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July 5 - July 11

We’re gearing up for baseball’s All-Star Game and the upcoming Olympics in Paris – some of the season's most anticipated events. Sports, like baseball, build people-to-people connections and bring the global community together.

Here's what happened at State this past week. ⤵️

• 🏛️ The U.S. welcomed leaders to Washington, DC for a historic NATO Summit.
• 🏅 President Biden awarded NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
• ⚾ Secretary Blinken watched a Washington Nationals baseball game with Secretary General Stoltenberg, who threw the first pitch.

The U.S. Hosts the NATO Summit in DC

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, marks 75 years of historic achievements this year. It remains the most successful and powerful defensive alliance in history.

This week, 32 Allies met for a historic NATO Summit and tackled an agenda that included:

• Affirming unwavering support for Ukraine
• Strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense posture
• Enhancing the Alliance’s partnerships

Interested in learning more about NATO’s history? Here’s how NATO came to be and how the Alliance contributes to our daily lives. To test your NATO knowledge, take our quiz.

President Biden Awards NATO Leader High Honor

On Wednesday, President Biden awarded NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg the highest civilian honor that the United States can bestow: the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“The world is a more secure and free place because of his work to make NATO stronger than ever,” President Biden said on Twitter/X.

Secretary Blinken Highlights NATO’s Strength at Public Forum

To kick off the NATO Public Forum, Secretary Blinken discussed:

• NATO’s continued support for Ukraine
• How the Alliance is responding to challenges
• The F-16 fighter jets that will be flying in Ukraine this summer

“This Alliance is a reflection of a commitment that leaders in all of our countries make to the people we represent,” the Secretary said during the event.

NATO Celebrates America’s Pastime at Washington Nationals Park

Secretary Blinken, NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg, and U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith watched the Washington Nationals play the St. Louis Cardinals at “NATO Night” at Nats Park.

How much do you know about NATO and Major League Baseball? We quizzed fans ahead of this week’s game during our most recent edition of State on the Street.

American Culinary Corps Chefs Serve Colorful Cuisine on NATO Day at Nats Park

But what’s baseball without food? 

During the game, Washington-based chefs in the American Culinary Corps served cuisine from inside the stadium’s Brew House. 

“​​Bravo to all the amazing chefs and the team behind the State Department’s American Culinary Corps. They shared food as diverse as America itself,” Ambassador Smith said on Twitter/X.

News You May Have Missed

• President Biden delivered remarks on the 75th Anniversary of the NATO Alliance, emphasizing how the progress we’ve made in the past 75 years has happened behind the shield of NATO.
• Secretary Blinken hosted a dinner for NATO Ally and partner foreign ministers, where he highlighted NATO's enduring importance and commitment to unity.
• Secretary Blinken emphasized the role of women in making and keeping peace during the NATO Women, Peace, and Security Reception. As the Secretary said, “When women are meaningfully involved in making and keeping the peace, it is more likely to endure.”
• The United States announced a second $2 billion Foreign Military Financing direct loan agreement with Poland. The loan further strengthens NATO’s Eastern Flank.
• United States Announces Significant New Military Assistance for Ukraine. This $225 million package includes urgently needed weapons and equipment to support the Ukrainian military as it continues to repel Russia’s assault.

🔎 Looking Ahead

• July 16-18: Aspen Security Forum
• July 20: Space Exploration Day
• July 25: National Intern Day
• July 26: Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary

👉 Note to Our Readers

We welcome your feedback on this newsletter. Send us your thoughts to EmailTeam@state.gov. 📩

Useful links

• Travel advisories and updates on international travel for U.S. Citizens from the Department of State
• Did you know that you can invite a representative from the Department of State to speak at your school, business, agency or organization? Learn about what we do through the firsthand experience of one of our representatives. 

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