired U.S. Admiral James Stavridis, a former supreme allied commander for Europe (2009–2013), cites NATO’s “unblemished record of deterring attack against its members” as among the alliance’s greatest accomplishments.
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Sophia, 16, was sitting in physics class in Kharkiv when Russia began bombing the city in February 2022. As the bombing intensified over the following days, Sophia was forced to travel to a city in western Ukraine. Months later she learned that her childhood home had been destroyed. “There is nothing but stones,” she said (PDF, …
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Today, President Biden and the leaders of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Zambia opened the second Summit for Democracy, which gathered leaders from around the world to spur further action to strengthen democratic resilience, demonstrate how democracies are delivering for citizens, and highlight how democracies are best equipped …
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The United States and international partners are continuing to support survivors of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. On March 20, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced an additional $50 million in humanitarian assistance for the earthquake response in the region, bringing total U.S. support for the response to more than $235 …
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Well, good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the State Department and welcome to the second Summit for Democracy. Jen, to you for your remarkable leadership at the White House Gender Policy Council; to Kat, for yours here at the State Department on Global Women’s Issues: We could not have a better team, a more dynamic …
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke via phone today with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. They discussed Tunisia’s political and economic challenges and the need to help the Tunisian government implement durable solutions. The United States continues to underscore the importance of the Tunisian government quickly implementing its own …
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In his first year in office, President Biden launched the summit to look at the future of democracy, which we see is at an inflection point. Worldwide, we see autocrats violating human rights and suppressing fundamental freedoms; corrupting – and with corruption eating away at young people’s faith in their future; citizens questioning whether democracy …
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In our interconnected world, instability anywhere can have global repercussions. The security and prosperity of Americans here at home is directly connected to the security and economic health of people everywhere. Strife spills across borders. Violence and deprivation are driving a record number of people from their homes.
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I am in New York this week for the first UN Water Conference in nearly 50 years. Fifty years in which our scientific understanding of the earth’s water resources has expanded and deepened dramatically. And 50 years in which global water issues have become more pressing and profound. This week’s United Nations Water Conference in New York …
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On 23 and 24 March 2023, the European Union and the United States of America conducted a joint naval exercise, as decided at the last round of the EU-U.S. High-Level Consultations on the Indo-Pacific on 2 December 2022.
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Because many American Muslims trace their ancestry to other corners of the globe, Ramadan traditions in the United States are diverse. Immigrants often recall their first Ramadan in the United States as a time they learned new customs. Rizwan Jaka, born in Chicago and a member of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) in the Washington …
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Today, Jill and I extend our best wishes to Muslim communities across the country and around the world as they begin the Islamic holy month of Ramadan—a time of fasting, renewal, charity, worship, and growth.
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Today’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Synthesis Report is clear: our climate is warming at an unprecedented rate, and the window is closing just as quickly for the world to make dramatic cuts to greenhouse gas emissions and keep the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C within reach.
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For nearly 50 years, the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices have served as a vital resource for governments, researchers, advocacy groups, journalists, and voices of conscience worldwide that work to promote respect for human rights and accountability for injustice. The individual reports cover 198 countries and territories, providing factual, objective information based on credible …
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We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, condemn in the strongest terms North Korea’s March 16 launch of yet another Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which undermines regional and international peace and security. Since last year, …
Read More» Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will deliver on-camera remarks on the release of the 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices at 11:30 a.m. on March 20, 2023, in the Press Briefing Room at the U.S. Department of State. Acting Assistant Secretary Erin Barclay of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor will take questions in the Briefing Room …
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke via phone today with Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary General Riccardo Guariglia. The Deputy Secretary thanked Ambassador Guariglia for Italy’s contributions to peace and security in the Mediterranean. They discussed shared concerns about Tunisia’s economic and political reforms and the need to find a comprehensive solution to …
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The Kremlin continues pushing false claims and disinformation about biological weapons labs in Ukraine even after numerous experts, including scientists from Russia, called the assertions “obviously false.” Among Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s most outlandish claims: Ukraine houses U.S.-supported biological weapons labs. In some tellings, migratory birds, even mosquitos, threaten to unleash biological weapons on Russia.
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Russia’s noncompliance with the New START Treaty, and its claimed suspension of the treaty, are unfortunate and irresponsible steps. Mutual compliance with New START strengthens the security of the United States, our allies and partners, Russia, and the world. Russia’s claimed suspension of the New START Treaty is legally invalid. As a result, Russia remains …
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The 11 women who received the 2023 International Women of Courage Award on March 8 fight for different causes but have one thing in common: They refuse to be intimidated. The award, given annually by the U.S. secretary of state, honors women around the world advocating for human rights, rule of law and gender equality, often at great personal risk. This …
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Ajay Banga, President Biden’s nominee to lead the World Bank, is a successful businessman who has long worked to bring investment and jobs to developing countries. In announcing Banga’s nomination for World Bank president, Biden commended Banga’s experience leading companies that have expanded access to financial services, as well as his skill forging effective partnerships. …
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The United States plans to invest nearly $6 billion to restore and protect the world’s ocean from climate change, pollution and other threats. The announcement came during the March 2–3 Our Ocean Conference in Panama. As U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John F. Kerry noted during the conference, this figure more than doubles the amount the U.S. …
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When then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Frances Perkins as the secretary of labor, she became the first woman to hold a Cabinet position in a U.S. president’s administration. She would go on to serve the longest term of any secretary of labor to date. At the time, in 1933, women had held the right to …
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In Medford, Massachusetts, boxes of winter clothing, baby formula, hygiene products and other supplies pile up at the Freerange Market, a gathering place for Turkish immigrants near Boston. The supplies are headed to survivors of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria on February 6. Hundreds of people have donated more …
Read More»![Alumni from Malaysia’s AWE program presenting on a tech panel in Kuala Lumpur. [U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur photo]](https://d2v9ipibika81v.cloudfront.net/uploads/sites/67/20230307emb750x450-750x450.jpg "20230307emb750x450")
In celebration of International Women’s Day, U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur is hosting the first regional Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Summit from March 6-9, bringing together nearly 200 ExchangeAlumni, women entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the Indo-Pacific. The AWE Summit will leverage U.S. business expertise and technology in ways that build business acumen, create sustainable growth, …
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Reem Hamdan was one of few female electrical engineers when she started her career as a trainee in 1993 with the Electricity Distribution Company (EDCO) in Jordan. Today Hamdan is EDCO’s director general. She credits that advancement to hard work and Engendering Industries, a U.S.-backed program aimed at increasing the number of women in male-dominated fields. …
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I want to thank our friends at the Centro Studi Americani, the Aspen Institute, and the European Council on Foreign Relations for organizing this afternoon’s discussion. It is an honor to be here with Presidents Gianni De Gennaro and Giulio Tremonti, and to welcome so many distinguished experts. Just over one year ago, my predecessor …
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More than 60,000 Ukrainian women serve in the Ukrainian military defending against Russia’s aggression. Tens of thousands more do their part to help their country as journalists, paramedics, teachers, politicians and artists. “Throughout history, women have played a critical role in Ukraine’s fight for freedom and sovereignty,” said Katrina Fotovat, acting ambassador-at-large for the Secretary’s …
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This week, as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues at great cost, we are again reminded of the boundless courage and steadfast resolve of the people of Ukraine as well as the strong support for Ukraine in the international community. Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 33rd …
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The Ukrainian people and their supporters worldwide are working to preserve Ukraine’s culture and to document the damage Russia’s military has caused. For its part, the U.S. Department of State announced February 23 that its Ukraine Cultural Heritage Response Initiative will invest $7 million to support Ukrainian efforts to protect Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
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On the eve of the first year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution calling for ”comprehensive peace” in Ukraine and demanding the Russian Federation withdraw its military forces. “Today’s vote was really historic. You saw one year after Russia’s illegal, unprovoked, full-scale invasion into Ukraine where …
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Today begins the UN Human Rights Council’s 52nd regular session. The United States returned to the body in January 2022 as a full member, fulfilling a pledge made by President Biden and reflecting the centrality of human rights and multilateralism to our nation’s foreign policy. This year marks 75 years since the adoption of the …
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At the one-year mark of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, we, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it takes. Russia’s heinous attacks over the last 365 days have laid bare the cruelty of the ongoing aggression.
