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U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin Εισερχόμενα U.S. Department of State <usstatebpa@public.govdelivery.com> 6:38 π.μ. (πριν από 3 ώρες) προς εγώ Public Schedule – February 19, 2023 02/18/2023 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – February 19, 2023 02/18/2023 08:21 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***    SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN  Secretary Blinken is on travel to Germany, Türkiye, and Greece from February 16-22, 2023. 3:30 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Blinken tours earthquake damage with Turkish Foreign Minister  Mevlut Cavusoglu in Hatay Province, Türkiye. (POOLED PRESS COVERAGE)  5:00 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Blinken tours the Aid Logistics Area at Incirlik Air Force Base,  Türkiye. (POOLED PRESS COVERAGE/REMARKS AT BOTTOM)   6:00 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Blinken meets with Turkish Military Families affected by the  earthquake, at Incirlik Air Force Base, Türkiye. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)  6:20 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Blinken meets with DART Search and Rescue Team at Incirlik Air  Force Base, Türkiye. (POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)  6:40 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Blinken meets with White Helmets at Incirlik Air Force Base, Türkiye. U.S. Assistance to Emergency Earthquake Response Efforts in Türkiye and Syria 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S. Assistance to Emergency Earthquake Response Efforts in Türkiye and Syria 02/19/2023 10:28 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson 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. The Secretary announced today that President Biden intends to authorize $50 million in Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Funds (ERMA) in response to the unprecedented and devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.  In addition, the United States is providing $50 million in humanitarian assistance through the State Department and USAID.  This brings total U.S. humanitarian assistance to support the earthquake response in Türkiye and Syria to $185 million to date. The United States also welcomes the February 16 UN Flash Appeal for earthquake-related assistance in Türkiye and the February 14 UN Flash Appeal for earthquake-related assistance in Syria.  USAID’s Disaster Assistance and Response Team, which includes experienced emergency managers, construction riggers, hazardous materials technicians, licensed engineers and emergency medicine physicians, logisticians, paramedics, planners, search-and-rescue specialists, and search-and-rescue dogs with handlers, is assisting in southern Türkiye. Our most highly trained Urban Search and Rescue Teams, with more than 200 members and 170,000 pounds of specialized equipment, conducted operations in support of Turkish rescue efforts in Adiyaman, one of the hardest hit areas.  In Syria, the White Helmets, our local partners, have rescued more than 2,900 survivors from the rubble, and U.S.-supported Syrian medics have been treating survivors in Idlib, Aleppo, and other affected areas. U.S. military helicopters are conducting airlift operations from Incirlik Airbase, transporting rescue personnel to sites where they are needed most.  Additionally, the U.S. Navy has repositioned naval vessels to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to provide logistics, medical, and rotary air lift support as necessary to support the needs identified by the Turkish government.  U.S. military aircraft have also airlifted approximately 18 metric tons of critical relief supplies from Adana’s Incirlik airfield to local Turkish government authorities for distribution to earthquake-affected populations. The State Department and USAID are working through UN agencies and NGOs to provide emergency assistance in Türkiye and Syria, including hot meals, water, medical care and supplies; non-food items such as blankets, clothes, and hygiene kits, temporary shelter, and structural engineers; and essential mental health and psychosocial support – especially to affected children and to other vulnerable individuals. Additionally, U.S. NGOs are providing valuable assistance, and the U.S. private sector has already donated more than $66 million to support the relief and recovery efforts. U.S. officials have remained in regular coordination with Turkish counterparts and UN leadership on how we can best support their efforts.  This includes calls between President Biden and President Erdogan, Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu and UN Secretary General Guterres, and Secretary Austin and Defense Minister Akar to relay our offers of assistance and discuss how the United States can continue to assist during this crisis. The United States is committed to expanding humanitarian access to all affected areas of Syria.  In that regard, we are grateful to the Government of Türkiye for facilitating the UN’s renewed access to the Bab al-Salama crossing so aid can flow into northwest Syria, and we are supporting efforts at the UN to sustainably keep open additional crossing points for UN assistance between Türkiye and Syria. To underscore that U.S. sanctions will not prevent or inhibit providing humanitarian assistance in Syria, the Department of the Treasury issued a broad General License to provide additional authorizations for disaster relief assistance to the Syrian people. The United States is proud to join the global effort to help Türkiye, a valued and longstanding friend, partner, and NATO Ally, just as Türkiye has so often contributed its own humanitarian rescue experts to so many other countries in the past.  In both Türkiye and Syria, the United States will remain committed to doing whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to provide necessary assistance to those affected by these earthquakes.  The United States will continue to support the people of Türkiye and Syria, and we welcome and encourage support from our international partners in this time of great need. Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Martha Raddatz of ABC This Week 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Martha Raddatz of ABC This Week 02/19/2023 10:43 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Munich, Germany QUESTION:  Secretary Blinken and I discussed all these issues yesterday during his trip to Munich.  I began by asking him about that high-stakes meeting with China’s top diplomat. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  We had a very direct, very clear conversation about the Chinese surveillance balloon being sent over our territory in violation of our sovereignty, in violation of international law. I told Wang Yi, my Chinese counterpart, that that action was unacceptable and must never happen again. We also had an opportunity to talk about the Russian aggression against Ukraine.  We’re here in Munich and many of the countries here are focused, as we are, on that aggression.  And one of the things that I shared with him was a growing concern on our part that China is considering providing lethal support to Russia in its aggression against Ukraine.  And I made clear, as President Biden has – almost from day one with President Xi – that that would have serious consequences in our own relationship. Finally, it was important for me to underscore the importance of having open lines of communication between us, in continuing to engage in direct diplomacy.  We have a responsibility to manage the relationship responsibly.  I think the world expects that of us; it’s also in our interest.  And so that’s also something that I underscored in the meeting with Wang Yi this evening. QUESTION:  And I will say that Wang Yi has said of the Chinese spy balloon the whole shoot-down incident, that it was absurd and hysterical, and said Cold War mentality is back.  