Remarks John Kerry, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Open Public Session of B20 2021 Inception Meeting January 21, 2021 As prepared Giuseppe – thank you for that generous introduction – and thanks to all of you for inviting me to share some thoughts with you about the challenge ahead on the global climate crisis. Here in Washington, it’s 7:30 in the morning on my first full day as ... Read More»
The Assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov
Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC December 19, 2016 The United States condemns the assassination today in Ankara of Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, the Russian people, and with the other victims who were injured in this shooting. We stand ready to offer assistance ... Read More»
Secretary’s Remarks: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC November 25, 2016 On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the United States reaffirms our belief that gender-based violence is never acceptable, that women and girls have the right to live free from violence, and that countries are stronger when homes, neighborhoods, ... Read More»
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY: September 11
September 11, 2016 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY We mark today fifteen years since the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93. Four years have passed since the death in Libya of Ambassador Chris Stevens, Glen Doherty, Sean Smith, ... Read More»
Statement by Secretary John Kerry on the Occasion of Ukraine’s National Day
Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC August 23, 2016 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I offer my warmest congratulations to the people of Ukraine as you observe the 25th anniversary of your independence on August 24. During my most recent visit to Kyiv, I was deeply impressed by ... Read More»
United States Announces Nearly $23 Million in Additional Humanitarian Assistance for Ukraine Crisis
Today, Secretary of State John Kerry announced in Kyiv that the United States is providing nearly $23 million in additional U.S. humanitarian assistance to help thousands of vulnerable people affected by the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. This announcement brings the total of U.S. humanitarian assistance since the start of the crisis to more than ... Read More»
Secretary Kerry Travel to Tbilisi, Kyiv and Warsaw
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Tbilisi, Georgia on July 6, 2016, to meet with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili for bilateral discussions on a range of issues, including U.S. support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and successful elections in October. The Secretary will then co-chair a plenary meeting of the U.S.-Georgia Strategic ... Read More»
2016 Trafficking In Persons Report Released, Ukraine Rated Tier Two
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry released the 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report at the State Department in Washington DC June 30. As directed by the U.S. Congress, the State Department prepares this report for all countries in the world. The goal of these reports is to stimulate action and create partnerships around the world ... Read More»
Secretary’s Remarks: On the United Kingdom – European Union Referendum
Earlier today, I spoke to British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond regarding yesterday’s referendum in the United Kingdom. The citizens of the U.K. have made their decision and we will of course respect it. I want to emphasize that although the U.K. will be leaving the European Union, the British are in no way departing from ... Read More»
Remarks by Secretary Kerry at the GES Welcoming Reception
Greg, thank you very much. Thank you for – I don’t know where you’ve gone off to. But thank you for your extraordinary personal leadership. Greg has been the head of a bank – the Silicon Valley Bank, that is the only bank dedicated to technology, to innovation, and to entrepreneurs. And it has racked ... Read More»
REMARKS: Secretary of State John Kerry at a Press Availability at NATO Headquarters
SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. I’m personally very pleased to be back in Brussels, which I have come to understand, as many people in the world have, is a city of remarkable strength and resilience. And I’m very, very grateful to Secretary-General Stoltenberg and my NATO colleagues for the productive discussions that we’ve been able ... Read More»
Commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
On International Day Against Homophoia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, we stand in solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons worldwide. We celebrate the progress made to advance a world where all persons are respected and can live free from fear and discrimination. And today we reaffirm our belief all persons are born free ... Read More»
Readout of Secretary Kerry’s Phone Call With Foreign Minister Lavrov