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Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, fellow council members: One year and one week ago – on February 17th, 2022 – I warned this council that Russia was planning to invade Ukraine. I said that Russia would manufacture a pretext, and then use missiles, tanks, soldiers, cyber attacks to strike pre-identified targets, including Kyiv, with the aim …
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The United States will continue to support the people of Türkiye and Syria as they recover from devastating earthquakes, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a visit to the hard-hit region. “The United States is here, we stand strongly with the people of Türkiye and the people of Syria,” Blinken said February 19 at Incirlik …
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To mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. Missions to Italy, the Holy See, and the UN Agencies in Rome will illuminate their office buildings in Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples with the colors of Ukrainian flag. These symbolic gestures represent U.S. solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine. …
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Good evening. Thank you, Undersecretary Mazzi. As a key member of NATO, the EU, and the G7, Italy plays a leading role in the international coalition supporting Ukraine. I would also like to thank all of our partners, especially Canada and the United Kingdom, without whom tonight’s event would not have been possible. This week …
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Hello, Poland! (Applause.) One of our great allies. President Duda, Prime Minister — Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Mayor, and to all the former ministers and presidents, as well as mayors and Polish political leaders from all across the country: Thank you for welcoming me back to Poland. You know, it was nearly one year ago …
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Nearly one year ago, Russia launched its unjust, brutal assault against Ukraine. Putin’s invasion was a test of Ukraine’s commitment to freedom, and a test for America and the world. Putin sought to subjugate Ukraine, but the free people of Ukraine stood strong—bravely defending their sovereignty and democracy. The United States, alongside our allies and partners, …
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The G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the High Representative of the European Union met for the first time under the Japanese presidency in 2023 and underlined their commitment to upholding the international order based on the rule of law.
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Well, thank you very much, Mr. President. You know, it was — it was one year ago this week that we spoke on the telephone, Mr. President. It was very late at night in Washington, very early in the morning here in Kyiv. Russian planes were in the air, and tanks were rolling across your …
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As the world prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, I am in Kyiv today to meet with President Zelenskyy and reaffirm our unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. When Putin launched his invasion nearly one year ago, he thought Ukraine was weak and the …
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This week, we mark one year since the Russian Government launched its brutal and unprovoked invasion against Ukraine. President Putin expected a quick victory, but despite inflicting widespread destruction and human suffering, he has fundamentally underestimated the boundless courage and steadfast resolve of the people of Ukraine, and the support for Ukraine in the international community.
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Ministerial and senior representatives from our collective group of nations met on Friday 10 February. We were honored to be joined by President Zelenskyy, who outlined the ongoing devastation being inflicted on Ukraine, including its sports infrastructure and athletes, due to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of choice, facilitated by the Belarusian government. We reaffirmed our …
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The February 6 earthquakes that struck southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria have devastated millions of people. Within hours of the first quake, the United States, at the direction of President Biden, quickly mobilized federal agencies and partners to urgently provide life-saving assistance in close coordination with our NATO Ally Türkiye and partner organizations in Syria.
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Based on a careful analysis of the law and available facts, I have determined that members of Russia’s forces and other Russian officials have committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine. Members of Russia’s forces have committed execution-style killings of Ukrainian men, women, and children; torture of civilians in detention through beatings, electrocution, and mock executions; …
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Thank you, Rector Prencipe for your kind words of welcome. And thank you to your colleagues at Luiss, Vice President Severino and Prorector Marchetti. My warmest regards to Ambassador Zappia in Washington and to Foreign Minister Tajani and Secretary General Sequi.
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Some were detained without cause, others harassed, but all 10 recipients of the State Department’s Global Human Rights Defender Awards share courage and commitment in making a more just world. “Protecting human rights defenders, in lockstep with our likeminded partners, is integral to U.S. foreign policy,” said Uzra Zeya, under secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, …
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was founded in 1949 in the aftermath of World War II, with the purpose of securing peace in Europe. Every American president since Harry Truman, who championed NATO’s creation, has reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the principle of collective defense, which makes up the core of this now …
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U.S. search and rescue teams are on the ground in Türkiye responding to the devastating earthquake in the region as U.S. officials pledge continued support after the disaster. On February 6, President Biden directed U.S. officials to provide “any and all needed assistance” after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake leveled buildings and killed thousands of people …
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In the crew’s video tours for curious fans on Earth, Coleman pulled her weightless body through corridors the width of a school bus while her hair swirled around her. She lived on the station from December 2010 to May 2011. She says the “zero-gravity style” was a way to say “women belong in space.”
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The February 6th earthquakes that struck southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria have devastated millions. Within hours of the first quake, the United States, at the direction of President Biden, quickly mobilized federal agencies and partners to urgently provide life-saving assistance in close coordination with our Turkish Allies and partner organizations in Syria.
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Women and girls around the world are using their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to find climate solutions. These four women have been recognized by the U.S. Department of State’s Innovation Station initiative, which builds a network of woman and girl climate innovators from across the United States and around the world.
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Mr. Speaker. Madam Vice President. Our First Lady and Second Gentleman. Members of Congress and the Cabinet. Leaders of our military. Mr. Chief Justice, Associate Justices, and retired Justices of the Supreme Court. And you, my fellow Americans. I start tonight by congratulating the members of the 118th Congress and the new Speaker of the …
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And this year’s game, Super Bowl LVII, should be a good one. The American Football Conference champion Kansas City Chiefs will play the National Football Conference champion Philadelphia Eagles on February 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Both teams are led by dynamic young quarterbacks — Patrick Mahomes II for the Chiefs and Jalen …
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A year after launching the COVID-19 Global Action Plan (GAP), Secretary Blinken will host a fourth and final Ministerial on February 8 to conclude the work of the GAP focused on the acute needs of the pandemic, identify remaining barriers, and look towards the future to promote collaboration on preventing, detecting, and responding to the …
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The United States expresses our deep sadness at the tragic loss of life and destruction across Türkiye and Syria from today’s earthquakes. We extend our condolences to the families of those affected and are assessing our comprehensive response options. I have directed my team to remain in close contact with our Turkish allies and our …
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Temperatures inside the school can drop to 10 degrees Celsius. When a bombing occurs in the area, the students huddle in air raid shelters. Russia’s forces have attacked the city several times since the February 2022 full-scale invasion and are targeting civilian infrastructure such as heating, power and gas.
Read More» The United States is announcing today two new security assistance packages to help Ukraine continue to defend itself against Russia’s brutal war. These packages include critical air defense and counter-drone capabilities to help Ukraine defend its people, as well as armored infantry vehicles and more equipment that Ukraine is using so effectively, including Javelin anti-tank …
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The United States, in coordination with our allies and partners, will continue to fully enforce our sanctions against Russia’s war machine and those that support its efforts. These actions will decrease Russia’s ability to wage war and weaken its military-industrial complex.
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My name is Karen Donfried and I am the Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., where I work on behalf of President Biden and the American people. It is my great pleasure to be here to not only see these moving drawings and pictures, but …
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Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Dr. Karen Donfried will travel to Italy, Vatican City, and Poland January 30 to February 3 to emphasize the United States’ commitment to our European Allies and partners, democracy, and transatlantic security as well as our continued support for Ukraine.
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Twenty years ago today, President George W. Bush announced the creation of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Since that historic announcement, the people of the United States provided more than $100 billion to save more than 25 million lives and contributed to the resilient public and community health systems for today and …
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Good morning. Thank you, Undersecretary Tripodi, Minister Pastorelli, and good to see you again Alessandro. It is my pleasure to join you today at the Joint Commission Meeting. Thank you for hosting us at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and thank you also to our Italian colleagues for their work over the …
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Good morning and welcome to Villa Taverna. Thank you all for joining us here today, especially Under Secretary Tripodi. I would like to recognize the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for hosting and co-organizing the 14th Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation.
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Good evening. Thank you, Dario and Pasquale for inviting me to join today’s event. Ambassador Zappia – thank you for your leadership in support of our long-standing alliance and partnership. I am always pleased to participate in initiatives to broaden the United States’ strong bilateral relationship with Italy. The business matching platform launched today by …
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Good almost morning. It’s exactly noon. Thank you for being here. Yesterday marked 11 months since Russia’s brutal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine; 11 months in which the Ukrainian people have showed Putin and the world the full force of their courage and the indomitable determination to live free. And through every single step of this …
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Courageous Ukrainian civilians are making extraordinary contributions in support of their country’s freedom in the face of Russia’s aggression. A ShareAmerica series, Defending Ukraine, profiles some of the people who exemplify that indomitable spirit. In 2014, when Russia illegally invaded Ukraine, including parts of the Donbas region, Yana Zinkevych was a high school student planning to …
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Thank you, Melanie. Admiral Ishee, VADM Gueglio, Ambassadors, mayors, and the family of Mr. Taurelli, good morning. Vorrei dare il benvenuto agli studenti dell’Istituto Comprensivo Nettuno III. Voi rappresentate il futuro dell’Italia, dell’Europa e dell’Alleanza Transatlantica. La vostra partecipazione qui oggi, è ciò che rende eterno il sacrificio di questi giovani uomini e giovani donne. …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi co-hosted a meeting today with G7 and other key partners to reaffirm collective support for Ukraine’s energy sector. The Secretary led discussion of ongoing efforts to expedite energy equipment deliveries to Ukraine, praised Ukrainian citizens’ continued resilience, and highlighted the new $125 million …
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Are you a student (age 16 – 18) interested in learning about leadership, and exploring global issues, community activism, and American culture? Then apply for the 2023 Benjamin Franklin Summer Institute at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. The program takes place from June 24 to July 22, 2023. The application deadline is February 20, …
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The United States is announcing a significant new security assistance package to help Ukraine continue to defend itself against Russia’s brutal war. Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our 30 th drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021. This assistance package will provide Ukraine with …
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Human trafficking is a crime that deprives millions of people of their dignity and freedom. An estimated 27.6 million are currently victims of trafficking worldwide, and, sadly, many of them are often hidden right in front of us. To properly tackle this crime, it will take a commitment from each of us to end human …
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with Diplomatic Advisor to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ambassador Francesco Talò, today in Washington. They discussed shared efforts to aid Ukraine’s self-defense and confront the Kremlin’s unconscionable aggression, as well as coordination to strengthen our supply chain resiliency and promote investment in clean energy. The Deputy Secretary …
Read More» The United States announced today that we will work with Congress to program an additional $125 million in funding to support Ukraine’s energy and electricity grid against Russia’s continued attacks on utilities and other civilian infrastructure. This funding would come from the recently passed Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023.
