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U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin Εισερχόμενα U.S. Department of State <usstatebpa@public.govdelivery.com> 1:17 μ.μ. (πριν από 41 λεπτά) προς εγώ Bangladesh Independence Day 03/26/2023 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Bangladesh Independence Day 03/26/2023 12:01 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States of America, I would like to convey my warmest congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on your Independence Day. As you celebrate your 53rd Independence Day, Bangladesh has many reasons to be proud. With a rapidly growing economy, an increasingly well-educated workforce, and a dynamic youth demographic, Bangladesh is quickly becoming a regional leader. By generously welcoming Rohingya fleeing genocide, you have demonstrated your humanitarian commitment to sheltering vulnerable refugees. By developing adaptation strategies to the climate crisis, you have shown leadership in protecting the environment and strengthening climate resilience. The United States is proud of its partnership with Bangladesh and of the resulting achievements made over the last five decades. Most recently, we have made real strides together battling COVID-19, tackling climate change, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. We commit to working with you in support of free and fair elections, open to all. By committing to democratic norms, good governance, human rights, and media freedom—all of which are hallmarks of developing, stable, and prospering societies—I believe Bangladesh will achieve its great potential. Americans and Bangladeshis are stronger together because of our cooperation on the defining issues of this era. I look forward to deepening our partnership in the year ahead. Bangladesh Independence Day 03/26/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Bangladesh Independence Day 03/26/2023 12:01 AM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States of America, I would like to convey my warmest congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on your Independence Day. As you celebrate your 53rd Independence Day, Bangladesh has many reasons to be proud. With a rapidly growing economy, an increasingly well-educated workforce, and a dynamic youth demographic, Bangladesh is quickly becoming a regional leader. By generously welcoming Rohingya fleeing genocide, you have demonstrated your humanitarian commitment to sheltering vulnerable refugees. By developing adaptation strategies to the climate crisis, you have shown leadership in protecting the environment and strengthening climate resilience. The United States is proud of its partnership with Bangladesh and of the resulting achievements made over the last five decades. Most recently, we have made real strides together battling COVID-19, tackling climate change, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. We commit to working with you in support of free and fair elections, open to all. By committing to democratic norms, good governance, human rights, and media freedom—all of which are hallmarks of developing, stable, and prospering societies—I believe Bangladesh will achieve its great potential. Americans and Bangladeshis are stronger together because of our cooperation on the defining issues of this era. I look forward to deepening our partnership in the year ahead. Public Schedule – March 27, 2023 03/26/2023 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – March 27, 2023 03/26/2023 08:30 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***   SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN 10:00 a.m. Secretary Blinken delivers opening remarks at the U.S.-Colombia High-Level Dialogue at the Department of State. (POOLED PRESS COVERAGE) The Secretary’s remarks will be livestreamed on www.state.gov and www.youtube.com/statedept. 10:25 a.m. Secretary Blinken meets with Colombian Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) 3:30 p.m. Secretary Blinken meets with Paraguayan Foreign Minister Julio César Arriola at the Department of State. (POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP) DEPUTY SECRETARY WENDY R. SHERMAN 1:30 p.m. Deputy Secretary Sherman delivers opening remarks at the Atlantic Council’s Freedom Online Coalition event in Washington, D.C. (OPEN PRESS COVERAGE) ACTING DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES JOHN BASS Acting Deputy Secretary Bass attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State. UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS VICTORIA J. NULAND Under Secretary Nuland attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State. UNDER SECRETARY FOR CIVILIAN SECURITY, DEMOCRACY, AND HUMAN RIGHTS UZRA ZEYA 11:30 a.m. Under Secretary Zeya participates in the U.S.-Colombia High-Level Dialogue at the Department of State (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) 1:30 p.m. Under Secretary Zeya meets with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) 3:00 p.m. Under Secretary Zeya speaks at a discussion on political prisoners, “Imprisoned Without Just Cause: #FreeThemAll,” hosted by the Lithuanian Embassy in Washington, D.C. (OPEN PRESS COVERAGE) 5:00 p.m. Under Secretary Zeya delivers keynote remarks at an event on “Making the Case for Democracy,” co-hosted by the Embassy of Sweden, the European Union Delegation in Washington, the V-DEM Institute, and the National Democratic Institute in advance of the Summit for Democracy in Washington, D.C. (OPEN PRESS COVERAGE) 5:30 p.m. Under Secretary Zeya meets with Swedish Minister for Trade and Development Johan Forssell in Washington, D.C. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE) ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CONFLICT AND STABILIZATION OPERATIONS ANNE WITKOWSKY Assistant Secretary Witkowsky is on travel to Australia and Papua New Guinea from March 27-31. BRIEFING SCHEDULE 2:00 p.m. Department Press Briefing with Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel. (OPEN PRESS COVERAGE) The Department Press Briefing will be livestreamed on www.state.gov and www.youtube.com/statedept.     Joint 10-Year Plans for the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability 03/27/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Joint 10-Year Plans for the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability 03/27/2023 08:14 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The following is being released jointly by the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Begin Text. On Friday President Biden announced 10-year plans for implementing the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in partnership with Haiti, Libya, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, and Coastal West Africa, including Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, and Togo.  