Is that the message you got from him? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  I don’t want to characterize what he said to me, Martha.  But I think here in Munich, too, what we know is we are not the only ones on the receiving end of the Chinese spy balloons.  More than 40 countries have had these balloons go over their territory, and this goes back some years.  This program’s been around for a few years.  So there’s a real concern that I’m hearing here from other countries – from allies and partners alike – about this program. And I think countries are – I was going to say “pleased,” but “pleased” is the wrong word.  They appreciate the fact that we’ve exposed it. QUESTION:  I will assume you got no apology. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Again, don’t want to characterize what he said, but you’re correct. QUESTION:  And you talk about this lethal aid.  What evidence do you have of that?  What makes you think they’re about to send lethal aid to the Russians for the war in Ukraine? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Martha, what I can tell you is this:  First of all, from day one, almost quite literally – because President Biden spoke to President Xi a couple of weeks into the Russian aggression back last March and said to him that it would be a deep concern to us if China provided lethal support to Russia or helped in the systematic evasion of sanctions.  And part of the reason for that conversation – going back to last March – was just a few weeks before, President Putin and President Xi had met and they talked about a partnership with no limits, and we were very concerned that no limits might include significant support to Russia in its aggression. We’ve been watching this very, very closely.  And for the most part, China has been engaged in providing rhetorical, political, diplomatic support to Russia, but we have information that gives us concern that they are considering providing lethal support to Russia in the war against Ukraine. And it was important for me to share very clearly with Wang Yi that this would be a serious problem. QUESTION:  And Mr. Secretary, I want to go back to the Chinese spy balloon.  Some U.S. officials believe it’s possible the Chinese didn’t intend for the spy balloon to go to the United States, to cross the United States.  Do you believe that was their intent originally? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Martha, I can’t speak to their original intent.  What I can tell you is this:  Once over the United States, the balloon attempted to surveil very critical, important military installations.  We protected the sensitive information that it was trying to surveil.  We, at the same time, got information about the balloon itself as it was traversing the country going west to east, and then when it was safe to do so, there was no danger to people on the ground, President Biden ordered that it be shot down. U.S. Assistance to Emergency Earthquake Response Efforts in Türkiye and Syria 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S. Assistance to Emergency Earthquake Response Efforts in Türkiye and Syria 02/19/2023 10:28 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson 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. The Secretary announced today that President Biden intends to authorize $50 million in Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Funds (ERMA) in response to the unprecedented and devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.  In addition, the United States is providing $50 million in humanitarian assistance through the State Department and USAID.  This brings total U.S. humanitarian assistance to support the earthquake response in Türkiye and Syria to $185 million to date. The United States also welcomes the February 16 UN Flash Appeal for earthquake-related assistance in Türkiye and the February 14 UN Flash Appeal for earthquake-related assistance in Syria.  USAID’s Disaster Assistance and Response Team, which includes experienced emergency managers, construction riggers, hazardous materials technicians, licensed engineers and emergency medicine physicians, logisticians, paramedics, planners, search-and-rescue specialists, and search-and-rescue dogs with handlers, is assisting in southern Türkiye. Our most highly trained Urban Search and Rescue Teams, with more than 200 members and 170,000 pounds of specialized equipment, conducted operations in support of Turkish rescue efforts in Adiyaman, one of the hardest hit areas.  In Syria, the White Helmets, our local partners, have rescued more than 2,900 survivors from the rubble, and U.S.-supported Syrian medics have been treating survivors in Idlib, Aleppo, and other affected areas. U.S. military helicopters are conducting airlift operations from Incirlik Airbase, transporting rescue personnel to sites where they are needed most.  Additionally, the U.S. Navy has repositioned naval vessels to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to provide logistics, medical, and rotary air lift support as necessary to support the needs identified by the Turkish government.  U.S. military aircraft have also airlifted approximately 18 metric tons of critical relief supplies from Adana’s Incirlik airfield to local Turkish government authorities for distribution to earthquake-affected populations. The State Department and USAID are working through UN agencies and NGOs to provide emergency assistance in Türkiye and Syria, including hot meals, water, medical care and supplies; non-food items such as blankets, clothes, and hygiene kits, temporary shelter, and structural engineers; and essential mental health and psychosocial support – especially to affected children and to other vulnerable individuals. Additionally, U.S. NGOs are providing valuable assistance, and the U.S. private sector has already donated more than $66 million to support the relief and recovery efforts. U.S. officials have remained in regular coordination with Turkish counterparts and UN leadership on how we can best support their efforts.  This includes calls between President Biden and President Erdogan, Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu and UN Secretary General Guterres, and Secretary Austin and Defense Minister Akar to relay our offers of assistance and discuss how the United States can continue to assist during this crisis. The United States is committed to expanding humanitarian access to all affected areas of Syria.  In that regard, we are grateful to the Government of Türkiye for facilitating the UN’s renewed access to the Bab al-Salama crossing so aid can flow into northwest Syria, and we are supporting efforts at the UN to sustainably keep open additional crossing points for UN assistance between Türkiye and Syria. To underscore that U.S. sanctions will not prevent or inhibit providing humanitarian assistance in Syria, the Department of the Treasury issued a broad General License to provide additional authorizations for disaster relief assistance to the Syrian people. The United States is proud to join the global effort to help Türkiye, a valued and longstanding friend, partner, and NATO Ally, just as Türkiye has so often contributed its own humanitarian rescue experts to so many other countries in the past.  In both Türkiye and Syria, the United States will remain committed to doing whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to provide necessary assistance to those affected by these earthquakes.  The United States will continue to support the people of Türkiye and Syria, and we welcome and encourage support from our international partners in this time of great need. Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Martha Raddatz of ABC This Week 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Martha Raddatz of ABC This Week 02/19/2023 10:43 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Munich, Germany QUESTION:  Secretary Blinken and I discussed all these issues yesterday during his trip to Munich.  I began by asking him about that high-stakes meeting with China’s top diplomat. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  We had a very direct, very clear conversation about the Chinese surveillance balloon being sent over our territory in violation of our sovereignty, in violation of international law. I told Wang Yi, my Chinese counterpart, that that action was unacceptable and must never happen again. We also had an opportunity to talk about the Russian aggression against Ukraine.  We’re here in Munich and many of the countries here are focused, as we are, on that aggression.  And one of the things that I shared with him was a growing concern on our part that China is considering providing lethal support to Russia in its aggression against Ukraine.  And I made clear, as President Biden has – almost from day one with President Xi – that that would have serious consequences in our own relationship. Finally, it was important for me to underscore the importance of having open lines of communication between us, in continuing to engage in direct diplomacy.  We have a responsibility to manage the relationship responsibly.  I think the world expects that of us; it’s also in our interest.  And so that’s also something that I underscored in the meeting with Wang Yi this evening. QUESTION:  And I will say that Wang Yi has said of the Chinese spy balloon the whole shoot-down incident, that it was absurd and hysterical, and said Cold War mentality is back.  Is that the message you got from him? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  I don’t want to characterize what he said to me, Martha.  But I think here in Munich, too, what we know is we are not the only ones on the receiving end of the Chinese spy balloons.  More than 40 countries have had these balloons go over their territory, and this goes back some years.  This program’s been around for a few years.  So there’s a real concern that I’m hearing here from other countries – from allies and partners alike – about this program. And I think countries are – I was going to say “pleased,” but “pleased” is the wrong word.  They appreciate the fact that we’ve exposed it. QUESTION:  I will assume you got no apology. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Again, don’t want to characterize what he said, but you’re correct. QUESTION:  And you talk about this lethal aid.  What evidence do you have of that?  What makes you think they’re about to send lethal aid to the Russians for the war in Ukraine? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Martha, what I can tell you is this:  First of all, from day one, almost quite literally – because President Biden spoke to President Xi a couple of weeks into the Russian aggression back last March and said to him that it would be a deep concern to us if China provided lethal support to Russia or helped in the systematic evasion of sanctions.  And part of the reason for that conversation – going back to last March – was just a few weeks before, President Putin and President Xi had met and they talked about a partnership with no limits, and we were very concerned that no limits might include significant support to Russia in its aggression. We’ve been watching this very, very closely.  And for the most part, China has been engaged in providing rhetorical, political, diplomatic support to Russia, but we have information that gives us concern that they are considering providing lethal support to Russia in the war against Ukraine. And it was important for me to share very clearly with Wang Yi that this would be a serious problem. QUESTION:  And Mr. Secretary, I want to go back to the Chinese spy balloon.  Some U.S. officials believe it’s possible the Chinese didn’t intend for the spy balloon to go to the United States, to cross the United States.  Do you believe that was their intent originally? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Martha, I can’t speak to their original intent.  What I can tell you is this:  Once over the United States, the balloon attempted to surveil very critical, important military installations.  We protected the sensitive information that it was trying to surveil.  We, at the same time, got information about the balloon itself as it was traversing the country going west to east, and then when it was safe to do so, there was no danger to people on the ground, President Biden ordered that it be shot down. Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Martha Raddatz of ABC This Week 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Martha Raddatz of ABC This Week 02/19/2023 10:43 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Munich, Germany QUESTION:  Secretary Blinken and I discussed all these issues yesterday during his trip to Munich.  I began by asking him about that high-stakes meeting with China’s top diplomat. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  We had a very direct, very clear conversation about the Chinese surveillance balloon being sent over our territory in violation of our sovereignty, in violation of international law. I told Wang Yi, my Chinese counterpart, that that action was unacceptable and must never happen again. We also had an opportunity to talk about the Russian aggression against Ukraine.  We’re here in Munich and many of the countries here are focused, as we are, on that aggression.  And one of the things that I shared with him was a growing concern on our part that China is considering providing lethal support to Russia in its aggression against Ukraine.  And I made clear, as President Biden has – almost from day one with President Xi – that that would have serious consequences in our own relationship. Finally, it was important for me to underscore the importance of having open lines of communication between us, in continuing to engage in direct diplomacy.  We have a responsibility to manage the relationship responsibly.  I think the world expects that of us; it’s also in our interest.  And so that’s also something that I underscored in the meeting with Wang Yi this evening. QUESTION:  And I will say that Wang Yi has said of the Chinese spy balloon the whole shoot-down incident, that it was absurd and hysterical, and said Cold War mentality is back.  Is that the message you got from him? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  I don’t want to characterize what he said to me, Martha.  But I think here in Munich, too, what we know is we are not the only ones on the receiving end of the Chinese spy balloons.  More than 40 countries have had these balloons go over their territory, and this goes back some years.  This program’s been around for a few years.  So there’s a real concern that I’m hearing here from other countries – from allies and partners alike – about this program. And I think countries are – I was going to say “pleased,” but “pleased” is the wrong word.  They appreciate the fact that we’ve exposed it. QUESTION:  I will assume you got no apology. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Again, don’t want to characterize what he said, but you’re correct. QUESTION:  And you talk about this lethal aid.  What evidence do you have of that?  What makes you think they’re about to send lethal aid to the Russians for the war in Ukraine? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Martha, what I can tell you is this:  First of all, from day one, almost quite literally – because President Biden spoke to President Xi a couple of weeks into the Russian aggression back last March and said to him that it would be a deep concern to us if China provided lethal support to Russia or helped in the systematic evasion of sanctions.  