The Week at State,” Secretary Antony Blinken visited the Middle East to meet with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Also this week, Kurt Campbell was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the next Deputy Secretary of State.

 

In “The Week at State,” Secretary Antony Blinken visited the Middle East to meet with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Also this week, Kurt Campbell was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the next Deputy Secretary of State.

Secretary Blinken Visits the Middle East Saudi Arabia  Secretary Blinken met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh. The Secretary underscored the importance of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza and preventing further spread of the conflict. “We will continue to engage in diplomacy in the region to prevent the further spread of the conflict,” the Secretary stated on Twitter/X. Egypt In Cairo, Secretary Blinken expressed appreciation for Egypt’s leadership role in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza during a meeting with Egyptian President El-Sisi. “We also discussed shared regional stability objectives, including halting threats to Red Sea security by the Houthis,” the Secretary stated on Twitter/X. Qatar In Doha, the Secretary and Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar agreed to continue close coordination to increase humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and to urge the protection of civilians consistent with humanitarian law.They also discussed efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas.  “We appreciate Qatar’s partnership and indispensable role in mediating,” the Secretary said on Twitter/X. Israel The Secretary met with Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu and other senior Israeli leaders to discuss the latest efforts to secure the release of all hostages and ensure the events of October 7 are never repeated. He also stressed the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza and ensuring more humanitarian aid gets to people in need. Palestinian Authority In Ramallah, Secretary Blinken met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The Secretary reiterated U.S. support for reforming the Palestinian Authority and establishing an independent Palestinian state.  Throughout his trip, the Secretary discussed the work to pursue a real pathway toward enduring peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, and everyone in the region. Our Workforce State Department Welcomes New Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to begin his tenure at the State Department. He recently served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs on the National Security Council. “I congratulate Kurt Campbell on his confirmation to serve as our new Deputy Secretary of State, and thank Toria Nuland who has been serving in an acting capacity,” the Secretary said on Twitter/X. “The Department and the nation will benefit from his diplomatic expertise and leadership at this critical time.” Alliances and Partnerships Greece Signs the Artemis Accords The Secretary met with Greek Foreign Minister Gerapetritis at the fifth U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue. Greece signed the Artemis Accords that promote peaceful and responsible space exploration. “Our bilateral relationship with our NATO Ally continues to expand as we welcome Greece to the Artemis Accords,” the Secretary said on Twitter/X. Human Rights Supporting Disability Rights Special Advisor for Disability Rights Sara Minkara visited a school in Cuba to promote the need for inclusive education for children with disabilities in Cuba. Minkara emphasized the importance of dismantling physical and cultural barriers for persons with disabilities during her visit to the University of Havana. “I look forward to when society demands the inclusion of persons with disabilities,” Minkara said on Twitter/X. Education and Culture Football, American Style, In Brazil American football sports envoys visited São Paulo, Brazil, to engage Brazilian youth from underserved communities. The program, a partnership between the Department of State, the NFL, and USA Football, celebrated the bicentennial of U.S.-Brazil diplomatic relations. Brennan Scarlett, an eight-year NFL linebacker and Ashlea Klam, a member of the USA Football’s Women’s Flag Football National Team, led sports clinics with Brazilian players of flag and tackle football. Later this year, São Paulo will host the first-ever NFL regular season football game in South America. Flag football will debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Apply for a Fulbright Award Are you a K-12 teacher in the U.S. interested in professional development abroad? Apply today for the Fulbright Program Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program. Interested candidates can view programs and apply.

This Week February 13: Secretary Blinken delivers keynote remarks on hostage diplomacy at the Wilson Center February 14-17: Secretary Blinken travels to Albania and Germany, where he will attend the Munich Security Conference Looking Ahead February 19: President's Day February 21: International Mother Language Day February 20-22: G20 Summit in Argentina

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