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I’ve spoken before parliaments, kings, queens, leaders of the world. I’ve been doing this for a long time, but this is intimidating following. (Laughter and applause.) You all are incredible. I — (applause) — and let’s lay one thing to rest. I may be a practicing Catholic — we used to go to 7:30 mass …
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This National Religious Freedom Day marks the 237th anniversary of the signing of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786. Under the Virginia Statute authored by Thomas Jefferson, legislators for the first time endorsed the principles of freedom of conscience and separation of church and state. Several years later, the Virginia Statute became the template …
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While presidents often first sweep into office with their party controlling both the House and Senate along with the executive branch, every president since 1980 has faced divided government, with the opposing party capturing the majority of at least one chamber of Congress, for at least some of his tenure. That sort of division is not …
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As the climate crisis worsens, it will affect women and girls more than men and boys, studies show. Eighty percent of those displaced by the climate crisis are women, according to the United Nations. During times of conflict and crisis — such as after a natural disaster or during mass migration caused by water shortages and crop …
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People outside Ukraine cannot experience the war directly, so two activists from Ukraine made it possible to see and hear the conflict’s sights and sounds. Nataliya Mykolska posted on social media images of Russia’s military attacking cities and towns across Ukraine in the days after the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. When people kept …
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Victims of human trafficking come from every region of the globe. Increasingly, survivors are taking the lead in the fight against the crime and in helping its victims to heal. To understand the scope of the problem, caused primarily by criminals subjecting victims to forced labor or sex trafficking, one need only see the International Labour Organization estimates, which say …
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Ukrainians are taking bold steps to preserve their nation’s sovereignty. A ShareAmerica series, Defending Ukraine, profiles some of the extraordinary people in Ukraine who exemplify that spirit. Ukraine’s sovereignty means enough to Oleksandra Matviichuk that she has devoted her career to protecting it. A human rights lawyer, she is one of many in her country …
Read More» National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke today with Francesco Talò, Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Italy. The two officials condemned Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, including its strikes against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. They reaffirmed their commitment to providing Ukraine with assistance, including support for Ukraine’s energy resilience and the military equipment needed to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty …
Read More» In this first week of 2023, the United States continues to stand strongly behind Ukraine and our European allies and partners by announcing more than $3.75 billion in new military assistance. This assistance includes a $2.85 billion drawdown from stocks of the Department of Defense to be provided immediately to Ukraine and $225 million in …
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Thank you. Well, first of all, good morning, everyone, and welcome to the State Department. A Happy New Year to everyone. This is actually the first event that I’ve had an opportunity to do in this new year, and I think that’s very fitting, and only underscores the importance that this department attaches to it, …
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The United States welcomes the midterm report by the United Nations Group of Experts released on December 30, and shares the concerns outlined in the report about the sharp increase in violence and the deterioration in the security and humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
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Diseases don’t respect borders. COVID-19 spread worldwide, killing more than 6.6 million people and inflicting costs on the global economy that could reach $12.5 trillion by 2024. The United States is committed to strengthening global health security to detect and treat existing diseases, prevent the next pandemic and save lives everywhere. It works with partners to train health care …
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Jill and I join Catholics around the world, and so many others, in mourning the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. I had the privilege of spending time with Pope Benedict at the Vatican in 2011 and will always remember his generosity and welcome as well as our meaningful conversation.
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Jill and I join Catholics around the world, and so many others, in mourning the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. I had the privilege of spending time with Pope Benedict at the Vatican in 2011 and will always remember his generosity and welcome as well as our meaningful conversation.
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The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States and the High Representative of the European Union are gravely concerned that the Taliban’s reckless and dangerous order barring female employees of national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from the workplace puts at risk …
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The Emancipation Proclamation is arguably one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. Abraham Lincoln himself stated that he considered it to be his greatest legacy. “I never in my life, felt more certain that I was doing right than I do in signing this paper,” he said. “If my name ever …
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Many Americans who made outsized contributions to society died over the past 12 months. They include actress Angela Lansbury, jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, physician/humanitarian Paul Farmer, rock ’n’ roll icon Jerry Lee Lewis and neurobiologist Ursula Bellugi.
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Creative business inventions are about more than eventual profit. They can make life easier for individuals in need, improve public health or bolster environmental protection. U.S. inventions also are among the most useful and successful commercially. Here are some inventions from U.S. businesses during 2022 that exemplify a social mission. The companies’ products were recently included …
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On December 21, President Biden welcomed Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House and pledged continued U.S. support for the people of Ukraine. On the 300th day of Russia’s brutal assault on Ukraine, Biden commended Zelenskyy’s inspirational leadership and the people of Ukraine’s “unbreakable determination” to choose their destiny. “The American people have been with …
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We’ve spent an awful lot of time on the telephone as well as on video, but it’s good to see you in person again. And we’ve been in close and frequent communication throughout this conflict from the very beginning, but particularly — it’s particularly meaningful to talk with one another in person — look each …
Read More» As Russia continues its brutal attacks against critical infrastructure in Ukraine, the United States welcomes President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Washington, D.C. today to underscore our enduring commitment to the people of Ukraine. Over the past three hundred days, the Kremlin has tried and failed to wipe Ukraine off the map. Now, Russia is trying to …
Read More» President Biden has invited President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to visit Washington D.C. to underscore the United States’ enduring commitment to Ukraine. President Biden looks forward to welcoming President Zelenskyy tomorrow, December 21, at the White House, after which President Zelenskyy will address a joint session of Congress, demonstrating the strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine.
Read More» The United States condemns in the strongest terms the Taliban’s indefensible decision to ban women from universities, keep secondary schools closed to girls, and continue to impose other restrictions on the ability of women and girls in Afghanistan to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Education is a human right. It is also essential …
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More than 70 countries and institutions have pledged over 1 billion euros to help Ukrainians through the winter amid the Kremlin’s ongoing military attacks on civilian infrastructure, including the electricity grid. The funding was announced during the “Standing with the Ukrainian People” conference in Paris December 13. It will support Ukraine’s infrastructure and improve access to electricity, …
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Whether by accident or inspiration, certain towns across the United States — from North Pole, Alaska, to Christmas Cove, Maine, and Garland, Texas — get extra attention each December and in some ways embody the spirit of the holiday season. One Christmas Eve in the 1850s, families in Santa Fe, Indiana, gathered in a log …
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Buona Sera. What a wonderful day and a wonderful way to end my first day in Rome — with young people who will shape Italy’s future and the future of the U.S.-Italy relationship, and shape the world. Thank you, Marta, for that lovely introduction. Allow me to thank all the members of our youth council, …
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We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), met on 12 December, to reflect on progress of our cooperation under Germany’s Presidency to jointly address global challenges at a time of severe geopolitical crisis and critical moment for the world economy. We were joined by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This year in the face …
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with Italian MFA Secretary General Ettore Sequi today in Rome. Deputy Secretary Sherman and Secretary General Sequi highlighted the strength of the U.S. partnership with our NATO Ally Italy, ongoing collaboration in support of Ukraine, our joint efforts to address energy security, and our opposition to unilateral efforts …
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Diplomatic Advisor, Ambassador Francesco Talò, today in Rome to discuss issues of mutual concern. They underscored our shared determination to support the transatlantic alliance and the deep and enduring bilateral partnership between the United States and Italy. They also stressed the importance …
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., spoke today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to underscore ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense as Russia continues its assaults on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. President Biden highlighted how the U.S. is prioritizing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense through our security assistance, including the December 9 announcement of $275 …
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Good evening, and thank you, Foreign Minister Avila, for that kind introduction. What a privilege to speak before so many titans of foreign affairs—keepers of the flame of diplomacy and democracy in so many parts of our planet. All of you know how decisions are forged, because you’ve made them. All of you understand how …
Read More» In recent weeks the Kremlin has increased its attacks against critical infrastructure, attacks that are causing widespread suffering for the people of Ukraine. But as winter deepens, so does our support for Ukraine. Today, the United States continues to support Ukraine with additional military assistance to help defend itself from Russia’s ongoing brutal and unprovoked …
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Ei Thinzar Maung remains in hiding from authorities for her work defending human rights in Burma. “They will kill me if I ever get arrested,” she told the Coalition For Women in Journalism. She is a symbol of the peaceful public resistance that emerged following the Burmese military’s 2021 coup. The post-coup regime issued a warrant …
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The U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) met outside Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2022. The meeting was co-chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager, and European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, joined by U.S. …
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Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attempts to annex Ukrainian territories under the guise of protecting Russian speakers living in those areas are strikingly familiar. Moscow has been rolling out the same playbook it used in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea and forcibly seized parts of eastern Ukraine. As it did in 2014 in Crimea, Russia installed pro-Putin officials …
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The United States is providing an additional $53 million in assistance to repair Ukraine’s electrical systems after Russia’s military attacks repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s power sector. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the new funding November 29 on the sidelines of the NATO foreign ministers meeting in Bucharest. The assistance will deliver critical electricity grid equipment, …
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A White House Christmas tradition — with lights, decorations, music and an appearance from the sitting president — turns 100 this year. President Biden lit the National Christmas Tree this week (November 30) on the Ellipse near the White House, and the centennial event included hip-hop icon LL Cool J, country singer Shania Twain and “The President’s Own” …
Read More» World AIDS Day reminds us that HIV/AIDS continues to pose a threat to global health and global health security. With 650,000 people having lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses last year, the United States government remains committed to working with our global partners to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
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While serving in Taiwan’s military, Lynia Huang noticed that social stigmas around mental health concerns prevented people from getting the care they needed. After leaving the military, Huang — who has a degree in social work — co-founded Bamboo Technology to make mental health care more accessible, and acceptable, to people on Taiwan.