These plans represent a commitment to global peace and security, with the United States working alongside an array of local partners toward shared, long-term goals of conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The Strategy and these plans draw on lessons learned and identify innovative approaches to support locally driven solutions, strengthen resilience, and forge a more peaceful and democratic future.  The Department of State, USAID, and the Department of Defense are working together to facilitate greater coordination and collaboration at all levels and leveraging our respective roles to advance diplomatic, development, security, and programmatic efforts.  The Department of State and USAID are designing flexible, adaptive programs that empower our local government, civil society, and civilian security partners.  The Department of Defense is supporting civil-military engagement, training and equipping of partner militaries, defense institutional capacity building, and the professionalization of security forces.  The Department of the Treasury is leading engagements with international financial institutions to coordinate our assistance in line with these plans. This effort builds on the vision of the bipartisan Global Fragility Act and ongoing engagement with Congressional leaders and key stakeholders ranging from local civil society, community leaders, academics, and the private sector.  Through intensive coordination, continual assessment, and monitoring and evaluation, together we will use these 10-year plans to address drivers of conflict and violence collectively and to support our partner countries in pursuing peace and prosperity. More information can be found on the Department’s Stability Strategy page. End Text. Virtual Listening Session following the 16th Round of Negotiations to Modernize the Columbia River Treaty Regime 03/27/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Virtual Listening Session following the 16th Round of Negotiations to Modernize the Columbia River Treaty Regime 03/27/2023 09:10 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The United States and Canada conducted the 16th round of Columbia River Treaty regime negotiations from March 22–23 in Washington, D.C. As President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau affirmed on March 24, “the Columbia River is a vital shared resource that underpins many lives and industries on both sides of the border and the watershed requires our attention and prompt coordination.” In this latest negotiating session, the two delegations discussed managing flood risks after the Treaty regime changes in September 2024, strengthening cooperation to support aquatic life and the biodiversity of the Columbia River Basin, ongoing salmon reintroduction studies, and the interface between hydropower operations and Canada’s desire for greater flexibility in Treaty dam operations. The U.S. Department of State leads a negotiating team consisting of representatives from the Bonneville Power Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The U.S. delegation also included expert-advisors from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho. On April 19, the U.S. Government will hold a virtual listening session to engage the public about treaty regime modernization. Register for this listening session on April 19, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (PST). Direct questions regarding this event to Columbiarivertreaty@state.gov. The next negotiation session will be May 16–17 in British Columbia, Canada. Secretary Blinken With Colombian Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva at the U.S.-Colombia High-Level Dialogue 03/27/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Blinken With Colombian Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva at the U.S.-Colombia High-Level Dialogue 03/27/2023 12:50 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. Burns Auditorium ASSISTANT SECRETARY NICHOLS:  Good morning.  Buenos días.  I would like to welcome all of you, especially our guests from Columbia.  Bienvenidos a todos.  This is the 10th year we mark the – this High-Level Dialogue, and we are honored to host this year.  The High-Level Dialogues present remarkable opportunities to engage at a deeper level on our shared interests.  The dialogue continues to speak to the strength of the bonds between our two countries.  We are especially honored today by the presence of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who will formally open the dialogue. Mr. Secretary, welcome. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good morning, everyone.  Wonderful to see you all here.  And to our friends from Colombia, bienvenido.  I just am particularly pleased to do this because I also have a little history with this.  In fact, I’ve taken part in these dialogues going back to 2015 and 2016 when I was deputy secretary of state.  So as Brian said, this has been an ongoing and, I believe, very important process between our two countries. A very special welcome, Álvaro, to you.  Wonderful to have you here for what is indeed the 10th dialogue between – High-Level Dialogue between our countries. I had the opportunity to lead our delegation to the last dialogue, in Bogotá, in 2021, and it’s a testament to the strength of the relationship that this exchange, as I said, has continued, and indeed has expanded, across administrations in both of our nations. The dialogue – like a two-centuries-old friendship – is built on a shared foundation of two vibrant democracies committed to ensuring that our people can reach their full potential. We recognize that when it comes to tackling the global challenges that are affecting the lives of Colombians and Americans alike – from the existential threat posed by climate change to the unprecedented movement of people across our hemisphere – we’re simply better off when we’re tackling these challenges together.  And the ripple effects of our cooperation on these and other issues extend far beyond our two countries.  They extend to the hemisphere; indeed they extend to the world. Across the upcoming dialogue, we will focus on concrete steps to strengthen our cooperation and work to deliver tangible results for our people.  