The following is attributable to Spokesperson John Kirby: Secretary of State John Kerry spoke today via phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to reiterate our serious concerns over the ongoing threats to the Cessation of Hostilities in Syria and the urgent need for the Assad regime to stop its violations of the cessation. Secretary ... Read More»
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s remarks on the 2015 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, everybody. Thanks for being here. I’m going to make a statement and I have to run from here to an NSC meeting on a number of issues, so forgive me if I dash out of here. I’m not trying to avoid you, but Tom will take some questions and I think ... Read More»
Remarks before Meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, Sergey, thank you very much. First of all, thank you for welcoming me back to Moscow, and indeed, this is my third visit. And I think it’s fair to say that each of the visits that I’ve had and (inaudible) have permitted us to be able to find some path forward – ... Read More»
Secretary of State John Kerry before Russian Young Professionals Roundtable
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, look, this is a great pleasure. I’m really very happy to meet with all of you, because you are the future, and because you’re all engaged in exciting endeavors to try to do new things, break through, be entrepreneurs. And that’s – I mean, everywhere I go in the world as Secretary ... Read More»
Secretary Kerry’s Travel to Brussels
Secretary Kerry will travel to Brussels, Belgium, on Friday to formally express the condolences of the United States for the loss of life in yesterday’s terrorist attacks, and to meet with Belgian and European Union officials. He will reiterate the strong support of the United States for Belgian efforts to both investigate these attacks and ... Read More»
The United States Condemns the Terrorist Attacks in Brussels, Belgium
Today’s abhorrent attacks in Brussels are an assault against the Belgian people and the very heart of Europe. Our thoughts are with all those in Brussels, including the injured and the loved ones of those who were killed, and with the first responders and security personnel who are working tirelessly to keep Brussels safe. The ... Read More»
Remarks by Secretary of State John Kerry
Joint Press Availability with French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, and Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni FOREIGN MINISTER AYRAULT: (Via interpreter) (In progress) This is a conflict that next Tuesday will be completing its fifth year of existence. Now the intra-Syrian negotiations ... Read More»
Remarks by Secretary of State John Kerry at the 2016 Munich Security Conference
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you, Wolfgang. Thank you very much. Well, Wolfgang, thank you for reminding me that everything I’m doing now is a last. (Laughter.) It’s a little – depending on what I decide to do, so maybe not. (Laughter.) I am really happy to be back in Munich and I’m very happy to share ... Read More»
Readout of Secretary Kerry’s Meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko
Secretary Kerry met today on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The Secretary reaffirmed the strong support of the United States for full implementation of the Minsk agreement. He urged unity among Ukraine’s leaders, and faster progress on reform and against corruption, especially those urgent steps recommended by the ... Read More»
Secretary Kerry’s Meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
The following is attributable to Spokesperson John Kirby: Secretary Kerry met today in Zurich with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to discuss Syria, Ukraine, and other issues of mutual concern. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed plans for the UN-led negotiations between the Syrian parties on January 25 and the importance of maintaining progress toward a diplomatic solution ... Read More»
Press Releases: Remarks With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: (Via interpreter) Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Today, we had a big negotiating day with John Kerry and his delegation finalizing their working visit to Moscow. We started with negotiations at Russian foreign ministry and we continued here in the Kremlin during the meeting with President Putin. Negotiations in the morning and in ... Read More»
Secretary’s Remarks: Remarks With Russian President Vladimir Putin
PRESIDENT PUTIN: (Via interpreter) Your Excellency, Mr. Secretary of State, dear colleagues, I would like to cordially welcome you to Moscow. Your Excellency, Secretary of State, we see what efforts you have undertaken in order to settle a number of very urgent problems. And it’s very – even difficult to track all your movements around the ... Read More»
Secretary’s Remarks: Remarks With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Before Their Meeting
SECRETARY KERRY: Sergey, thank you very much for arranging this meeting and thank you for your welcome here in Moscow. I agree completely with the agenda you’ve set out. I think it’s the agenda we’ve discussed previously. And I think today is an important day for us to try to make further progress on a number ... Read More»