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Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will travel December 5-11 to the United Kingdom, Italy, Vatican City, France, Germany, and the Czech Republic to further strengthen our bilateral relationships, deepen our unified support for Ukraine, coordinate on our response to the Russian Federation’s unprovoked war, and discuss our strategies in the Indo-Pacific.
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On World AIDS Day, we recommit to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States and around the world and rededicate ourselves to fighting the discrimination that too often keeps people with HIV from getting the services they need and living the full lives they deserve.
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In the midst of Russia’s continued brutal attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Secretary of State Blinken announced today during a meeting of the G7+ on the margins of the NATO Ministerial in Bucharest that the United States government is providing over $53 million to support acquisition of critical electricity grid equipment. This equipment will be …
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The World Health Organization estimates that one in three women have experienced or will experience gender-based violence (GBV) during their lifetimes. Since the pandemic started, 38% of women have personally experienced online violence and 85% of women know someone who has been targeted for online violence, a study by the Economist Intelligence Unit found. GBV prevention and …
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About a week before Americans and friends would gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, a convoy of trucks rolled to a stop in the war-ravaged Tigray region of Ethiopia. Humanitarian workers began to unload hundreds of tons of food. Fighting and instability had made the work dangerous, but now sacks heavy with wheat and split peas and …
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The people of Ukraine are fighting to maintain their daily routine despite Russia’s brutal attempts to deny Ukraine’s sovereignty and suppress their identity and culture. Russia’s “annexation playbook” seeks to undermine all aspects of civilian life in Ukraine. As it did in 2014 in Crimea, Russia implemented tighter controls when it staged sham referenda in four of Ukraine’s …
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Good afternoon, everyone. I just had an opportunity to visit Camp As Sayliyah. This is the joint Department of Defense, State Department operation to help bring Afghans, Afghan allies to the United States. It’s where we’re working to screen them medically, to vet them for security purposes, and to finish the consular processing that goes …
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Addressing the global food crisis requires sharing the harvest — and knowledge. Scientists in Africa are doing just that. Through Feed the Future, a U.S. program to combat global poverty and hunger, scientists harness local solutions to expand local crop yields and feed more people. Meet four scientists in Africa involved in Feed the Future programs …
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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 brazen launch of another Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) conducted on 18 November 2022 by the DPRK. This missile launch is another …
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On Transgender Day of Remembrance, the world pauses to remember the lives of the many transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming persons killed in acts of targeted, transphobic violence. On every continent, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming persons confront violence, harassment, and discrimination that shock the conscience, simply based on their gender identity or expression. For far too many, their own governments …
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The uncrewed, 25.5-day mission sends the Orion spacecraft on a journey of more than 2 million kilometers, farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever traveled. Artemis I will allow NASA to test Orion’s systems before the spacecraft carries astronauts during Artemis II.
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Fourteen years ago, the Leaders of the G20 met for the first time, facing the most severe financial crisis in our generation. We recognized, as large global economies, that collectively we carry responsibilities and that our cooperation was necessary to global economic recovery, to tackle global challenges, and lay a foundation for strong, sustainable, balanced, …
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Ocean-based climate solutions have a key role in keeping the goal to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach and improving global climate resilience. On the occasion of the “Oceans and Coastal Zones” thematic day at COP27, the United States highlights the following ocean-climate action.
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NASA’s Artemis program is inspiring the world as it seeks to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon and conduct a historic first crewed mission to Mars. The Artemis program, comprising a series of robotic and crewed science and exploration missions, is intended to be the broadest and most diverse …
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President Biden met today with Prime Minister Meloni of Italy on the margins of the G20 Summit in Bali to coordinate responses to a range of global challenges, including those posed by the People’s Republic of China, the climate crisis, and Russia’s use of energy as a weapon. The two leaders also discussed their commitment to continue providing …
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Today, the Leaders of Canada, the European Commission, the European Council, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States met on the margins of the G20 Summit in Bali and released the following statement: We condemn the barbaric missile attacks that Russia perpetrated on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure on Tuesday.
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The United States strongly condemns Russia’s latest missile attacks against Ukraine, which appear to have struck residential buildings in Kyiv and additional sites across the country. It is not lost on us that, as world leaders meet at the G-20 in Bali to discuss the issues of significant importance to the lives and livelihoods of people around the world, Russia again threatens those lives and …
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Justine Konde wanted to remove pests from her small farm in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially the pesky fall armyworm that damages her crops. She learned about effective pest control at a farmer field school organized by Feed the Future, a U.S. government program to combat global poverty and hunger. Having learned to control pests …
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On November 9 and 10, 2022, NATO’s 2022 Cyber Defense Pledge Conference will take place in Rome, at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The event is co-hosted by Italy and the United States with the support of the NATO International Staff. At the Madrid Summit in June, Allies reaffirmed that resilience …
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When disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic strike, developing countries that lack essential infrastructure suffer more and take longer to recover, President Biden said. “In our deeply connected world, that’s not just a humanitarian concern, it’s an economic and a security concern for all of us,” Biden told the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Schloss …
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After an invasive plant species destroyed his grandfather’s rice farm in India, Nathan Elias wanted to help. Elias, who lives in Texas, developed a system to help farmers detect and identify invasive species using their smartphones. Through a smartphone camera and mobile app, Elias’ tool sends farmers’ images to experts who can quickly identify invasive …
Read More» On World Freedom Day, we remember the fall of the Berlin Wall and recall the hope felt around the world when freedom triumphed over tyranny. For decades, the Soviet Union ruled Central and Eastern Europe with an iron fist behind an Iron Curtain. But on that cold November night in 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, …
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U.S. presidential elections are big news worldwide every four years. But what happens in the midterm elections — so called because they come nearly two years into a president’s term — can have just as big an impact on the direction of the country. Most of the attention of midterm elections is focused on the …
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Greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector are significant, increasing, and on a trajectory that is not compatible with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Compared to country emissions, the sector would rank among the top ten largest emitters globally. To help place the sector on a pathway to align with the goal to limit …
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Soon, more than 190 nations will address climate crisis solutions at the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. From November 6 through 18, at least 35,000 people are scheduled to attend public and private sector talks to advance efforts to implement climate …
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Heading into the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in November in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the United States is on track to meet its climate commitments toward the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. “Glasgow was just the kickoff for a decade of ambition, action, …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani today in Munster, Germany. Secretary Blinken thanked Foreign Minister Tajani for his commitment to sustain Italy’s strong support for Ukraine. The ministers discussed ways to mitigate the impact of rising energy prices on consumers, shared concerns over the People’s Republic of China, …
Read More» Well, good morning, everyone. It is a great pleasure to be able to spend time with Mr. Tajani, Antonio. We – I think it’s fair to say we’ve really hit the ground running here at the G7. It’s as if we’ve been working together for months or years, not just a few days or a …
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy to offer his congratulations on her appointment. The leaders underscored the strong relationship between the United States and Italy, and expressed their readiness to work together within the transatlantic alliance to address common challenges.
