Secretary Antony Blinken

It has been the honor of my lifetime to represent the American people as the 71st Secretary of State. Thank you.

Thirty-two years ago, I began my career in government at @StateDept. While we face a more complex and contested world than when I started, I have seen time again that the incredible people at State will always meet the challenge. I am so proud to have worked alongside you.

Following the ceasefire, hostages are starting to be released. Three Israeli women held for 470 days. Four more women in seven days. And three hostages every seven days thereafter including at least two Americans in this first phase. We pray for their long recovery ahead.

In the past 4 years, I traveled to 86 countries and met with countless allies, partners, and leaders of every kind on behalf of the American people.

Music is one of our greatest connectors, a common language for the world. I was proud to launch @StateDept's Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, which uses music and U.S. diplomacy to build bridges and foster collaboration between America and the world.

In my first major speech, I laid out how we would leverage American diplomacy to safeguard and accelerate America’s renewal. Four years later, I can confidently say we delivered on that plan and have put the United States in a stronger place to deliver for the American people.

With the help of steadfast American leadership, Ukraine will continue to stand as an independent, democratic nation with the freedom to choose its own future.

After 15 months of conflict, we have brokered a deal based on the plan @POTUS proposed in May that will bring hostages home, stop the fighting, surge humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, and create space to forge a permanent ceasefire.

Synthetic drugs like fentanyl are the #1 killer of Americans aged 18-45. The U.S. launched a Global Coalition to address synthetic drug threats, disrupt supply chains, and detect emerging threats. I'm proud of the lives saved by the Coalition's work and America's leadership.

On National Religious Freedom Day, as on every day, the United States remains steadfast in its centuries-long commitment to protect the freedom of religion or belief for all, both at home and around the globe.

Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal. My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done – I will speak more about this soon.

Today Foreign Minister @AraratMirzoyan and I launched the U.S.-Armenia Strategic Partnership Commission to intensify cooperation on mutual interests. It’s through our strong partnerships that we can help build lasting regional security and prosperity.

English is our best export. @StateDept supports English language programs in places like the Domenico Americano School where students are learning English to open new doors and create even greater opportunities for themselves. youtube.com/watch?v=lJerMt…

The post-conflict plan we've been working on with our partners would allow Israel to fully withdraw from Gaza, prevent Hamas from filling back in, and provide for Gaza's governance, security, and reconstruction. I shared some of its core elements today at the @AtlanticCouncil.

When people ask about the best part of being Secretary of State, I say it’s meeting people from around the world. They are passionate, dedicated, and have made lasting impressions on me and the work I’ve done. Now I’d like to share their stories with you. stories.state.gov/people-i-met/

Took a moment to look back at pictures from my time as Secretary. This one was from after @POTUS and I met with the NATO Secretary General. Under @POTUS' leadership, we've reengaged in @NATO and brought countries together to deter war and promote peace. youtube.com/watch?v=lJerMt…

.@POTUS has never wavered in the conviction that when America leads and engages, there is little we cannot accomplish. Mr. President, it has been the privilege of my lifetime to work for you, with you, and with this extraordinary team you've assembled.

I’ve traveled over a million miles in this role and everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve heard from people with a strong desire to work together with the United States. Because of the work we’ve done to bring countries together, we’ve advanced progress for people in America and around the world.

The Venezuelan people and world know that Nicolas Maduro clearly lost the 2024 presidential election and has no right to claim the presidency today. We stand ready to support a return to democracy in Venezuela.

In Rome, I met with my counterparts from France, Italy, the UK, and Germany on helping the Syrian people seize this opportunity to build a better future.