And part of the reason for that conversation – going back to last March – was just a few weeks before, President Putin and President Xi had met and they talked about a partnership with no limits, and we were very concerned that no limits might include significant support to Russia in its aggression. We’ve been watching this very, very closely.  And for the most part, China has been engaged in providing rhetorical, political, diplomatic support to Russia, but we have information that gives us concern that they are considering providing lethal support to Russia in the war against Ukraine. And it was important for me to share very clearly with Wang Yi that this would be a serious problem. QUESTION:  And Mr. Secretary, I want to go back to the Chinese spy balloon.  Some U.S. officials believe it’s possible the Chinese didn’t intend for the spy balloon to go to the United States, to cross the United States.  Do you believe that was their intent originally? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Martha, I can’t speak to their original intent.  What I can tell you is this:  Once over the United States, the balloon attempted to surveil very critical, important military installations.  We protected the sensitive information that it was trying to surveil.  We, at the same time, got information about the balloon itself as it was traversing the country going west to east, and then when it was safe to do so, there was no danger to people on the ground, President Biden ordered that it be shot down. United States Announces Additional Earthquake Relief for the People of Türkiye and Syria 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. United States Announces Additional Earthquake Relief for the People of Türkiye and Syria 02/19/2023 11:00 AM EST The Secretary of State Today the United States is announcing an additional $100 million in assistance in response to the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.  President Biden intends to authorize $50 million in Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Funds (ERMA).  In addition to the ERMA funds, the United States is also providing an additional $50 million in humanitarian assistance through the State Department and USAID. This will bring the total U.S. humanitarian assistance to support the earthquake response to $185 million. This humanitarian assistance will target vulnerable earthquake-affected populations in Türkiye and Syria and be available to support international and nongovernmental organizations providing assistance. This announcement will benefit the procurement and distribution of core relief and lifesaving items such as blankets, mattresses, food packs, warm clothing, tents, and shelter materials. It will additionally support medicine and health services, clean water and sanitation efforts, and programs supporting the education of children and youth impacted by this tragic earthquake. The United States will continue working with the international community to provide lifesaving aid to earthquake affected areas. United States Announces Additional Earthquake Relief for the People of Türkiye and Syria 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. United States Announces Additional Earthquake Relief for the People of Türkiye and Syria 02/19/2023 11:00 AM EST The Secretary of State Today the United States is announcing an additional $100 million in assistance in response to the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.  President Biden intends to authorize $50 million in Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Funds (ERMA).  In addition to the ERMA funds, the United States is also providing an additional $50 million in humanitarian assistance through the State Department and USAID. This will bring the total U.S. humanitarian assistance to support the earthquake response to $185 million. This humanitarian assistance will target vulnerable earthquake-affected populations in Türkiye and Syria and be available to support international and nongovernmental organizations providing assistance. This announcement will benefit the procurement and distribution of core relief and lifesaving items such as blankets, mattresses, food packs, warm clothing, tents, and shelter materials. It will additionally support medicine and health services, clean water and sanitation efforts, and programs supporting the education of children and youth impacted by this tragic earthquake. The United States will continue working with the international community to provide lifesaving aid to earthquake affected areas. United States Announces Additional Earthquake Relief for the People of Türkiye and Syria 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. United States Announces Additional Earthquake Relief for the People of Türkiye and Syria 02/19/2023 11:00 AM EST The Secretary of State Today the United States is announcing an additional $100 million in assistance in response to the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.  President Biden intends to authorize $50 million in Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Funds (ERMA).  In addition to the ERMA funds, the United States is also providing an additional $50 million in humanitarian assistance through the State Department and USAID. This will bring the total U.S. humanitarian assistance to support the earthquake response to $185 million. This humanitarian assistance will target vulnerable earthquake-affected populations in Türkiye and Syria and be available to support international and nongovernmental organizations providing assistance. This announcement will benefit the procurement and distribution of core relief and lifesaving items such as blankets, mattresses, food packs, warm clothing, tents, and shelter materials. It will additionally support medicine and health services, clean water and sanitation efforts, and programs supporting the education of children and youth impacted by this tragic earthquake. The United States will continue working with the international community to provide lifesaving aid to earthquake affected areas. The United States and Türkiye: A Key NATO Ally and Critical Regional Partner 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. The United States and Türkiye: A Key NATO Ally and Critical Regional Partner 02/19/2023 11:25 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson Türkiye and the United States are North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies and longstanding partners.  We have a proud history of working together in times of crisis and on regional security and prosperity.  The United States will remain committed to providing necessary assistance to those affected by the devastating earthquakes on February 6.  More information about U.S. assistance to emergency earthquake response efforts in Türkiye and Syria is available on the Earthquake Assistance Fact Sheet. U.S.- Türkiye Relations: A Longstanding Friendship The U.S.-Türkiye friendship dates to 1831, when the United States established diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire.  After World War I and the founding of the Turkish Republic, the United States established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Türkiye in 1927.  The Economic and Technical Cooperation agreement – signed July 12, 1947, between the United States and Türkiye – advanced the relationship further.  A NATO member since 1952, Türkiye has supported missions around the world, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans. The U.S.- Türkiye Strategic Mechanism On January 18, 2023, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu held the fourth meeting of the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism, an extensive dialogue on a broad range of areas of bilateral and regional cooperation that emphasized the significance of our partnership as NATO Allies.  Secretary Blinken and Minister Çavuşoğlu discussed ways to bolster NATO coordination and solidarity in the face of current threats and challenges.  They reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to collective defense as Allies, as well as to NATO’s Open Door Policy.  They discussed strengthening the U.S.- Türkiye defense partnership including the modernization of Türkiye’s Air Force, reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to collective defense and NATO’s Open Door Policy, and discussed the implementation of the trilateral memorandum signed by Finland, Sweden, and Türkiye to advance Finland and Sweden’s application to join the NATO Alliance. Regional Security Cooperation Türkiye is an important U.S. security partner and has been a valued NATO Ally since 1952.  Türkiye serves as NATO’s vital eastern anchor on the straits of the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, which link the Black Sea with the Mediterranean.  Türkiye contributes to international security alongside U.S. forces in Europe, Africa, and in the Mediterranean.  Türkiye borders Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, and is a key partner in the surrounding region.  The United States and Türkiye work closely to reduce tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean in accordance with international law, pursue peace in the Balkans and the South Caucasus. The United States and Türkiye stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s brutal war.  The United States welcomes Türkiye’s consistent and clear support for Ukraine and its diplomatic leadership in working with the UN to broker the Black Sea Grain initiative and support global food security. The United States and Türkiye maintain close coordination and collaboration in the efforts to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.  Secretary Blinken condemned the November 13, 2022, terrorist attack in Istanbul and affirmed the United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Türkiye in its fight against terrorism.  Both nations maintain close coordination and collaboration in the efforts to fight against terrorist organizations, notably ISIS/Daesh and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). People to People Ties The American and Turkish people enjoy broad and deep ties, built through tens of thousands of academic exchanges; commercial, cultural, and scientific collaboration; and civil society cooperation.  Through various U.S. government academic and professional exchanges, over 150 Turks participate in programs in the United States every year, and around 115 American students and faculty participate in programs in  Turkey.  There are now approximately 31,000 Turkish alumni of U.S. government educational and professional exchange programs.  The United States is the most popular international destination for Turkish students.  During the 2021-2022 academic year, the number of Turkish students in the United States rose 4.4 percent over the previous year, the highest rate of increase in more than a decade.  Since 2001, the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation and Embassy grants have provided nearly $4 million for projects to preserve Türkiye’s unique and diverse cultural heritage, including the Gordion Archeological Project.  The U.S. – Türkiye Cultural Property Agreement, signed in 2021, helps preserve and protect Türkiye’s unique and diverse cultural heritage and is an example of the United States’ enduring commitment to work together with our Turkish partners. Bilateral Economic Ties Türkiye and the United States share a robust and growing economic relationship.  Over 1,700 U.S. firms, including many of the largest and most recognized brands, are active in Türkiye and have been for decades.  Given its proximity to markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, Türkiye is an advantageous regional hub.  Around 60 firms maintain regional headquarters in Türkiye, and according to AmCham Türkiye, U.S. firms have invested more than $60 billion and created more than 100,000 jobs.  In 2022, total trade in goods reached $33.8 billion, an almost 22 percent annual increase and an all-time high; this follows a 32.5 percent increase in 2021.  The U.S. remains Türkiye’s 4th largest overall trading partner, and the 2nd largest foreign investor, a position the United States has held since 2003.   Türkiye’s total FDI stock in the United States increased by 16.6 percent over the 2017-2021 period to $2.7 billion.  U.S. affiliates of majority Turkish-owned firms supported over 4,900 jobs and helped grow U.S. exports by $37 million in 2021. The United States and Türkiye: A Key NATO Ally and Critical Regional Partner 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. The United States and Türkiye: A Key NATO Ally and Critical Regional Partner 02/19/2023 11:25 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson Türkiye and the United States are North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies and longstanding partners.  We have a proud history of working together in times of crisis and on regional security and prosperity.  The United States will remain committed to providing necessary assistance to those affected by the devastating earthquakes on February 6.  More information about U.S. assistance to emergency earthquake response efforts in Türkiye and Syria is available on the Earthquake Assistance Fact Sheet. U.S.- Türkiye Relations: A Longstanding Friendship The U.S.-Türkiye friendship dates to 1831, when the United States established diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire.  After World War I and the founding of the Turkish Republic, the United States established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Türkiye in 1927.  The Economic and Technical Cooperation agreement – signed July 12, 1947, between the United States and Türkiye – advanced the relationship further.  A NATO member since 1952, Türkiye has supported missions around the world, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans. The U.S.- Türkiye Strategic Mechanism On January 18, 2023, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu held the fourth meeting of the U.S.-Türkiye Strategic Mechanism, an extensive dialogue on a broad range of areas of bilateral and regional cooperation that emphasized the significance of our partnership as NATO Allies.  Secretary Blinken and Minister Çavuşoğlu discussed ways to bolster NATO coordination and solidarity in the face of current threats and challenges.  They reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to collective defense as Allies, as well as to NATO’s Open Door Policy.  They discussed strengthening the U.S.- Türkiye defense partnership including the modernization of Türkiye’s Air Force, reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to collective defense and NATO’s Open Door Policy, and discussed the implementation of the trilateral memorandum signed by Finland, Sweden, and Türkiye to advance Finland and Sweden’s application to join the NATO Alliance. Regional Security Cooperation Türkiye is an important U.S. security partner and has been a valued NATO Ally since 1952.  Türkiye serves as NATO’s vital eastern anchor on the straits of the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, which link the Black Sea with the Mediterranean.  Türkiye contributes to international security alongside U.S. forces in Europe, Africa, and in the Mediterranean.  Türkiye borders Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, and is a key partner in the surrounding region.  The United States and Türkiye work closely to reduce tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean in accordance with international law, pursue peace in the Balkans and the South Caucasus. The United States and Türkiye stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia’s brutal war.  