Read More» Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Secretary Blinken congratulated Foreign Minister Tajani on his appointment, and expressed his eagerness to work together to strengthen the Transatlantic partnership. The ministers discussed the ongoing need to support Ukraine and respond to Russia’s brutal war of choice, defend human rights …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to reaffirm the United States’ steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Secretary Blinken expressed to Foreign Minister Kuleba that the United States rejects Russian Defense Minister Shoygu’s transparently false allegations that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own territory and that the world would see …
Read More» I congratulate Giorgia Meloni on becoming the new Prime Minister of Italy. Italy is a vital NATO Ally and close partner as our nations together address shared global challenges. As leaders in the G7, I look forward to continuing to advance our support for Ukraine, hold Russia accountable for its aggression, ensure respect for human rights and democratic values, and …
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On this World Food Day, food systems and global food security are at a critical moment. The compounded impacts from a global pandemic, growing pressures from the climate crisis, high energy and fertilizer prices, and armed conflicts, including Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, have disrupted production and supply chains and dramatically increased global food …
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Food is an essential, but scarce, resource in many parts of world. Global conflicts, climate change and supply disruptions from COVID-19 have exacerbated the problem. This article takes a closer look at the impact of climate change on today’s food crisis. Extreme weather is a driver of world hunger. As global temperatures and sea levels rise, the result …
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In some states voter registration and ballot request deadlines for the November 2022 are as early as October 5th. Whether you are a first-time voter or have already received ballots and voted absentee in past elections, we recommend that you complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) each year to ensure you are able to …
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Today’s remarkable vote at the United Nations General Assembly is a powerful reminder that the overwhelming majority of nations stand with Ukraine, in defense of the UN Charter, and in resolute opposition to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and its people.
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U.S. presidential elections are big news worldwide every four years. But what happens in the midterm elections — so called because they come nearly two years into a president’s term — can have just as big an impact on the direction of the country. Most of the attention of midterm elections is focused on the …
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Today, the overwhelming majority of the world—nations from every region, large and small, representing a wide array of ideologies and governments – voted to defend the United Nations Charter and condemn Russia’s illegal attempt to annex Ukrainian territory by force. 143 nations stood on the side of freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity—even more than the …
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We, the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), convened today with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Our meeting took place against the backdrop of the most recent missile attacks against civilian infrastructure and cities across Ukraine, leading to the death of innocent civilians. We condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms and recall that …
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The pandemic strained global supplies of medical oxygen, needed for treating patients with severe COVID-19. Before the pandemic, roughly half of inpatient facilities in Africa had reliable access to medical oxygen, Thomas-Greenfield said. The U.S. government has already committed $50 million to provide medical oxygen, install oxygen storage tanks and upgrade medical infrastructure that delivers oxygen …
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The United States works with international partners to advance gender equity and equality around the world. Speaking on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, Katrina Fotovat, senior official of the U.S. State Department’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, said supporting women’s economic empowerment, peace and security, and addressing gender-based violence are …
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The Kremlin’s strikes against Ukraine today again place the stakes of Russia’s brutal war into stark relief. Russian bombs hit children’s playgrounds and public parks in Kyiv; wave after wave of missiles struck Kyiv’s city streets and damaged heating and targets without military purpose throughout Ukraine. I extend my deepest sympathies to the people of …
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The United States strongly condemns Russia’s missile strikes today across Ukraine, including in Kyiv. These attacks killed and injured civilians and destroyed targets with no military purpose. They once again demonstrate the utter brutality of Mr. Putin’s illegal war on the Ukrainian people.
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., spoke today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. He expressed his condemnation of Russia’s missile strikes across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, and conveyed his condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured in these senseless attacks.
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President Biden announced $810 million in funding for Pacific island nations, part of an increasing U.S. commitment to long-standing partners. “Security in the Pacific and for the Pacific Islanders remains as critical as ever to us,” Biden said September 29 at the first U.S.–Pacific Island Country Summit in Washington, which drew 15 countries.
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, spoke today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to underscore that the United States will never recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Ukrainian territory.
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“The United States does not, and will never, recognize any of the Kremlin’s claims to sovereignty over parts of Ukraine that it’s seized by force and now purports to incorporate into Russia,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said September 30. Moscow’s latest illegal bid to change Ukraine’s borders by force prompted a quick international rebuke.
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke by phone today with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Ukraine’s continued defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. They discussed Moscow’s latest illegal and illegitimate efforts to change Ukraine’s borders by force as well as mounting atrocities committed by Russia’s forces against the people of Ukraine, including …
Read More» The United States unequivocally rejects Russia’s fraudulent attempt to change Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, including by holding sham “referenda” in Ukraine’s Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya regions. This is a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. In response, the United States and our allies and partners are imposing swift and severe …
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We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, are united in our condemnation in the strongest possible terms of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its continued violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Independence. …
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U.S. Department of State Special Envoy for Global Food Security, Dr. Cary Fowler, will travel to Rome September 29 to October 5 for meetings and consultations at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP).
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The Kremlin’s sham referenda are a futile effort to mask what amounts to a further attempt at a land grab in Ukraine. To be clear: the results were orchestrated in Moscow and do not reflect the will of the people of Ukraine. The United States does not, and will never, recognize the legitimacy or outcome …
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Ukraine exported more than 4 million metric tons of food in August, reaching hungry people in Africa, Asia and other parts of the world. Prior to Russia’s February 24 invasion, Ukraine shipped 6 million metric tons of grain a month. The recent shipments are the result of a deal brokered by Türkiye and the United Nations between Ukraine and …
Read More» The Office of Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Rome and Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute’s Italy representatives organized a first-time Alaska Seafood Culinary Experience at the restaurant Chic’n Quick in Milan, featuring Italian starred chef Claudio Sadler and U.S. celebrity chef Marc Murphy. Italy’s leading seafood importers, food retailers, restaurateurs, hoteliers, journalists, and food bloggers …
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Food is an essential, but scarce, resource in many parts of world. Global conflicts, climate change and supply disruptions from COVID-19 have exacerbated the problem. This article takes a closer look at the impact of recent conflicts on today’s food crisis. Ongoing conflicts in several nations contribute to the global food crisis and to increased …
Read More» We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), strongly condemn the sham referenda that Russia attempts to use to create a phony pretext for changing the status of Ukrainian sovereign territory, which is subject to an ongoing Russian aggression. These actions clearly breach the United Nations Charter and international law and go diametrically against the rule …
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The United States will never recognize Ukrainian territory as anything other than part of Ukraine. Russia’s referenda are a sham – a false pretext to try to annex parts of Ukraine by force in flagrant violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter. We will work with our allies and partners to impose additional swift …
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Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, my fellow leaders, in the last year, our world has experienced great upheaval: a growing crisis in food insecurity; record heat, floods, and droughts; COVID-19; inflation; and a brutal, needless war — a war chosen by one man, to be very blunt. Let us speak plainly. A permanent member of the …
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Merci beaucoup, Monsieur President. President Michel, President Sall, Chancellor, thank you all so much for being part of this today. Let me actually start by inviting another colleague to the stage, President Petro of Colombia. Would you please join us if you’re here? And maybe he’s not. Ah, there we are. Mr. President. (Applause.) Good …
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We, the leaders of the Governments of Spain, the United States of America, the African Union, the European Union, Colombia, Germany, Indonesia, and Nigeria, having met on September 20, 2022, affirm our commitment to act with urgency, at scale and in concert, to respond to the urgent food security and nutrition needs of hundreds of …
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The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the United Nations. The UN General Assembly is an opportunity for the world to come together to address the most pressing global challenges facing us today. At the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 77), the United States will reinforce the …
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The United Nations has helped countries worldwide improve human rights, limit nuclear proliferation, negotiate peace and lift over 1 billion people from poverty. At the 77th United Nations General Assembly September 13–27 in New York, the United States aims to build on the U.N.’s success and help prepare the institution to tackle 21st century challenges. …
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Born to immigrant parents and raised in the New York City area, Gabriel Garbar has always been curious about other cultures. Earlier this year he learned about Russia’s culture and education system as he helped teachers and students in Russia hone their English skills. Garbar was among 80 Americans participating in the State Department’s Virtual English …
Read More» Together with our Allies and partners, we are delivering the arms and equipment that Ukraine’s forces are utilizing so effectively as they continue their successful counter-offensive against Russia’s invasion. President Biden has been clear we will support the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.
