President and First Lady Biden and Secretary Blinken Visit Canada; Testimony before Congress regarding proposed Department budget; Release of 2022 Human Rights Report; and more.

U.S. Department of State sent this bulletin at 03/28/2023 02:00 PM EDT

The Week at State | March 20 - 26

Secretary Blinken waving, with the text: “The Week at State”.

In The Week at State video, President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken travel to Canada. Also, Secretary Blinken releases the 2022 Human Rights Report and testifies on Capitol Hill on the Department's proposed 2024 budget. For the latest, visit State.gov and our YouTube channel.

Secretary Blinken Speaks On Capitol Hill about the Department's Budget Request

Secretary Blinken sits at a wooden table in a wood-paneled room, with others, also dressed in suits, sitting in the room.

On March 22 and 23, Secretary Blinken spoke to Senate and House Committees about the FY2024 budget request for the Department of State and USAID. The budget will help advance the United States' vision for a world that is free, secure, open, and prosperous—and deliver on issues that matter most to the American people. Read his opening remarks before these committees: Senate Appropriations, Senate Foreign Relations, House Appropriations, and House Foreign Affairs.

Alliances and Partnerships

President and First Lady Biden Visit Canada

President Biden and Canada Prime Minister Trudeau are seated and talking in an official office. U.S. and Canada flags are in the background.

Last week, President Biden and the First Lady visited Ottawa, Canada to reaffirm our commitment to the U.S.-Canada partnership and promote our shared security, prosperity, and values. Read the White House fact sheet "Strengthening the United States-Canada Partnership."

Secretary Blinken Meets with Canadian Foreign Minister Joly

Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Joly, both wearing suits, stand next to each other and smile. Other people are in the background.

"Shared security, shared prosperity, shared values. A pleasure to share a meal with @melaniejoly and discuss our work to deepen our partnership, support Ukraine, and protect our environment while boosting growth," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. During his trip, Secretary Blinken also visited the set of the show Schitt's Creek.

Secretary Blinken Meets with Moroccan Foreign Minister Bourita

Secretary Blinken and U.S. and Moroccan officials are seated around a large, white table in a formal room with U.S. and Morocco flags in background.

"I had a productive meeting today with @MarocDiplomatie's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. We discussed our deep bilateral partnership based on shared interests of peace and prosperity, including Morocco's critical role in fostering stability in the region," Secretary Blinken on Twitter.

United with Ukraine

Holding Belarus to Account

"We continue to promote accountability for the Lukashenka regime's human rights abuses and complicity in Putin's war. I announced 14 regime officials for visa restrictions. @USTreasury sanctioned 12 persons and identified Lukashenka's aircraft as blocked property," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read Secretary Blinken's press statement "Taking Additional Actions to Hold the Lukashenka Regime to Account," and find more details in the Department of the Treasury's press release.

Human Rights and Democracy

2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

A graphic about human rights with a drawing of human fists, and one open hand with a heart on the palm.

The Department released the 47th annual Human Rights Report. #2022HRR demonstrates our commitment to advancing human rights across the globe. Read the reports for each country, and read Secretary Blinken's remarks on the 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

Holidays and Commemorations

Ramadan Kareem

"As the month of Ramadan begins, let us use this time to remind ourselves of the common values of peace, harmony, and empathy—values that we all hold dear. I wish the 1.8 billion Muslims around the world a joyful #RamadanKareem," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read Secretary Blinken's press statement on the occasion of Ramadan.

Happy Nowruz

Secretary Binken stands and smiles in front a table holding various Nowruz holiday items. Behind him are two U.S. flags.

"Happy Nowruz to everyone celebrating around the world. I send my best wishes on this holiday that celebrates a new year and a time of renewal," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read Secretary Blinken's press statement on the occasion of Nowruz.