The United States welcomes Türkiye’s consistent and clear support for Ukraine and its diplomatic leadership in working with the UN to broker the Black Sea Grain initiative and support global food security. The United States and Türkiye maintain close coordination and collaboration in the efforts to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.  Secretary Blinken condemned the November 13, 2022, terrorist attack in Istanbul and affirmed the United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Türkiye in its fight against terrorism.  Both nations maintain close coordination and collaboration in the efforts to fight against terrorist organizations, notably ISIS/Daesh and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). People to People Ties The American and Turkish people enjoy broad and deep ties, built through tens of thousands of academic exchanges; commercial, cultural, and scientific collaboration; and civil society cooperation.  Through various U.S. government academic and professional exchanges, over 150 Turks participate in programs in the United States every year, and around 115 American students and faculty participate in programs in  Turkey.  There are now approximately 31,000 Turkish alumni of U.S. government educational and professional exchange programs.  The United States is the most popular international destination for Turkish students.  During the 2021-2022 academic year, the number of Turkish students in the United States rose 4.4 percent over the previous year, the highest rate of increase in more than a decade.  Since 2001, the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation and Embassy grants have provided nearly $4 million for projects to preserve Türkiye’s unique and diverse cultural heritage, including the Gordion Archeological Project.  The U.S. – Türkiye Cultural Property Agreement, signed in 2021, helps preserve and protect Türkiye’s unique and diverse cultural heritage and is an example of the United States’ enduring commitment to work together with our Turkish partners. Bilateral Economic Ties Türkiye and the United States share a robust and growing economic relationship.  Over 1,700 U.S. firms, including many of the largest and most recognized brands, are active in Türkiye and have been for decades.  Given its proximity to markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, Türkiye is an advantageous regional hub.  Around 60 firms maintain regional headquarters in Türkiye, and according to AmCham Türkiye, U.S. firms have invested more than $60 billion and created more than 100,000 jobs.  In 2022, total trade in goods reached $33.8 billion, an almost 22 percent annual increase and an all-time high; this follows a 32.5 percent increase in 2021.  The U.S. remains Türkiye’s 4th largest overall trading partner, and the 2nd largest foreign investor, a position the United States has held since 2003.   Türkiye’s total FDI stock in the United States increased by 16.6 percent over the 2017-2021 period to $2.7 billion.  U.S. affiliates of majority Turkish-owned firms supported over 4,900 jobs and helped grow U.S. exports by $37 million in 2021. Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press 02/19/2023 12:36 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Türkiye Incirlik Air Base SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Hello, everyone.  Hope I’m not too hard to hear – lost my voice a little bit.  But first and foremost, we are here to stand with the people of Türkiye and Syria in the wake of this devastating earthquake.  I just had a chance to fly over (inaudible) to see some of the devastation, and it’s really hard to put into words.  You see buildings still standing and then buildings collapsed – roofs destroyed, and right next to it something that’s still standing.  But it gives you some sense of the scale of this.  We’ve had tens of thousands of deaths, tens of millions of people affected by this earthquake.  And of course, we still don’t know the full extent of it. Immediately, when the – after the earthquake hit, the United States, other countries jumped in. We had search and rescue teams here within a day – about 200 people, canines, other experts in trying to do search and rescue.  We’ve had about $85 million worth of assistance poured in immediately for housing and water and food and medicine and clothing, all that in the immediate days following the earthquake.  Today, I can announce that we will be bringing another $100 million dollars to assist those who are so desperately in need.  We’ve drawn that from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Fund, as well as from a humanitarian assistance fund that State Department and USAID have, and that will be moving soon. At the same time, we are working in very close collaboration with our Turkish colleagues, both to understand all of the needs and to find ways to deliver on them.  This could not be done without the extraordinary work and collaboration of so many parts of the U.S. Government, but starting with the United States military, which, as always, has jumped in a remarkable way. Our colleagues have flown something like 150 sorties.  They’ve gotten helicopters out over hard-to-reach areas – 24 million pounds of assistance is coming through this place, and as you can see, it’s moving right on to the trucks behind me and it will move in to people who need it. But also, USAID as always, responding so quickly and so effectively.  The State Department, our mission here in Türkiye – all of them coming together in collaboration with our Turkish partners to try to help people.  This is going to be a long-term effort.  The search and rescue, unfortunately, is coming to an end.  The recovery operation is on, and then there’ll be a massive rebuilding effort.  When you see the extent of the damage that’s – the number of buildings, the number of apartments, the number of homes that have been destroyed, it’s going to take a massive effort to rebuild.  But we’re committed to supporting Türkiye in that effort.  Many countries around the world are doing the same.  There’s tremendous solidarity and a tremendous determination to see this through. The most important thing right now is to get assistance to people who need it, to get them through the winter, and to get them back on their feet.  But simply put, the United States is here, we stand strongly with the people of Türkiye and the people of Syria through our NGO implementing partners, and we’ll stick with it until we all get the job done. MR PATEL:  Leon, go ahead. QUESTION:  Yeah, Mr. Secretary, you mentioned the long-term recovery, of course, because the search and rescue is coming to an end, sadly.  The secretary-general of the UN requested $1 billion in funding for long-term assistance also.  What will the United States do more – what more can you do on that front?  And secondly, if I may, since you arrived today in Türkiye and tomorrow you have meetings with Turkish authorities, what are your expectations for those meetings and your meeting with the President Erdogan? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thanks, Leon.  Yeah, so the UN has put out a very important and urgent appeal, as you said, for a billion dollars.  As of now the United States has contributed $185 million in assistance, but we will look to see what, if anything more, we can do.  Other countries are stepping up and stepping in, but it is very urgent that this appeal get funded, and we’ll certainly encourage others to do that even as we look at what additional resources we may be able to provide.  But as I said, just today we’re announcing an additional $100 million in this effort. More broadly – and I’ll have an opportunity to speak to this tomorrow and the day after – I expect that the conversations here will focus a lot on the work that we’re doing together to recover from the earthquake.  And I look forward to learning as much as I can from our Turkish partners about what the needs are going forward, how we can best help, how we can best rally resources in support of people here. MR PATEL:  Michel. Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press 02/19/2023 12:36 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Türkiye Incirlik Air Base SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Hello, everyone.  Hope I’m not too hard to hear – lost my voice a little bit.  But first and foremost, we are here to stand with the people of Türkiye and Syria in the wake of this devastating earthquake.  I just had a chance to fly over (inaudible) to see some of the devastation, and it’s really hard to put into words.  You see buildings still standing and then buildings collapsed – roofs destroyed, and right next to it something that’s still standing.  But it gives you some sense of the scale of this.  We’ve had tens of thousands of deaths, tens of millions of people affected by this earthquake.  And of course, we still don’t know the full extent of it. Immediately, when the – after the earthquake hit, the United States, other countries jumped in. We had search and rescue teams here within a day – about 200 people, canines, other experts in trying to do search and rescue.  We’ve had about $85 million worth of assistance poured in immediately for housing and water and food and medicine and clothing, all that in the immediate days following the earthquake.  Today, I can announce that we will be bringing another $100 million dollars to assist those who are so desperately in need.  We’ve drawn that from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Fund, as well as from a humanitarian assistance fund that State Department and USAID have, and that will be moving soon. At the same time, we are working in very close collaboration with our Turkish colleagues, both to understand all of the needs and to find ways to deliver on them.  This could not be done without the extraordinary work and collaboration of so many parts of the U.S. Government, but starting with the United States military, which, as always, has jumped in a remarkable way. Our colleagues have flown something like 150 sorties.  They’ve gotten helicopters out over hard-to-reach areas – 24 million pounds of assistance is coming through this place, and as you can see, it’s moving right on to the trucks behind me and it will move in to people who need it. But also, USAID as always, responding so quickly and so effectively.  The State Department, our mission here in Türkiye – all of them coming together in collaboration with our Turkish partners to try to help people.  This is going to be a long-term effort.  The search and rescue, unfortunately, is coming to an end.  The recovery operation is on, and then there’ll be a massive rebuilding effort.  When you see the extent of the damage that’s – the number of buildings, the number of apartments, the number of homes that have been destroyed, it’s going to take a massive effort to rebuild.  But we’re committed to supporting Türkiye in that effort.  Many countries around the world are doing the same.  There’s tremendous solidarity and a tremendous determination to see this through. The most important thing right now is to get assistance to people who need it, to get them through the winter, and to get them back on their feet.  But simply put, the United States is here, we stand strongly with the people of Türkiye and the people of Syria through our NGO implementing partners, and we’ll stick with it until we all get the job done. MR PATEL:  Leon, go ahead. QUESTION:  Yeah, Mr. Secretary, you mentioned the long-term recovery, of course, because the search and rescue is coming to an end, sadly.  The secretary-general of the UN requested $1 billion in funding for long-term assistance also.  What will the United States do more – what more can you do on that front?  And secondly, if I may, since you arrived today in Türkiye and tomorrow you have meetings with Turkish authorities, what are your expectations for those meetings and your meeting with the President Erdogan? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thanks, Leon.  Yeah, so the UN has put out a very important and urgent appeal, as you said, for a billion dollars.  As of now the United States has contributed $185 million in assistance, but we will look to see what, if anything more, we can do.  Other countries are stepping up and stepping in, but it is very urgent that this appeal get funded, and we’ll certainly encourage others to do that even as we look at what additional resources we may be able to provide.  But as I said, just today we’re announcing an additional $100 million in this effort. More broadly – and I’ll have an opportunity to speak to this tomorrow and the day after – I expect that the conversations here will focus a lot on the work that we’re doing together to recover from the earthquake.  And I look forward to learning as much as I can from our Turkish partners about what the needs are going forward, how we can best help, how we can best rally resources in support of people here. MR PATEL:  Michel. Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press 02/19/2023 12:36 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Türkiye Incirlik Air Base SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Hello, everyone.  Hope I’m not too hard to hear – lost my voice a little bit.  But first and foremost, we are here to stand with the people of Türkiye and Syria in the wake of this devastating earthquake.  I just had a chance to fly over (inaudible) to see some of the devastation, and it’s really hard to put into words.  You see buildings still standing and then buildings collapsed – roofs destroyed, and right next to it something that’s still standing.  But it gives you some sense of the scale of this.  We’ve had tens of thousands of deaths, tens of millions of people affected by this earthquake.  And of course, we still don’t know the full extent of it. Immediately, when the – after the earthquake hit, the United States, other countries jumped in. We had search and rescue teams here within a day – about 200 people, canines, other experts in trying to do search and rescue.  We’ve had about $85 million worth of assistance poured in immediately for housing and water and food and medicine and clothing, all that in the immediate days following the earthquake.  Today, I can announce that we will be bringing another $100 million dollars to assist those who are so desperately in need.  We’ve drawn that from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Fund, as well as from a humanitarian assistance fund that State Department and USAID have, and that will be moving soon. At the same time, we are working in very close collaboration with our Turkish colleagues, both to understand all of the needs and to find ways to deliver on them.  This could not be done without the extraordinary work and collaboration of so many parts of the U.S. Government, but starting with the United States military, which, as always, has jumped in a remarkable way. Our colleagues have flown something like 150 sorties.  They’ve gotten helicopters out over hard-to-reach areas – 24 million pounds of assistance is coming through this place, and as you can see, it’s moving right on to the trucks behind me and it will move in to people who need it. But also, USAID as always, responding so quickly and so effectively.  The State Department, our mission here in Türkiye – all of them coming together in collaboration with our Turkish partners to try to help people.  This is going to be a long-term effort.  The search and rescue, unfortunately, is coming to an end.  The recovery operation is on, and then there’ll be a massive rebuilding effort.  When you see the extent of the damage that’s – the number of buildings, the number of apartments, the number of homes that have been destroyed, it’s going to take a massive effort to rebuild.  But we’re committed to supporting Türkiye in that effort.  Many countries around the world are doing the same.  