So let me just take a few minutes to highlight some of the areas where we are going to work to do that. We’ll continue working to help Colombia reach its ambitious climate goals, from providing ongoing technical assistance on wind and solar projects to strengthening protection of the Amazon. We’ll expand pathways for farmers, for textile producers, and other small- and medium-sized businesses in rural areas to get their products to global markets, and reap the benefits of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Our dialogue will also focus, of course, on improving civilian security.  For decades, we have worked to strengthen cooperation on security and law enforcement, and that will continue. At the same time, we recognize that to sustainably reduce violence, we have to tackle the root causes of insecurity – like corruption, like impunity – impunity for crimes – human rights abuses, and the lack of economic opportunity. That’s why we continue to partner on bolstering the rule of law and expanding access to justice. And it’s also why USAID is investing $60 million over five years to expand opportunities for Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities. Ensuring equitable development is a central focus of the Ethnic Chapter of the 2016 Peace Accord.  It recognizes that there can be no lasting peace without justice and equality for the country’s underserved communities.  Back in October, I joined Vice President Marquez at the extraordinary Fragmentos Museum; I had the honor of signing the United States on as the chapter’s first international accompanier. Ambassador Murillo – who is here today – was with us in Bogotá on that historic day.  He has dedicated much of his life to giving voice to these communities, including the Ethnic Chapter. In the time since we signed on as an accompanier, the U.S. embassy in Colombia, led by our Chargé Michael Palmieri, who is with us here today as well, has dedicated a full team supporting the Ethnic Chapter’s implementation, building on our longstanding partnerships with both Colombia’s Government and with civil society.  And let me just give one example of those relationships. A few weeks ago, I had an opportunity to join our First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, in honoring International Women of Courage at the White House.  The awardees included Josefina Klinger, a remarkable Afro-Colombia leader who rallied her community around transforming the national park where they live into an ecotourism destination, preserving the environment, providing a sustainable livelihood to local families. For years, we have been a proud supporter of her organization, including when she was threatened by drug trafficking organizations for the work that she was doing. Countering these illicit groups and the flow of illegal drugs is a key part of our ongoing discussions on security, including here at the High-Level Dialogue.  We’re bringing a holistic approach to this challenge. That means looking at ways to further reduce demand by investing in substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery for those who are struggling with addiction in our countries – because this is fundamentally a public health problem. And it means discussing ways to reduce supply – from strengthening interdiction by land and sea, to providing vulnerable communities with alternative ways to earn a living. The dialogue also gives us an opportunity to deepen our joint efforts to address unprecedented migration across our hemisphere.  Indeed, we are all experiencing unprecedented migration around the world.  There are more people on the move, forcibly deplaced from their homes around the world – more than 100 million – than at any time since we’ve been recording these numbers.  Colombia was a crucial partner in shaping the Los Angeles Declaration, which has put its principles into practice in responding to the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.  More than 1.5 million Venezuelans have been granted Temporary Protective Status in Colombia, allowing them to work, to send their kids to school, to access public health services. Here again, I had a chance to meet last time I was in Bogotá with some Venezuelan families – this is back in October at the integrata centers – and heard first-hand how TPS has allowed them to become productive members of their new communities.  Colombia is showing the way that migration, when it’s managed safely, humanely, and as a region, can actually increase stability and can be an opportunity, not a burden, for communities. The United States has been a steadfast partner in these efforts, providing more than $900 million in humanitarian, economic, development, and health assistance to Colombia, to help Colombia address the consequences of the Venezuela crisis. Next month, we will host our first-ever Cities Summit of the Americas in Denver, Colorado.  The mayor of Bogotá, my host at the integrata center, will be there, along with the mayors of Cartagena, Barranquilla, dozens of other cities across the hemisphere, including in the United States.  This summit will allow them to share best practices in tackling many of the issues that we discuss here. I think one of the things we know is that there needs to be and there is an integrated response across national governments, but these challenges also have answers in work – at a subnational level, between and among municipalities, between municipalities and the federal government, states, et cetera.  Again, it’s a reminder that important as this dialogue between our national governments is, there are U.S.-Colombian dialogues at every level of our societies – between our governments, businesses, civil society, and directly between our citizens. And I’m convinced, based on the experience that we’ve had over many years, that these dialogues are one of the most important ways to actually benefit our people, to benefit our communities, to benefit the region that we share. So with that, thank you all for being here, thank you for your participation, for all the hard work that’s gone into today, for all the hard work that will continue today and in the days that follow. And with that, Álvaro, the floor is yours.  (Applause.) FOREIGN MINISTER LEYVA:  (Via interpreter) Mr. Secretary of State, Mr. Blinken, it is a great honor for me to be here with you.  I’d first like to extend greetings from President Petro, and to, of course, President Biden.  We are allies.  And this is not new; we’ve been for a long time.  We are actually on the tenth High-Level Dialogue, and I have to say it’s impressive.  Look at the delegation we’re bringing to you.  Behind each and every one of these people there’s a wise person, and I’m not exaggerating.  