Secretary Blinken attends NATO Summit and U.S.-ASEAN meetings; Russia suspends Black Sea Grain Initiative; Bastille Day; and more.

U.S. Department of State sent this bulletin at 07/18/2023 05:49 PM EDT

The Week at State | July 10-16

An image of the NATO hall, and one of Secretary Blinken in Jakarta, with the words "The Week at State."

In "The Week at State" video, @SecBlinken launches the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, joins @POTUS for the @NATO Summit in Lithuania, and travels to Indonesia for the @ASEAN Regional Forum. For the latest, visit state.gov.

Secretary Blinken Attends NATO Summit

From July 11-12, leaders from the 31 NATO Member States met in Vilnius, Lithuania. At this meeting, the Summit's participants sought to further strengthen the Alliance's ability to address Russia's unprovoked war on Ukraine as well as other security challenges. NATO Summits exemplify the importance of alliances and partnerships, which according to the U.S. National Security Strategy, "uphold and strengthen the principles and institutions that have enabled so much stability, prosperity, and growth." Read more in the DipNote blog "Advancing U.S. Alliances and Partnerships through Security Sector Governance Initiatives."

Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine

President Biden at a podium with other Presidents and Prime Ministers and a NATO sign in the background. Ukraine’s future lies with NATO.

The G7 issued a Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine – a powerful statement of our commitment to Ukraine as it defends its freedom and rebuilds its future.

Alliances and Partnerships

U.S.-ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meet

Secretary Blinken is shaking hands with President Joko Widodo.

Secretary Blinken traveled to Jakarta, Indonesia, to participate in the annual U.S.-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and ASEAN Regional Forum. At each meeting, the Secretary emphasized the United States' commitment to ASEAN centrality and support for the ASEAN-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Read the fact sheet about the United States-ASEAN Relationship, and watch the spotlight video.

Global Food Security

Russia's Suspension of Participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative

"Russia's refusal to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative harms millions of hungry people around the world. Using food as a weapon is unconscionable. We urge Russia to reverse course," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read Secretary Blinken's press statement "Russia's Suspension of Participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative."

U.S. Provides $100 Million to Support Food Security

"The two most important things for sustainable food production capacity: soil and seeds," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. "Today, we highlight $100M in the beginnings of an important step that provides for those essentials. #VACS @FeedtheFuture" Read Secretary Blinken's press statement "On the Global Food Crisis."

Combating Drugs and Crime

Treasury Sanctions Cartel Members Running Illicit Fentanyl Network

"The Sinaloa Cartel is one of the world's most pervasive drug trafficking organizations. Today's actions by @USTreasury illustrate our commitment to the American people to disrupt the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read the Department of the Treasury's press release "Treasury Sanctions Illicit Fentanyl Network Run by Key Sinaloa Cartel Family Members."

Human Rights and Democracy

Malala Day

Rina Amiri, in a green blazer, stands next to Malala who is wearing red clothing with embellishments.

"Happy Birthday, dear @Malala.Thank you for tirelessly championing the right to equal access to education & for calling for global action against the Taliban's extreme and systemic policies denying Afghan women and girls of education & hope for a better future," U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls & Human Rights Rina Amiri on Twitter.

Holidays and Celebrations

Celebrating Bastille Day

A woman in a red dress stands on a stage and sings. Behind her are the flags of France and the U.S.

"The War of Independence and the French Revolution were fueled by the same aspirations for freedom, democracy, and human rights. Today, we are more committed than ever to defending them – together. Warmest wishes on Bastille Day to the people of France," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Get a glimpse of how our Embassy in France marked the national holiday.