There’s tremendous solidarity and a tremendous determination to see this through. The most important thing right now is to get assistance to people who need it, to get them through the winter, and to get them back on their feet.  But simply put, the United States is here, we stand strongly with the people of Türkiye and the people of Syria through our NGO implementing partners, and we’ll stick with it until we all get the job done. MR PATEL:  Leon, go ahead. QUESTION:  Yeah, Mr. Secretary, you mentioned the long-term recovery, of course, because the search and rescue is coming to an end, sadly.  The secretary-general of the UN requested $1 billion in funding for long-term assistance also.  What will the United States do more – what more can you do on that front?  And secondly, if I may, since you arrived today in Türkiye and tomorrow you have meetings with Turkish authorities, what are your expectations for those meetings and your meeting with the President Erdogan? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thanks, Leon.  Yeah, so the UN has put out a very important and urgent appeal, as you said, for a billion dollars.  As of now the United States has contributed $185 million in assistance, but we will look to see what, if anything more, we can do.  Other countries are stepping up and stepping in, but it is very urgent that this appeal get funded, and we’ll certainly encourage others to do that even as we look at what additional resources we may be able to provide.  But as I said, just today we’re announcing an additional $100 million in this effort. More broadly – and I’ll have an opportunity to speak to this tomorrow and the day after – I expect that the conversations here will focus a lot on the work that we’re doing together to recover from the earthquake.  And I look forward to learning as much as I can from our Turkish partners about what the needs are going forward, how we can best help, how we can best rally resources in support of people here. MR PATEL:  Michel. Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to USAID Urban Search and Rescue Team 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to USAID Urban Search and Rescue Team 02/19/2023 12:58 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Türkiye Incirlik Air Base SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, listen, I really wanted to just come by to say thank you, thank you, thank you for your extraordinary efforts and everything you do to answer the call, almost on a moment’s notice.  I think I recognize some of you, because there’s an amazing photograph of, I think, many of you on a C-17 on your way here.  And the fact is you deployed almost immediately – we had almost 200 folks on the ground within a couple of days; the canines were here.  And I know that you contributed directly to saving lives, and that’s the most powerful thing any of us can do.  I so greatly admire the work that you do, the fact that, on a moment’s notice, you will answer the call.  And I’m especially grateful to our colleagues at USAID for what they do every day, but also what they do in an emergency situation. I know there are folks from Los Angeles here.  Where’s the Los Angeles contingent?  All right.  And Fairfax County, Virginia?  Yes.  All right.  Well, that’s my home base too, so it’s great to see you all here.  And I know some of you are heading back out tonight or tomorrow – probably a couple of weeks of MREs maybe getting a little bit stale at this point.  (Laughter.)  So I know you’ll look forward to getting back home.  But I just can’t thank you enough, because this is really our country at its best.  This is our country standing with our friends here in Türkiye in their moment of need, and doing it so well, doing it so effectively.  So really on behalf of everyone back home, thank you for what you’ve done.  Thank you for your commitment that you have day-in, day-out.  And I’m not sure how to translate this for the canines but thank you guys (inaudible).  (Laughter.)  I know you do incredible work.  So thank you all, and I wish you a good trip back home. The last thing I’ll say is I think you all know better than anyone this is going to be a massive, long-term effort.  The immediate search and rescue effort was extraordinary.  We’re now in the recovery phase.  We’ll eventually get to the rebuilding phase.  It’s going to take time; it’s going to take a huge amount of resources.  We’re determined to do everything we can to help, to help the people of Türkiye, to help people in Syria as best we can who were so affected by this.  And what I most want the people of Türkiye to know is that the United States stands with them and will be with them to get through this for as long as it takes. Thanks, everyone.  Appreciate (inaudible). (Applause.) Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to USAID Urban Search and Rescue Team 02/19/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to USAID Urban Search and Rescue Team 02/19/2023 12:58 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Türkiye Incirlik Air Base SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, listen, I really wanted to just come by to say thank you, thank you, thank you for your extraordinary efforts and everything you do to answer the call, almost on a moment’s notice.  I think I recognize some of you, because there’s an amazing photograph of, I think, many of you on a C-17 on your way here.  And the fact is you deployed almost immediately – we had almost 200 folks on the ground within a couple of days; the canines were here.  And I know that you contributed directly to saving lives, and that’s the most powerful thing any of us can do.  I so greatly admire the work that you do, the fact that, on a moment’s notice, you will answer the call.  And I’m especially grateful to our colleagues at USAID for what they do every day, but also what they do in an emergency situation. I know there are folks from Los Angeles here.  Where’s the Los Angeles contingent?  All right.  And Fairfax County, Virginia?  Yes.  All right.  Well, that’s my home base too, so it’s great to see you all here.  And I know some of you are heading back out tonight or tomorrow – probably a couple of weeks of MREs maybe getting a little bit stale at this point.  (Laughter.)  So I know you’ll look forward to getting back home.  But I just can’t thank you enough, because this is really our country at its best.  This is our country standing with our friends here in Türkiye in their moment of need, and doing it so well, doing it so effectively.  So really on behalf of everyone back home, thank you for what you’ve done.  Thank you for your commitment that you have day-in, day-out.  And I’m not sure how to translate this for the canines but thank you guys (inaudible).  (Laughter.)  I know you do incredible work.  So thank you all, and I wish you a good trip back home. The last thing I’ll say is I think you all know better than anyone this is going to be a massive, long-term effort.  The immediate search and rescue effort was extraordinary.  We’re now in the recovery phase.  We’ll eventually get to the rebuilding phase.  It’s going to take time; it’s going to take a huge amount of resources.  We’re determined to do everything we can to help, to help the people of Türkiye, to help people in Syria as best we can who were so affected by this.  And what I most want the people of Türkiye to know is that the United States stands with them and will be with them to get through this for as long as it takes. Thanks, everyone.  Appreciate (inaudible). (Applause.) <img src="https://lnks.gd/o/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJlbWFpbCI6ImFtcGhpa3R5b25AZ21haWwuY29tIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9pZCI6OTIzMTUwMjk2LCJ1cmkiOiJicDI6ZGlnZXN0IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDIxOS43MTg1MTc5MSJ9.QP5Jy_vKk6YgPnsr3AjAx7f2tWDnKXTAemhaz4HI8iU" width="1" height="1" style ΑπάντησηΠροώθηση