People who have great reputation on the moral and intellectual levels, and they have devoted their careers to the seven points that once again bring us here, which are the social and economic opportunities; public diplomacy; the environment and climate change; energy, mining, and infrastructure; democracy, good governance, and human rights; security, counternarcotics, and rural development; and migration. These are issues that in the eighth and ninth dialogues were there, but they didn’t have the significance that they have today.  Today there’s a geopolitical dimension; new things are happening every day; new visions are crystallizing on each one of these topics.  And so today’s conference goes beyond expectations.  We are allies; we truly are, because we acknowledge that we have a new role in this world.  Just to give you an example, we used to be a nation known for cocaine, but now we are one of the biggest sponges when it comes to observing solutions for seeking ways of putting an end to the disappearance of humankind.  We’re saving the planet, and so our relationship is thus modified.  Because there’s a new head of state, he has a discourse, but it’s not surprising – there will never be a surprise coming from my administration, in our relationships, and certainly not with – in our relationships with our longtime allies, such as the United States. This brings me to manifest something that is very important: migration.  Migration is a political issue for many countries – for us, for the United States, for Mexico.  That’s why the President has managed to convince Mexico of the importance of celebrating as soon as possible a Latin American conference on migration. Bangladesh had never been through Colombia.  Afghanistan had never gone through Colombia.  China had never gone through Colombia.  But they’re coming through Colombia too on their way north, and they’re coming back.  We not only have the migrants coming from Venezuela, which of course has its own circumstances, but we’re seeing a phenomenon that touches the whole planet.  So I wanted to tell you that, just as Mr. Petro said, we are going to celebrate that conference on migration as soon as possible. The conference on drug trafficking – that stopped being a Colombian topic.  There is a multinational organization that is impacting the globe.  We saw that in Ecuador.  In one single day, 11 attacks that left people dead.  Talking to people – Lula, right after he took charge, he said, “President Petro, Brazil – in Brazil the multinational drug enterprise is creating problems for us.  We have to attack them with intelligence.”  So how best to do this?  By using the knowledge that Colombia has and creating and celebrating a conference on migration that involves the whole continent to discuss drug trafficking, and we will not only comply with what was said in Havana, but also we will analyze demand because we’re all in the same boat here.  I think it’s of the utmost importance to highlight the call that President Petro has placed upon all of us. In terms of fighting greenhouse emissions, something completely new, we are going to hold – and I think Canada has already said yes – we’re going to have a conference on the power interconnection grid from Patagonia, just so we can bring to the North electricity coming from renewal – clean energy methods.  This is just to say that this High-Level Dialogue goes beyond business as usual, and we are going to need the U.S. to be present, to be by our side in each and every one of these topics, because we are the same people, the same continent, the same security, the same issues – perhaps a little bigger now up north, of course, given the global responsibility that the U.S. has in its role in the world.  But each one of the people that you see here is an ally, and they can bring solutions – definitive solutions to the problems that are afflicting the world. I am very thankful for your presence.  Please take into consideration this new vision that President Petro is bringing.  He is trying his best to deal with continental circumstances, to deal with the problems afflicting humanity, and of course to deal with problems that are also happening in the U.S.  We’re all in the same boat, and we are guided by the same goal. Thank you for being here today.  (Applause.) ASSISTANT SECRETARY NICHOLS:  Thank you, Foreign Minister Leyva.  Thank you, Secretary Blinken.  And with that powerful introduction, I have the honor to declare the 10th High-Level Dialogue open.  I expect great things, and I am sure that you will deliver for both of our peoples. Have a great day.  (Applause.) Secretary Blinken With Colombian Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva at the U.S.-Colombia High-Level Dialogue 03/27/2023 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Blinken With Colombian Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva at the U.S.-Colombia High-Level Dialogue 03/27/2023 12:50 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. Burns Auditorium ASSISTANT SECRETARY NICHOLS:  Good morning.  Buenos días.  I would like to welcome all of you, especially our guests from Columbia.  Bienvenidos a todos.  This is the 10th year we mark the – this High-Level Dialogue, and we are honored to host this year.  The High-Level Dialogues present remarkable opportunities to engage at a deeper level on our shared interests.  The dialogue continues to speak to the strength of the bonds between our two countries.  We are especially honored today by the presence of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who will formally open the dialogue. Mr. Secretary, welcome. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good morning, everyone.  Wonderful to see you all here.  And to our friends from Colombia, bienvenido.  I just am particularly pleased to do this because I also have a little history with this.  In fact, I’ve taken part in these dialogues going back to 2015 and 2016 when I was deputy secretary of state.  So as Brian said, this has been an ongoing and, I believe, very important process between our two countries. A very special welcome, Álvaro, to you.  