What is the role of religion in diplomacy? How does the United States engage with religious actors on foreign policy priorities? U.S. Special Representative Shaun Casey answers these questions in the new State Department audio series “Religion and Diplomacy”.

U.S.-Canadian State Visit: A Neighborly Lunch

Later this week, President and Mrs. Obama will host Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mrs. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau of Canada for an Official Visit. The visit will offer an opportunity for the United States to further enhance the already strong relationship we have with our northern neighbor, a relationship based on shared history, common values, and an enduring network of cultural, familial, and commercial ties.  

Sandwiched between the Official Arrival Ceremony and the State Dinner is the Official State Luncheon hosted by Secretary Kerry. And who better to cook the lunch than the man who makes one of President Obama’s favorite burgers and one of Secretary Kerry’s favorite desserts in Washington – Chef Spike Mendelsohn. Chef Spike also happens to represent those strong cultural and familial ties between the two nations. 

A thoughtful and downright mouthwatering menu has been crafted by Chef Spike. He will kick off the meal with a beautifully layered and textured salad featuring smoked salmon candy, a play on the traditional smoked delicacy found throughout many parts of Canada. The main course will feature beef short ribs braised in a borderlaise sauce and accompanied by spring vegetables. The dish is hearty, but not heavy, and reflects thoughtful consideration of the current transition between seasons. 

[PART 2} Other Pivotal Foreign Policy Moments of 2015

1. Winning Fight Against Violent Extremists: In February, the White House hosted the Summit on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). This monumental summit launched an ongoing global CVE effort now underway that reaches throughout the world and across countless nations. Although challenges remain, we have made positive strides over the last year, including in our fight against ISIL.

2. Ebola Response: August 2015 marked the one-year anniversary of the United States government’s robust response to the Ebola crisis in West Africa, The United States was actively involved in fighting Ebola from the beginning, sending more than 3,000 people to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.  

3. U.S. Chairmanship of Arctic Council: Secretary Kerry traveled to Iqaluit, Canada in April to attend the biennial Arctic Council Ministerial. The Arctic it is not just a picturesque landscape. It’s a home. It’s an ecosystem. It has a history. And we all have a duty to protect it and its people.

4. Trans-Pacific Partnership: On October 5, negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) successfully concluded in Atlanta, resulting in a historic free trade agreement that links together 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific.

“With today’s successful conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, the United States and 11 other nations have taken a critical step forward in strengthening our economic ties and deepening our strategic relationships in the Asia-Pacific region.” - Secretary Kerry on the Successful Conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Negotiations

Here’s a full list of the most pivotal foreign policy moments of 2015. What was your most memorable foreign policy moment of 2015?

The Year-in-Review: Pivotal Foreign Policy Moments of 2015

1. U.S. and Cuba Re-establish Diplomatic Relations: In January, Cuba and the United States began talks to re-establish diplomatic relations after 54 years. Those talks resulted in the July re-opening of the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the United States Embassy in Havana. To mark the occasion, Secretary Kerry traveled to Havana, Cuba, where he watched as the American flag was raised at the Embassy building there.

2. COP21 Climate Change Agreement: In December, world leaders from across the globe gathered in Paris for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to focus on the fight against climate change and negotiate an ambitious, inclusive and durable global climate agreement. 

3. Iran Nuclear Agreement Announced: The Nuclear Agreement with Iran, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was finalized in July 2015. After weeks of intense multilateral negotiations on the ground in Vienna, it was announced that an agreement had been reached, one that would ensure Iran’s nuclear program will be exclusively peaceful. 

“The agreement we’ve reached, fully implemented, will bring insight and accountability to Iran’s nuclear program – not for a small number of years, but for the lifetime of that program. This is the good deal that we have sought.” - Secretary of State John Kerry on the Iran Deal

4. Second “Our Ocean” Conference: In October, the Chilean government hosted the second global “Our Ocean” conference in Valparaiso. During the conference – which brought together individuals, experts, practitioners, advocates, lawmakers, and the international ocean and foreign policy communities to look at ways to protect our ocean – the United States announced the creation of two new national marine sanctuaries. Secretary Kerry also used the opportunity to underscore three key areas for engagement: ocean monitoring, stopping illegal fishing, and climate change.

5. Bringing Peace, Stability to Syria: The conflict in Syria has continued to unfold in tragic ways over the course of 2015. From the humanitarian crisis endured by refugees fleeing violence, to the reprehensible human rights violations and violence carried out by the Asad regime, the Syrian people have borne a heavy load. The United States and many members of the international community have stepped up to aid the Syrian people during their time of need – the United States has led the world in humanitarian aid contributions since the crisis began in 2011. 

More of the Pivotal Foreign Policy Moments of 2015