Secretary Kerry’s Meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin
The following is attributable to Spokesperson John Kirby: Secretary Kerry met today in Belgrade with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin. The two ministers met on the sidelines of the OSCE Ministerial meeting. They discussed ongoing events in eastern Ukraine, to include continued Russian support of separatist elements there. And both stressed the importance of full ... Read More»
Secretary of State John Kerry Press Availability at NATO
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good morning, everybody. It’s a pleasure to be back in Brussels and I’m delighted to be here with Secretary-General Stoltenberg and all of my colleagues from across NATO, where, once again, we have come together to affirm our common defense commitment, to affirm our commitment to the solidarity of the alliance, and ... Read More»
Statement by Secretary Kerry: September 11 Anniversary
September 11 is a date seared into the minds of all of us at the U.S. Department of State and of citizens across America. Together, we honor the memory of the men, women, and children murdered in 2001. And we will never forget those who died three years ago in Libya: Ambassador Chris Stevens, Sean ... Read More»
Secretary of State John Kerry on the Occasion of Ukraine’s National Day
On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I offer my warmest congratulations to the Ukrainian people as you mark the anniversary of your independence on August 24. The United States has been a steadfast partner and friend of Ukraine since your Parliament approved the Act of Independence on this date in 1991. For ... Read More»
Readout of Secretary Kerry’s Call with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov
The Secretary spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov by phone earlier this morning. The Secretary expressed grave concern about the sharp increase in separatist attacks in Eastern Ukraine, and urged an immediate ceasefire and full implementation of Minsk obligations. On Syria, the Secretary and Foreign Minister Lavrov agreed to continue exploring options for a political ... Read More»
Secretary Kerry’s Meeting with Foreign Minister Lavrov
Secretary Kerry met today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial in Kuala Lumpur. They discussed the situation in Ukraine and the steps that need to be taken see the Minsk Agreement fully implemented. They also covered the situation in Syria, to include the importance of finding a political ... Read More»
Statement by Secretary Kerry: 20th Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide
Today we mark 20 years since 8,000 people were murdered in the mountains of Eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina. The discovery of that unconscionable crime against humanity–of broken bodies piled in mass graves–shocked the conscience of the world. This anniversary is a powerful reminder of the need to confront evil in all its forms, and to ... Read More»
Secretary of State John Kerry At a Press Availability Via Teleconference
MR KIRBY: Good afternoon, everybody. Thanks for coming today. QUESTION: Welcome. MR KIRBY: Thank you. QUESTION: Even if it is a short appearance. MR KIRBY: I appreciate that. Listen, so it’s my first day at the podium and I kind of figured that I might need some help, so I have asked Secretary Kerry to ... Read More»
Commemorating International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is a call to action, a plea to stand with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex communities (LGBTI) across the world and reaffirm our commitment to the equality and dignity of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Discrimination against LGBTI persons must end — ... Read More»
Secretary’s Remarks: Statement to Press at NATO Ministerial
I was privileged to brief all of our NATO colleagues on the meetings held yesterday in Sochi with President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov. I think there was strong agreement among all of the NATO members that this is a critical moment for action by Russia, by the separatists, to live up to the Minsk ... Read More»
Secretary of State John Kerry Press Availability with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
MODERATOR: (In progress) (Via interpreter) ready to start the press conference. Heads of the foreign policy agencies of the U.S. and Russia. FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, thanks a lot for your patience and waiting till the end of all today’s negotiations. Our negotiations took place in (inaudible) the presidential part has just ... Read More»
Press Statement: On the Occasion of Europe Day
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the European Union as you celebrate Europe Day. Over 60 years ago, a handful of war-scarred countries started down a new path that united a continent. You did it not by force of arms, but by free movement of trade, ideas, ... Read More»
Statement by Secretary Kerry on Minsk from an April 24 Press Availability
Well, with respect to – with respect to Foreign Minister Lavrov and Ukraine, we did discuss Ukraine. We spent some amount of time on it. There are conversations taking place now about how to proceed to implement Minsk more fully. There are differences of opinion which rose at the last Normandy meeting that took place ... Read More»