Wonderful to have you here for what is indeed the 10th dialogue between – High-Level Dialogue between our countries. I had the opportunity to lead our delegation to the last dialogue, in Bogotá, in 2021, and it’s a testament to the strength of the relationship that this exchange, as I said, has continued, and indeed has expanded, across administrations in both of our nations. The dialogue – like a two-centuries-old friendship – is built on a shared foundation of two vibrant democracies committed to ensuring that our people can reach their full potential. We recognize that when it comes to tackling the global challenges that are affecting the lives of Colombians and Americans alike – from the existential threat posed by climate change to the unprecedented movement of people across our hemisphere – we’re simply better off when we’re tackling these challenges together.  And the ripple effects of our cooperation on these and other issues extend far beyond our two countries.  They extend to the hemisphere; indeed they extend to the world. Across the upcoming dialogue, we will focus on concrete steps to strengthen our cooperation and work to deliver tangible results for our people.  So let me just take a few minutes to highlight some of the areas where we are going to work to do that. We’ll continue working to help Colombia reach its ambitious climate goals, from providing ongoing technical assistance on wind and solar projects to strengthening protection of the Amazon. We’ll expand pathways for farmers, for textile producers, and other small- and medium-sized businesses in rural areas to get their products to global markets, and reap the benefits of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Our dialogue will also focus, of course, on improving civilian security.  For decades, we have worked to strengthen cooperation on security and law enforcement, and that will continue. At the same time, we recognize that to sustainably reduce violence, we have to tackle the root causes of insecurity – like corruption, like impunity – impunity for crimes – human rights abuses, and the lack of economic opportunity. That’s why we continue to partner on bolstering the rule of law and expanding access to justice. And it’s also why USAID is investing $60 million over five years to expand opportunities for Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities. Ensuring equitable development is a central focus of the Ethnic Chapter of the 2016 Peace Accord.  It recognizes that there can be no lasting peace without justice and equality for the country’s underserved communities.  Back in October, I joined Vice President Marquez at the extraordinary Fragmentos Museum; I had the honor of signing the United States on as the chapter’s first international accompanier. Ambassador Murillo – who is here today – was with us in Bogotá on that historic day.  He has dedicated much of his life to giving voice to these communities, including the Ethnic Chapter. In the time since we signed on as an accompanier, the U.S. embassy in Colombia, led by our Chargé Michael Palmieri, who is with us here today as well, has dedicated a full team supporting the Ethnic Chapter’s implementation, building on our longstanding partnerships with both Colombia’s Government and with civil society.  And let me just give one example of those relationships. A few weeks ago, I had an opportunity to join our First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, in honoring International Women of Courage at the White House.  The awardees included Josefina Klinger, a remarkable Afro-Colombia leader who rallied her community around transforming the national park where they live into an ecotourism destination, preserving the environment, providing a sustainable livelihood to local families. For years, we have been a proud supporter of her organization, including when she was threatened by drug trafficking organizations for the work that she was doing. Countering these illicit groups and the flow of illegal drugs is a key part of our ongoing discussions on security, including here at the High-Level Dialogue.  We’re bringing a holistic approach to this challenge. That means looking at ways to further reduce demand by investing in substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery for those who are struggling with addiction in our countries – because this is fundamentally a public health problem. And it means discussing ways to reduce supply – from strengthening interdiction by land and sea, to providing vulnerable communities with alternative ways to earn a living. The dialogue also gives us an opportunity to deepen our joint efforts to address unprecedented migration across our hemisphere.  Indeed, we are all experiencing unprecedented migration around the world.  There are more people on the move, forcibly deplaced from their homes around the world – more than 100 million – than at any time since we’ve been recording these numbers.  Colombia was a crucial partner in shaping the Los Angeles Declaration, which has put its principles into practice in responding to the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.  More than 1.5 million Venezuelans have been granted Temporary Protective Status in Colombia, allowing them to work, to send their kids to school, to access public health services. Here again, I had a chance to meet last time I was in Bogotá with some Venezuelan families – this is back in October at the integrata centers – and heard first-hand how TPS has allowed them to become productive members of their new communities.  Colombia is showing the way that migration, when it’s managed safely, humanely, and as a region, can actually increase stability and can be an opportunity, not a burden, for communities. The United States has been a steadfast partner in these efforts, providing more than $900 million in humanitarian, economic, development, and health assistance to Colombia, to help Colombia address the consequences of the Venezuela crisis. Next month, we will host our first-ever Cities Summit of the Americas in Denver, Colorado.  The mayor of Bogotá, my host at the integrata center, will be there, along with the mayors of Cartagena, Barranquilla, dozens of other cities across the hemisphere, including in the United States.  This summit will allow them to share best practices in tackling many of the issues that we discuss here. I think one of the things we know is that there needs to be and there is an integrated response across national governments, but these challenges also have answers in work – at a subnational level, between and among municipalities, between municipalities and the federal government, states, et cetera.  Again, it’s a reminder that important as this dialogue between our national governments is, there are U.S.