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President Putin’s unjustified war against Ukraine puts millions around the globe at risk of increasing food insecurity. The Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, one of the world’s largest exporters of food, has led to the damage or outright destruction of many of Ukraine’s arterial roads, railways, ports, and food storage facilities that are essential to …
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This International Day of Democracy, we underscore our commitment to democracy as we strive for a more inclusive, equitable, and peaceful world. As President Biden has emphasized “…we must start with diplomacy rooted in America’s most cherished democratic values: defending freedom, championing opportunity, upholding universal rights, respecting rule of law, and treating every person with …
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. The Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for his exemplary leadership during one of the most challenging periods in recent history and for Italy’s strong support for Ukraine. The Secretary underscored the importance of maintaining solidarity and resilience in the face of …
Read More» At today’s Syria Political-Humanitarian Briefing at the UN Security Council, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, announced more than $756 million in additional humanitarian assistance to continue our unwavering support for the Syrian people. This funding is in addition to the nearly $808 million announced by Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield in Brussels earlier in …
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“Filtered. The word does not begin to convey the horror and the depravity of these pre-meditated policies,” said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield during a September 7 U.N. Security Council Meeting. Thomas-Greenfield detailed for the council the numerous mounting and credible reports of the Russian government’s filtration sites in parts of eastern Ukraine …
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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke by video conference today with Allies and partners to underscore continued international support for Ukraine, including through the ongoing provision of security and economic assistance and the sustained imposition of costs on Russia to hold the Kremlin accountable for its aggression. The leaders also discussed Russia’s weaponization of energy and the need for further coordination …
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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era. In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her. An enduring admiration for Queen Elizabeth II united people …
Read More» It has been seven months since President Putin’s February invasion of Ukraine, and the war’s terrible toll continues to mount. Thousands of civilians killed or wounded, 13 million Ukrainian civilians forced to flee their homes, historic cities pounded to rubble, horrifying reports of ongoing atrocities, nuclear power stations put at risk, food shortages, skyrocketing food …
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The Kremlin is orchestrating sham referendums in parts of Ukraine currently under its military control in a bid to legitimize Russia’s hold on these territories. Moscow is rolling out the same playbook it used in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea and forcibly seized parts of eastern Ukraine. As it did in 2014 in Crimea, Russia has installed …
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The U.S. government works with trading partners to protect workers’ rights worldwide. Safeguarding worker rights has been a core principle of U.S. trade policy since 1988. The Biden administration’s worker-centered trade policy furthers that effort, seeking to ensure that prosperous trade benefits workers at home and abroad. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said in June 2021 that trading partners …
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The U.S. government has provided nearly $1 billion in emergency food security assistance to countries in Africa suffering from extreme hunger and malnutrition. That is part of the $2.76 billion in U.S. funding that President Biden announced in June to address global food insecurity. The remaining funds are expected to be provided by year’s end to countries …
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The first shipment of Ukrainian grain to transit the Black Sea since Russia’s unprovoked invasion arrived in Africa August 30 and will help feed people in the Horn of Africa. The estimated 23,000 metric tons of Ukrainian wheat was delivered though the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) with assistance from the U.S. government. That amount of grain …
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To succeed in Russia’s state media environment, individuals need to promote the Kremlin line. Margarita Simonyan learned that lesson at a young age. As a reporter covering the war in Chechnya in the early 2000s, she promoted the Kremlin’s viewpoint. The Kremlin seemed to reward Simonyan for her loyalty by appointing her head of Russia’s first …
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The G7 Non-Proliferation Directors Group recalls the Statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers of August 10, 2022, in support of the IAEA´s efforts to promote nuclear safety and security at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.
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The Russian government is potentially engaging in torture and forced labor at filtration areas in eastern Ukraine, according to a new report from Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab. Satellite imagery also indicates the potential presence of graves at one facility. The report used open-source data cross-referenced against recent high-resolution satellite imagery. Only sites whose location and activities …
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After weeks of intensive but productive negotiations, the Russian Federation alone decided to block consensus on a final document at the conclusion of the Tenth Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Russia did so in order to block language that merely acknowledged the grave radiological risk at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in …
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Representatives from countries around the world and dozens of civil society organizations are huddled and working around the clock at UN headquarters in New York this week for negotiations “on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).”
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We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, reiterate our strongest condemnation of the ongoing unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The Russian Federation must immediately withdraw its troops …
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The figures were reported recently by the Giving USA Foundation, using research from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The fact that Americans gave nearly half a trillion dollars per year in the past two years is particularly impressive, and important, because the pandemic hurt many people economically in the U.S. and around the …
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Higher energy costs, climate change, COVID-19 and global conflicts are fueling the food crisis, especially in Africa, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said August 5. That is why President Biden announced in June $2.76 billion in U.S. funding to help protect the world’s most vulnerable populations and mitigate the impacts of growing food …
Read More» On August 9 the Department announced its intention to provide $89 million of FY 2022 funding to help the Government of Ukraine address the urgent humanitarian challenges posed by explosive remnants of war created by Russia’s brutal war of aggression.
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Today President Biden signed the United States Instruments of Ratification of the Accession Protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty for the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden, which the U.S. Senate approved on August 3. We celebrate this historic moment, which underscores the U.S. commitment to our shared Transatlantic security.
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Desirée Cormier Smith, the newly appointed special representative for racial equity and justice at the U.S. Department of State — the first person to hold that position — is ready to tell anyone who will listen exactly what she does and how racial equity relates to U.S. foreign policy. As Cormier Smith explains, her job …
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Good afternoon, everyone. This is such an incredibly powerful, moving experience, but all the more so because to be guided by Antoinette gives it particularly special meaning. And thank you so much for sharing with me, sharing with us – Hector’s story is one that really resonates because we have our own struggle for freedom …
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I welcome the announcement tonight of a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza-based militants after three days of hostilities. Over these last 72-hours, the United States has worked with officials from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, and others throughout the region to encourage a swift resolution to the conflict. I thank President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and the …
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Fourteen years ago today, Russia invaded the sovereign nation of Georgia. As we have done since 2008, we remember those killed and injured by Russian forces. For decades, the citizens of Georgia in Abkhazia and South Ossetia have lived under Russian occupation and tens of thousands have been displaced, persecuted, and impoverished. Lives and livelihoods …
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We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, reaffirm our shared commitment to maintaining the rules-based international order, peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and beyond.
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We, the Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, are steadfast in our condemnation of Russia’s brutal, unprovoked, unjustifiable, and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. We condemn and will not recognise Russia’s continued attempts to re-draw …
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Today, the Senate overwhelmingly endorsed our close partners Finland and Sweden joining NATO. This historic vote sends an important signal of the sustained, bipartisan U.S. commitment to NATO, and to ensuring our Alliance is prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. I thank the members of the Senate – especially Majority Leader Schumer, Minority …
Read More» On July 31, 2022, the United States conducted a precision counterterrorism strike in Afghanistan that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s deputy and successor as leader of al-Qa’ida. Al- Zawahiri was one of the masterminds of the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, and had continued to urge his followers to attack …
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Eureka moments come to entrepreneurs in different ways — for Marta Vânia Uetela of Mozambique, her idea arose when a friend who lost his leg in a car accident had to find an affordable prosthetic to be able to walk again. He found that prosthetics were too expensive or the wait time to obtain one …
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My fellow Americans, on Saturday, at my direction, the United States successfully concluded an airstrike in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed the emir of al Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri. You know, al-Zawahiri was bin Laden’s leader. He was with him all the — the whole time. He was his number-two man, his deputy at the time …
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Can we give it up for Yendy, please? (Applause.) Please have a seat. Please have a seat. I said to Yendy he — he did an excellent job. You know, public speaking is very difficult, but you — you hope that, at the end of your presentation, that you not only share something that people …
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The U.S. Department of State’s Investment Climate Statements provide information on the business climates of more than 160 economies and are prepared by economic officers stationed in embassies and posts around the world. They analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses. The Investment Climate Statements are also references …
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For more than 50 years, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) has helped prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, enabled progress on disarmament, and allowed peaceful nuclear technologies to contribute to global sustainable development. The United States is committed to upholding this landmark treaty, one that is never more important than in times …
Read More» This week, President Putin’s war on Ukraine entered its sixth month. Costs continue to climb – thousands of civilians killed or wounded; 13 million Ukrainians forced to flee their homes; historic cities literally pounded into rubble; food shortages, skyrocketing food prices around the world – all this because President Putin was determined to conquer another …
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As I was walking out, I thought I heard a rumbling in my staff saying, “Oh, he’s back.” (Laughter.) Thanks for sticking around. Hello, everyone. I’ve just tested negative for COVID-19 after isolating for five days. (Applause.) Thankfully, I’ll now be able to return to work in person. But I — I want to thank …
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Russians who dare to speak out publicly against the war in Ukraine face long prison terms. Alexei Gorinov, a municipal deputy in Moscow, received a seven-year prison sentence July 8 for “spreading false information” about the Russian military. His crime? Gorinov called for “stopping the war and withdrawing Russian troops from Ukraine’s territory” during a March council …
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In March 2021, President Biden released Executive Order 14020 , Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council, which mandated a whole-of-government strategy to promote gender equality, and corresponding Department and Agency Action Plans within nine months of the Strategy’s release. The U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality was released in October 2021, with the aim of …
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There are an estimated 1 billion people with disabilities worldwide. Their contributions benefit us all. In the United States, July is Disability Pride Month. It marks the 1990 enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark U.S. rights law that extended civil rights protections to persons with disabilities and assured that all Americans would benefit from their talents.
