U.S. Department of State

May 15

Ten Things You Should Know About the Arctic and the Arctic Council

An Iceberg Is Seen Off Ammassalik Island in Eastern Greenland

1.  The Arctic Council is comprised of eight member countries: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. MORE

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Visegrád Four: Key Partners in the Transatlantic Community

 
On May 14, I hosted my counterparts from the foreign ministries of Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia.  These four Central European countries form a consultative group called the Visegrád Four, or V4.  Although under Communist rule from the 1940s until 1989, in less than a generation they have successfully built democratic governments and transitioned to market economies, earning membership in NATO and the European Union. MORE

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry attends a presentation with seven other Arctic Council Ministers in the LKAB mine, Kiruna, Sweden on May 15, 2013. [State Department photo / Public Domain]

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry attends a presentation with seven other Arctic Council Ministers in the LKAB mine, Kiruna, Sweden on May 15, 2013. [State Department photo / Public Domain]

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“State in 60 Seconds” Video — Global Diaspora Forum

In a “State in 60 Seconds” video blog, Acting Special Representative for Global Partnerships Thomas Debass discusses the 2013 Global Diaspora Forum, which brings together diaspora leaders from around the world.  The theme for the 2013 Global Diaspora Forum is “Where Ideas Meet Action.”  The 2013 Forum will demonstrate exemplary initiatives undertaken by diaspora communities in the fields of development and diplomacy and will showcase methods of cultural bridge-building that encourage young diasporans to connect with their countries of heritage.

(Source: blogs.state.gov)

Discussing the Forum for the Future With Moroccan Civil Society

 

Held annually since 2004, the G-8 Broader Middle East and North Africa (BMENA) Initiative’s Forum for the Future brings together G-8 and BMENA governments, the private sector, and civil society leaders to work toward political, social, and economic progress. The 2012 Forum was the first year that government, civil society, and private sector representatives actively participated in the Forum as equals — reflecting the goals of the U.S. and Tunisian co-chairs to generate reform-oriented discussions and promote greater citizen-government dialogue. MORE

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May 14

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is greeted by Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt upon arriving at a working dinner with Arctic Council Ministers in Kiruna, Sweden, on May 14, 2013. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is greeted by Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt upon arriving at a working dinner with Arctic Council Ministers in Kiruna, Sweden, on May 14, 2013. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

Celebrating America’s Diaspora Communities

 POSTED BY JOHN KERRY
 
On Saturday, I celebrated my 100-day anniversary with the Department of State. To say that I am inspired and humbled to be part of America’s team charged with advancing our ideals and strengthening our security, is an understatement.  Every day I’m in awe of our Foreign Service officers and civil servants around the globe.  I’m also particularly invested in recognizing one of the less visible, but highly effective, groups of Americans aiding our diplomatic efforts: our diaspora communities.