-Colombian dialogues at every level of our societies – between our governments, businesses, civil society, and directly between our citizens. And I’m convinced, based on the experience that we’ve had over many years, that these dialogues are one of the most important ways to actually benefit our people, to benefit our communities, to benefit the region that we share. So with that, thank you all for being here, thank you for your participation, for all the hard work that’s gone into today, for all the hard work that will continue today and in the days that follow. And with that, Álvaro, the floor is yours.  (Applause.) FOREIGN MINISTER LEYVA:  (Via interpreter) Mr. Secretary of State, Mr. Blinken, it is a great honor for me to be here with you.  I’d first like to extend greetings from President Petro, and to, of course, President Biden.  We are allies.  And this is not new; we’ve been for a long time.  We are actually on the tenth High-Level Dialogue, and I have to say it’s impressive.  Look at the delegation we’re bringing to you.  Behind each and every one of these people there’s a wise person, and I’m not exaggerating.  People who have great reputation on the moral and intellectual levels, and they have devoted their careers to the seven points that once again bring us here, which are the social and economic opportunities; public diplomacy; the environment and climate change; energy, mining, and infrastructure; democracy, good governance, and human rights; security, counternarcotics, and rural development; and migration. These are issues that in the eighth and ninth dialogues were there, but they didn’t have the significance that they have today.  Today there’s a geopolitical dimension; new things are happening every day; new visions are crystallizing on each one of these topics.  And so today’s conference goes beyond expectations.  We are allies; we truly are, because we acknowledge that we have a new role in this world.  Just to give you an example, we used to be a nation known for cocaine, but now we are one of the biggest sponges when it comes to observing solutions for seeking ways of putting an end to the disappearance of humankind.  We’re saving the planet, and so our relationship is thus modified.  Because there’s a new head of state, he has a discourse, but it’s not surprising – there will never be a surprise coming from my administration, in our relationships, and certainly not with – in our relationships with our longtime allies, such as the United States. This brings me to manifest something that is very important: migration.  Migration is a political issue for many countries – for us, for the United States, for Mexico.  That’s why the President has managed to convince Mexico of the importance of celebrating as soon as possible a Latin American conference on migration. Bangladesh had never been through Colombia.  Afghanistan had never gone through Colombia.  China had never gone through Colombia.  But they’re coming through Colombia too on their way north, and they’re coming back.  We not only have the migrants coming from Venezuela, which of course has its own circumstances, but we’re seeing a phenomenon that touches the whole planet.  So I wanted to tell you that, just as Mr. Petro said, we are going to celebrate that conference on migration as soon as possible. The conference on drug trafficking – that stopped being a Colombian topic.  There is a multinational organization that is impacting the globe.  We saw that in Ecuador.  In one single day, 11 attacks that left people dead.  Talking to people – Lula, right after he took charge, he said, “President Petro, Brazil – in Brazil the multinational drug enterprise is creating problems for us.  We have to attack them with intelligence.”  So how best to do this?  By using the knowledge that Colombia has and creating and celebrating a conference on migration that involves the whole continent to discuss drug trafficking, and we will not only comply with what was said in Havana, but also we will analyze demand because we’re all in the same boat here.  I think it’s of the utmost importance to highlight the call that President Petro has placed upon all of us. In terms of fighting greenhouse emissions, something completely new, we are going to hold – and I think Canada has already said yes – we’re going to have a conference on the power interconnection grid from Patagonia, just so we can bring to the North electricity coming from renewal – clean energy methods.  This is just to say that this High-Level Dialogue goes beyond business as usual, and we are going to need the U.S. to be present, to be by our side in each and every one of these topics, because we are the same people, the same continent, the same security, the same issues – perhaps a little bigger now up north, of course, given the global responsibility that the U.S. has in its role in the world.  But each one of the people that you see here is an ally, and they can bring solutions – definitive solutions to the problems that are afflicting the world. I am very thankful for your presence.  Please take into consideration this new vision that President Petro is bringing.  He is trying his best to deal with continental circumstances, to deal with the problems afflicting humanity, and of course to deal with problems that are also happening in the U.S.  We’re all in the same boat, and we are guided by the same goal. Thank you for being here today.  (Applause.) ASSISTANT SECRETARY NICHOLS:  Thank you, Foreign Minister Leyva.  Thank you, Secretary Blinken.  And with that powerful introduction, I have the honor to declare the 10th High-Level Dialogue open.  I expect great things, and I am sure that you will deliver for both of our peoples. Have a great day.  (Applause.) Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel London and Paris 03/27/2023 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel London and Paris 03/27/2023 03:17 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to London, United Kingdom, from March 28–29, and to Paris, France, from March 30–31. In London, Secretary Kerry will meet with government officials to discuss opportunities to accelerate work on combating the climate crisis, including advancing the clean energy transition. In Paris, Secretary Kerry will further engage with government officials and business representatives, as well as with international organization officials on cooperative efforts to address the climate crisis and bolster both energy security and affordability in the process. For media inquiries, please contact ClimateComms@state.gov. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel London and Paris 03/27/2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry’s Travel London and Paris 03/27/2023 03:17 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to London, United Kingdom, from March 28–29, and to Paris, France, from March 30–31. In London, Secretary Kerry will meet with government officials to discuss opportunities to accelerate work on combating the climate crisis, including advancing the clean energy transition. In Paris, Secretary Kerry will further engage with government officials and business representatives, as well as with international organization officials on cooperative efforts to address the climate crisis and bolster both energy security and affordability in the process. For media inquiries, please contact ClimateComms@state.gov. Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Julio Arriola Before Their Meeting 03/27/2023 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 and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Julio Arriola Before Their Meeting 03/27/2023 06:38 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. Thomas Jefferson Room SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  It is a real pleasure to have Foreign Minister Arriola here.  Julio, welcome to the State Department.  And I’m especially pleased because Paraguay is such a strong strategic partner for the United States, and we are standing together, speaking together, working together in defense of democracy, in defense of human rights, not only in our own hemisphere but quite literally around the world.  And we’re grateful to be partners on the Human Rights Council with Paraguay and for all of the work that we’re doing together, again, around the world and throughout our hemisphere. I’m very, very pleased that we have an opportunity now today to compare notes on the many challenges that we face but also on the work that we’re doing together.  I’m also very glad to see that our USDA, Department of Agriculture, is moving forward on the next steps in the regulatory process to recertify Paraguayan beef for export.  I think that will be an important development. And more broadly, this is an important time in the world for strong democracies like our two countries to be working together, comparing notes, thinking together, and standing together, as the United States and Paraguay are.  So Julio, welcome.  It’s really very good to have you here. FOREIGN MINISTER ARRIOLA:  Thank you very much, Secretary of State Antony Blinken.  Antony, I have to tell you that I really feel honored being here at the State Department.  As you say before, and you couldn’t say better – I couldn’t say better – that we are strong allies.  We are supporting – we have the same values and principles like democracy, human rights, and we are working together not only in our bilateral mission; we are talking about our regional associations in which we are part, like the OAS.  And all the endeavors we have the same principles, same values, and we are working as well on the global – global issues as well.  And as you say before, the entrance of Paraguayan beef to the American market will be something great for Paraguay that is a strong ally. Thank you very much for hosting us today. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you, my friend.  Good to have you.  Thanks, everyone.  Appreciate it. Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Julio Arriola Before Their Meeting 03/27/2023 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 and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Julio Arriola Before Their Meeting 03/27/2023 06:38 PM EDT Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Washington, D.C. Thomas Jefferson Room SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  It is a real pleasure to have Foreign Minister Arriola here.  Julio, welcome to the State Department.  And I’m especially pleased because Paraguay is such a strong strategic partner for the United States, and we are standing together, speaking together, working together in defense of democracy, in defense of human rights, not only in our own hemisphere but quite literally around the world.  And we’re grateful to be partners on the Human Rights Council with Paraguay and for all of the work that we’re doing together, again, around the world and throughout our hemisphere. I’m very, very pleased that we have an opportunity now today to compare notes on the many challenges that we face but also on the work that we’re doing together.  I’m also very glad to see that our USDA, Department of Agriculture, is moving forward on the next steps in the regulatory process to recertify Paraguayan beef for export.  I think that will be an important development. And more broadly, this is an important time in the world for strong democracies like our two countries to be working together, comparing notes, thinking together, and standing together, as the United States and Paraguay are.  So Julio, welcome.  It’s really very good to have you here. FOREIGN MINISTER ARRIOLA:  Thank you very much, Secretary of State Antony Blinken.  Antony, I have to tell you that I really feel honored being here at the State Department.  As you say before, and you couldn’t say better – I couldn’t say better – that we are strong allies.  We are supporting – we have the same values and principles like democracy, human rights, and we are working together not only in our bilateral mission; we are talking about our regional associations in which we are part, like the OAS.  And all the endeavors we have the same principles, same values, and we are working as well on the global – global issues as well.  And as you say before, the entrance of Paraguayan beef to the American market will be something great for Paraguay that is a strong ally. Thank you very much for hosting us today. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you, my friend.  Good to have you.  Thanks, everyone.  Appreciate it. Department Press Briefing – March 27, 2023 03/27/2023 You are subscribed to Department Press Briefings for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Department Press Briefing – March 27, 2023 03/27/2023 07:50 PM EDT 2:13 p.m. EDT QUESTION: So I’ll start with Israel. And I realize that you’re not going to have more – much more to say, if anything more to say, than what your colleague at the White House just said, so on camera. But I’m wondering if you do have anything more to say about the latest developments and the prime minister’s decision to put a pause on the judicial — MR PATEL: Yeah, let me say a couple things to that, Matt. First, we welcome this announcement as an opportunity to create additional time and space for compromise. And compromise is precisely what we have been calling for, and we continue to strongly urge Israeli leaders to find a compromise as soon as possible. We believe that it’s the best path forward for Israel and all of its citizens. Democratic societies are strengthened by checks and balances, and fundamental changes to a democratic system should be pursued with the broadest base of popular support. What I will also add, Matt, is that this is something that you know the President had the opportunity to recently discuss with Prime Minister Netanyahu that democratic principles have always been and must remain a hallmark of the U.S.