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Several U.S. business hubs are among the world’s best places to launch a business. Startup Genome, a research organization that supports small businesses, places three American hot spots in the top five of its latest global startup ecosystem ranking: Silicon Valley (located in California’s Santa Clara Valley), New York City and Boston.
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The United States strongly condemns the Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian port of Odesa today. Just 24 hours after finalizing a deal to allow the resumption of Ukrainian agricultural exports through the Black Sea, Russia breached its commitments by attacking the historic port from which grain and agricultural exports would again be transported under …
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Our consular officers are your eyes and ears on the ground in countries around the world. We have no higher priority than the safety and security of our fellow citizens, and one of the primary ways we fulfill that responsibility is by informing U.S. citizens of not only travel information such as entry and exit …
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“The scale of this problem is vast,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken, announcing the report’s findings July 19 at the State Department, noting that nearly 25 million people are currently victims of trafficking. “The United States is committed to fighting it because trafficking destabilizes societies, it undermines economies, it harms workers, it enriches those who exploit …
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More than 80 international and domestic students gathered at the U.S. Department of State in Washington on June 29, to learn about human rights issues and how the State Department addresses humanitarian problems globally.
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As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19’s far-reaching impacts and the emergence of new variants, there remains an urgent need for political and diplomatic engagement and coordination to accelerate progress to end the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen health security. Accordingly, the United States and Japan will jointly host a virtual …
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Just-released brilliant and detailed images of distant parts of the universe taken by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope will help people better understand the cosmos. The Webb’s first, full-color image (at right) shows thousands of galaxies. This infrared image of the universe, the deepest and sharpest ever produced, was released on July 11 at the White House …
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With Ukraine’s assent, the United States and 44 other countries invoked the OSCE Moscow Mechanism for a second time on June 2, establishing an expert mission to examine the further human rights abuses and humanitarian impacts of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. In the report released at today’s OSCE Permanent Council meeting, the mission …
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We welcome the announcement by the EU making clear how its member states will implement economic sanctions on Russia with respect to Kaliningrad. We appreciate the unprecedented economic measures that our Allies and partners, including Lithuania, have joined us in taking against Russia for its unprovoked war against Ukraine.
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On the eve of the Ukraine Accountability Conference, the United States calls on Russia to immediately halt its systematic “filtration” operations and forced deportations in Russian-controlled and held areas of Ukraine. The unlawful transfer and deportation of protected persons is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians and is a war crime. Russian …
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In line with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to robust re-engagement and leadership in multilateral institutions, the United States marked its second session back on the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) by actively advancing respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms during the body’s 50th regular session.
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The U.S. government and private sector are providing critical cybersecurity assistance to Ukraine, helping the country stay online during Russia’s brutal and unjust war. The Kremlin’s further invasion of Ukraine has used information warfare tactics, including cyberattacks on core infrastructure and dissemination of disinformation through state-sponsored malign networks, as well as mass disruption of internet service, according …
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One of the Kremlin’s most common disinformation narratives to justify its devastating war against the people of Ukraine is the lie that Russia is pursuing the “denazification” of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has referred to Ukraine’s democratically elected government as a “gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis,” while Russian state media and propagandists have repeatedly called for the “denazification” of the entire …
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The United States and its trans-Atlantic allies have agreed to a bold vision for NATO’s future to ensure a strong NATO alliance. The White House called the June 29–30 NATO Summit in Madrid “an historic moment for the Transatlantic Alliance.” For the first time, leaders from partner nations in Asia, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand and …
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Disinformation is one of the Kremlin’s most important and far-reaching weapons. Russia has operationalized the concept of perpetual adversarial competition in the information environment by encouraging the development of a disinformation and propaganda ecosystem. This ecosystem creates and spreads false narratives to strategically advance the Kremlin’s policy goals. There is no subject off-limits to this …
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I transmit herewith, for the advice and consent of the Senate to its ratification, the Protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden (the “Protocols”). The Protocols were signed in Brussels on July 5, 2022, on behalf of the United States and …
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I announced earlier today that the United States is providing nearly $368 million in additional humanitarian assistance to support those affected by Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine. To date, more than11 million people– over a quarter of Ukraine’s population – have been forced to flee their homes due to Russia’s unjustified war, while 15.7 million people require …
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Jill and I send our warmest greetings to Muslims across the United States and around the world celebrating Eid al-Adha. The Eid traditions and Hajj rituals that commemorate the devotion of Abraham and his son to God are an opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith, and a reminder of the common roots of the …
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When disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic strike, developing countries that lack essential infrastructure suffer more and take longer to recover, President Biden said. “In our deeply connected world, that’s not just a humanitarian concern, it’s an economic and a security concern for all of us,” Biden told the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Schloss …
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Carbon dioxide is a natural part of the planet’s environment, but too much of it can wreak havoc on the climate. Currently, there is 47% more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than at the beginning of the Industrial Age. This causes temperatures to rise, the ocean to acidify, and extreme weather to become commonplace and …
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Sixty-five million years ago, an asteroid collided with Earth and killed two-thirds of life on the planet, ending the reign of the dinosaurs. Now scientists at NASA and space agencies in Europe are figuring out how to prevent future asteroids from threatening humans. “The threat of asteroids is real,” NASA scientist Elena Adams said during …
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When the Kremlin wants to gain influence in Africa or support a repressive leader without scrutiny, it often works with key oligarchs aligned with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A Kremlin favorite is Yevgeniy Prigozhin, known as “Putin’s chef” because of his numerous catering contracts with the Kremlin. Prigozhin is best known for financing the Internet …
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Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of choice against Ukraine, facilitated by the Belarusian government, is abhorrent and a flagrant breach of its international obligations. Respect for human rights and peaceful relations between nations form the foundation of international sport.
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The United States and international partners have begun shipping pediatric COVID-19 vaccine doses to help other countries protect children and to end the acute phase of the pandemic. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced June 15 at a COVID-19 Global Action Plan meeting at the State Department that the United States is sending 2.2 million doses of …
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More than a million people of Ukrainian descent live in the United States, primarily in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. U.S. museums across the country elevate Ukrainian culture, history and art. “One of the things that President Putin’s war is trying to accomplish is to somehow erase Ukrainian identity,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken …
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Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine is contributing to rising food prices and threatening food supplies around the world. In Ukraine, Russia’s forces have destroyed farms, bombed warehouses, ruined fields, and seized tractors and other equipment for fortifications, according to news reports. Land mines have forced Ukrainians to abandon their farms, and a Russian Navy blockade of Ukrainian …
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On this day 54 years ago, the Treaty of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) opened for signature in London, Moscow, and Washington, DC. Today, the United States reaffirms its commitment to this critical treaty and celebrates the immeasurable contribution it has made to the security and prosperity of the nations and peoples of the …
Read More» Ukrainians continue to face a brutality highlighted once again this week by an attack that struck a shopping mall filled with civilians. They continue to fight for their country, and the United States continues to stand by them and their just cause. As the United States prepares to commemorate our independence, we remain committed to …
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Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4 because that’s when, in 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, eventually transforming 13 English colonies into the United States of America.