International Roma Day
On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I honor all Roma on International Roma Day. Today we celebrate the Romani people and their rich cultural heritage. But we are also mindful of the challenges that many Roma experience in their daily lives. For centuries, the Roma have suffered at the hands of history’s ... Read More»
Secretary of State John Kerry And Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius
SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. It’s my pleasure to welcome my friend, Linas Linkevicius, the foreign minister of Lithuania, and I’m very, very happy to have him here in Washington. We have worked very closely together in any number of meetings and fora around the world. Lithuania may be small, but let me tell you, ... Read More»
Statement by the State Secretary on the Murder of Boris Nemtsov
I am shocked and saddened to learn of the brutal murder of former Russian Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov in central Moscow. Boris Nemtsov committed his life to a more democratic, prosperous, open Russia, and to strong relationships between Russia and its neighbors and partners, including the United States. He served his country in many ... Read More»
One Year Anniversary of the Maidan Protests in Ukraine
For three months ending last year, Ukrainians braved long nights, bitter cold, and violent crackdowns by a government that refused to hear its own people. Snipers shot at them from rooftops, cutting down more than 100 people – protestors and police alike. We will never forget those who lost their lives and raised their voices for ... Read More»
Statement by Secretary Kerry: Ukraine Ceasefire Agreement
The United States welcomes the news that the OSCE-led Trilateral Contact Group, supported by Chancellor Merkel and Presidents Hollande, Poroshenko, and Putin, reached agreement on a ceasefire and heavy weapons withdrawal in eastern Ukraine, and on the implementation of the September Minsk agreements. We particularly commend the diplomatic efforts of our European Allies, Chancellor Merkel ... Read More»
Remarks at the Munich Security Conference Panel Discussion
MODERATOR: To conclude the first half of our morning session, we are now turning to a new kind of troika. There have been different troikas in the past. And since we are pressed for time, I will not spend a long time with introducing this group of three eminent foreign ministers. I would simply like to ... Read More»
Interview with Chuck Todd of Meet the Press
QUESTION: Yesterday, I spoke with Secretary of State John Kerry from Munich, and I started by asking him whether the U.S. is winning in our goal of diminishing and eventually destroying ISIS. SECRETARY KERRY: Well, I believe we are on the road to; yes, I absolutely do. And I think the evidence is not in my saying ... Read More»
Press Availability With Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk After Their Meeting
PRIME MINISTER YATSENYUK: Mr. Secretary, it’s a great, great pleasure to see you in Kyiv. I want to be very clear saying the United States of America is one of the strongest allies of Ukraine, and we truly appreciate your support in our fight for our freedom, for our liberty, and for our independence. The globe ... Read More»
Remarks With Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko After Their Meeting
PRESIDENT POROSHENKO: Mr. Secretary, we are very pleased to welcome you, as the United States Secretary of State. SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you. PRESIDENT POROSHENKO: It’s almost one year passed since your last visit in Kyiv and I still remember the very crucial and positive discussions we had at that time, and the whole world (inaudible) our country faced ... Read More»
Secretary Kerry Travel to Kyiv and Munich
Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 5 to meet with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, and members of Ukraine’s parliament. The Secretary’s visit will highlight the United States’ steadfast support for Ukraine and its people. Secretary Kerry will then travel to Munich, ... Read More»
Secretary of State John Kerry and Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics before their Meeting
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good morning, again. I’m really pleased to welcome my friend, Edgars Rinkevics, the Foreign Minister of Latvia. And he is here to discuss a number of issues, actually, that I also shared with our friend from Sweden, but some other issues in addition to that. Latvia, at this time, is playing the ... Read More»
Statement by Secretary Kerry: Attacks in Ukraine by Russia-Backed Separatists
I join my European counterparts in condemning in the strongest terms today’s horrific assault by Russia-backed separatists on civilian neighborhoods in Mariupol, a peaceful city 25 kilometers outside of the Minsk ceasefire line, using Grad rocket systems and other advanced weaponry. With smoke rising from apartment buildings and playgrounds from over 40 rounds of powerful ... Read More»
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