-Israel relationship. QUESTION: Okay. So I don’t want this briefing to turn into a repeat of the White House briefing, but obviously you can – I don’t know, because it’s still going on, if she was asked about the allegations, the accusations that have been made by some commentators that the U.S. somehow funded the protests against Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government. These allegations, accusations were repeated, or retweeted, rather, by the son of the prime minister. MR PATEL: Let me also say a couple things to that, Matt. These accusations are completely and demonstrably false. The Movement of Quality Government is a NGO, and it received a modest grant from the State Department that was initiated during the previous administration, and the latest disbursal of funds came in September of 2022, prior to the most recent Israeli elections. And this grant supported an educational program for Jerusalem schools that supplemented their civic studies curriculum. As you know, Matt, the department supports a wide range of programming by civil society actors around the world on strengthening awareness for human rights and democratic values. But any notion that we are propping up or supporting these protests or the initiators of them is completely and demonstrably false. QUESTION: Well, I mean, do you think that it’s irresponsible for people to repeat these kinds of things or to even make the accusation in the first place? MR PATEL: I’m not going to characterize anybody’s comments, Matt. But what I’m here to say and to affirm what we said over the weekend on this as well is that these accusations are completely and demonstrably false. QUESTION: Well, have you made that point to the prime minister, the prime minister’s son? MR PATEL: We talk about our bilateral relationship and our Israeli – relationship with our Israeli partners at a number of levels. I’m not going to get into specific diplomatic engagements on this issue or another one, but again, just reiterate what I’ve previously said just now that these accusations are false. QUESTION: Do you know if anyone in the department actually has any contact with the prime minister’s son? MR PATEL: I’m not aware, but again, the important takeaway here, Matt, is that these accusations are false, but also broadly, we have a deep relationship with our Israeli partners. We discuss with them a wide-range of issues, but I couldn’t speak to any specific discussions on this. QUESTION: Last thing on Israel, I just want to check on — MR PATEL: Sure. QUESTION: — and I think this’ll be – your response will be very short. The embassy – your – the U.S. Embassy in Israel was always open, right? It was not — MR PATEL: That’s my understanding. QUESTION: Okay. MR PATEL: Yeah. QUESTION: Thank you. QUESTION: Can I just follow up on this? MR PATEL: Can I go to – I’ll come back to you, Shaun? Said, go ahead. QUESTION: On the same topic? QUESTION: Yeah. QUESTION: Please, no, go ahead. QUESTION: Just briefly. MR PATEL: Go ahead. QUESTION: When you say that Israel put a pause, is a pause enough? I mean, is this something that – could it just be a delay tactic? Is there a position that perhaps these reforms to begin with weren’t consistent in — MR PATEL: Well, Shaun, broadly, we continue to monitor the situation. We continue to monitor the developments out of Israel, and we remain in close contact with our Israeli counterparts. And we continue to urge strongly with our Israeli partners to find a compromise as soon as soon as possible. And we believe that that is the best path forward for Israel and its citizens. Said. QUESTION: Thank you. Just to follow up – first of all, let me ask you about the Israeli embassy in town. I mean, they said they suspended their operation for today and so on. How did they inform you about that? What is the – I mean, I’m just curious to know, what are the channels that are normally — MR PATEL: Said, I’m not going to – I’m not going to get into the specifics of how we communicate with foreign missions as it relates to them communicating their operating procedure here in the National Capitol Region or otherwise, but our Israeli partners this morning were quite communicative publicly about their decision to close their mission here in D.C. I also believe that they have since stated that it will be reopening tomorrow, so I will – I’ll let them speak to – speak to that. QUESTION: Yeah, okay. Now, I know that the prime minister just suspended the judicial law and so on. So what do you expect? What should happen next? Or what would happen next? Or what would you like to see happen next? MR PATEL: Said, I’m not going to prejudge or offer an analysis or prediction of what will or should happen next. This is for the leaders of Israel and the Israeli people to determine. And what I would say is reiterate what I told Shaun and Matt, that we’re continuing to monitor these developments coming out of Israel. We remain in close contact with our Israeli partners and we continue to urge strongly for a compromise to be found, if possible, because we believe that is what’s in the best interest of Israel and its citizens. And as I said, this is something that the President had the opportunity to discuss with Prime Minister Netanyahu – how democratic principles are and have always been a hallmark of the U.S.-Israel relationship. QUESTION: Does it strike you – I mean, all these demonstrations that have been going on for three months now, almost, for many, many weeks – absent from these demonstrations and protests and so on is the occupation, which is the big elephant in the room? Do you think that Israeli society may have missed an opportunity to make its position known on this occupation that has gone on for too long? MR PATEL: Said, I’m just not going to offer a – I’m not going to attempt to speak on behalf of those protesting or anything like that, as that would be inappropriate. QUESTION: And just one – I have one last question. MR PATEL: Okay, and then I’m going to work the room a little bit, Said. QUESTION: Yeah, yeah. Okay. MR PATEL: Go ahead. QUESTION: Can y ... 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