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As part of our deep ongoing collaboration on outer space issues, officials from the United States and the European Union met for the 11th U.S.-EU Space Dialogue in Washington, D.C. Officials discussed cooperation on Earth observation and disaster response, global navigation satellite systems, spaceflight safety and space situational awareness, and opportunities for trans-Atlantic cooperation to …
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The June 29-30, 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid, Spain will be an historic moment for the Transatlantic Alliance. Building on the President’s first NATO Summit on June 14, 2021, and extraordinary Summits held on February 25, 2022 and March 24, 2022 in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, this Summit in Madrid will …
Read More» The United States reaffirms our commitment to working alongside our allies and partners to further impose severe consequences on President Putin and his supporters for Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war against the government and people of Ukraine. Today, the Departments of State and the Treasury are imposing sanctions on additional entities and individuals, including Russia’s …
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I congratulate Turkey, Finland and Sweden on signing a trilateral memorandum, which paves the way for Allies to invite Finland and Sweden to join NATO at the Madrid Summit. When I welcomed President Niinistö and Prime Minister Andersson to the White House last month, I told them that the United States strongly supports their membership. …
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As Secretary of State, I usually avoid commenting on Supreme Court rulings. But today’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade has raised understandable questions and concerns across the world and within our workforce. So let me be clear: under this Administration, the State Department will remain fully committed to helping provide access to reproductive health services …
Read More» Today, we announced an additional $1 billion in additional military assistance for Ukraine. Pursuant to a delegation of authority from the President, I am authorizing our twelfth drawdown of arms and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense inventories for Ukraine’s defense since August 2021, valued at up to $350 million. This authorization, combined with $650 …
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This morning, I spoke with President Zelenskyy to discuss Russia’s brutal and ongoing war against Ukraine. I reaffirmed my commitment that the United States will stand by Ukraine as it defends its democracy and support its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of unprovoked Russian aggression. I informed President Zelenskyy that the United States …
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On June 14, 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service at the U.S. Embassy in Rome hosted a regional virtual workshop entitled: “Innovative Biotechnology – A Tool for Climate Change Mitigation, Food Security, and Alternative Energy Sources”. Two U.S. scientists were accompanied by experts from Italy, Greece, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ghana, and Nigeria. The scientists …
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Around one-third of all marine life will face extinction within 300 years if global temperatures keep rising, says a new report in Science. The extinction of ocean creatures would weaken global economies, harm land-based ecosystems and change life on Earth as we know it. “The ocean is our lifeblood, impacting a $500 billion global economy and …
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Members of the LGBTQI+ community in the United States and around the world have established an impressive legacy in art, history, literature, math, science and politics. Over the years, LGBTQI+ figures took significant risks to enter and succeed in competitive fields, knowing their identities could jeopardize their own careers or those of others. Despite discrimination and harassment, …
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On World Day Against Child Labor, we renew our commitments and efforts to combat child labor and protect children. The United States was one of the first countries to sign the international treaty against child labor. When President Clinton signed what is known as the Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention in 1999, he recognized that to …
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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. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken …
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Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces in Ukraine have destroyed apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, shopping centers and ambulances, leaving thousands of civilians killed or wounded. Mounting evidence indicates that the Russian Federation’s forces are torturing and killing civilians in the cities they capture. After Russia’s forces withdrew from the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, city officials recovered …
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On behalf of the United States of America, I express my wish for a more peaceful, open future for the people of Russia as they commemorate Russia Day. June 12, 1990, marked an important step in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Russia for freedom, democracy, and the breaking down of barriers that separate …
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As of June 12, 2022, the CDC order requiring all persons to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, is rescinded. Starting at 12:01 a.m. on June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer require air travelers to show a negative COVID-19 …
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The health and productivity of our ocean is under threat. Greenhouse gas emissions are making our ocean warmer, higher, more acidic, and less productive. Meanwhile, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is threatening fish stocks and marine biodiversity, while plastic pollution is choking our ocean.
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There is only one global ocean — a vast body of water that covers 71% 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 will …
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It’s so important from our perspective that the United States, likeminded governments, but especially with civil society, with NGOs, with think tanks, with the private sector, work to protect human rights online, work to demonstrate that our democracies can deliver for people as we navigate this extraordinary digital transformation that is having an impact on …
Read More» Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will host a roundtable discussion on global food security with a number of philanthropies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities on Monday, June 6, at 4:00 p.m. EDT. Secretary Blinken will be joined by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.
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In the United States, several government agencies work together to ensure food safety through a system many consider to be one of the best in the world. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration work together to protect consumers …
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June 6, 2022, marks the 78th anniversary of D-Day, when the largest amphibious military operation of modern times landed 156,000 Allied soldiers by sea and air on five beachheads in Normandy, France. D-Day was the start of Allied operations in World War II that would liberate Western Europe and defeat Nazi Germany 11 months later. Most of …
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Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces in Ukraine have destroyed apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, shopping centers and ambulances, leaving thousands of civilians killed or wounded. Mounting evidence indicates that the Russian Federation’s forces are torturing and killing civilians in the cities they capture.
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In the one hundred days since Russian President Putin ordered his forces to further invade Ukraine, the world has seen the courage and determination of the people of Ukraine as they fight for their country. Since February 24, the United States has provided more than 6.3 billion dollars of security, humanitarian and economic assistance to …
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Water is the source of life, and it nurtures and sustains livelihoods and civilizations. Secure and sustainable access to safe water is an essential element of national security, and the Department of State is working together with our partners and allies to facilitate water cooperation and engagement on water management across our development programming and …
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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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On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Italy on the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Republic. On this day, Italy and the United States celebrate our shared heritage and values including freedom, democracy, rule of law, and our flourishing cultural ties. Millions of Americans proudly claim …
Read More» The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Monkeypox in Multiple Countries.
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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Di Maio discussed Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war against Ukraine and affirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine and others suffering from the effects of the war. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also stressed the …
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On a day in 1985, like many immigrants visiting a U.S. supermarket for the first time, Hakakian was stunned by the “staggering variety” of types of cereals in America. The aisle of shelves, she says, might be seen by those outside the U.S. as a sign of frivolity. But for her, the shelves have come …
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The movement to safeguard the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) people in the United States is part of a larger U.S. tradition of ensuring minority rights. That tradition began when President Ulysses S. Grant signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1871. Now recognized as the world’s first legislation aimed …
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President Biden is ensuring the United States remains a safe haven for refugees and that those who apply to immigrate to the country under humanitarian programs are treated with dignity and respect. In a February 4, 2021, executive order, Biden took steps to strengthen the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), a collaboration between government and community groups that reflects …
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Memorial Day honors America’s military men and women who lost their lives in service to their country. The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May, a time of year when weather is turning warmer and schools and universities are adjourning for summer break. To Americans, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of …
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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 test of yet another Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) conducted on May 25, 2022, by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). …
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They lie here in glory and honor — in quiet rows in Arlington, in cemeteries in Europe that I visited and many of you have, in graves across our country, in towns large and small — America’s beloved daughters and sons who dared all, risked all, and gave all to preserve and defend an idea …
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One of the most significant sites for such commemoration is Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for U.S. military personnel of every major American conflict since the Revolutionary War. The cemetery sits across the Potomac River from Washington in Northern Virginia. In 2021, President Biden visited there on Memorial Day and said, “May the light …
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It’s a real pleasure to be here at The George Washington University. This is an institution that draws outstanding students and scholars from around the world and where the most urgent challenges that we face as a country and a planet are studied and debated. So thank you for having us here today. And I …
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And a big thanks to start to our colleagues at the Office of International Religious Freedom for getting us all together tonight, for organizing this reception, and Rashad, especially to you for your leadership, which has been extraordinary. Just over the past few months, Rashad and his team have helped drive our foreign policy priorities …
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President Biden supported and welcomed Finland’s and Sweden’s applications to join NATO, saying the two democracies will strengthen the alliance and bolster trans-Atlantic security. “I am proud to welcome and offer the strong support of the United States for the applications of two great democracies and two close, highly capable partners to join the strongest, …
Read More» The United States, along with the European Union and the United Kingdom, has created the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA). This joint initiative will directly support the efforts of the War Crimes Units of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine (OPG) to document, preserve, and analyze evidence of war crimes and other atrocities …
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Today, the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom announced the creation of the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA), a mechanism aimed at ensuring efficient coordination of their respective support to accountability efforts on the ground. The ACA will reinforce current EU, US and UK efforts to further accountability for atrocity crimes in the context …
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Russia has demonstrated that it is an unreliable supplier of energy to Europe through unjustified and unacceptable actions such as cutting off electricity and natural gas to Finland, halting natural gas exports to Poland and Bulgaria, and threatening similar actions against other European nations. The United States and the European Commission condemn Russia’s use of …
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Walk the streets of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, Queens and other areas in New York City and you’ll likely see signs in Russian and English, along with plenty of support for Ukraine. New York City is home to 600,000 Russian-speaking immigrants, the most of any U.S. city. And many here — as well as others in communities across …
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The U.S. government has provided more than $688 million in humanitarian assistance to help the people of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24. The aid comes as Russia’s war of aggression has displaced 7.7 million people within Ukraine and forced more than 6 million to flee to neighboring countries. This humanitarian assistance — through the U.S. Agency for …
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Russia’s war against Ukraine has damaged more than 260 sites important to Ukraine’s culture, new reports show. “This is a struggle for our cultural heritage,” said Ihor Poshyvailo, general director of the National Memorial and the Maidan Museum, during an online discussion April 28 hosted by the National Museum of American Diplomacy. The Russian military’s constant bombing of Ukraine …
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Countries and organizations around the globe are redoubling efforts to vaccinate the world against COVID-19, save lives now, and prepare for future pandemics and other health crises. At the Second COVID-19 Summit, held virtually May 12, leaders of numerous countries, the private sector and nongovernmental groups committed a total of $3.2 billion to expand access …
