Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken visited Belgium, North Macedonia, Israel, the West Bank, and the UAE from November 27 to December 2, 2023.
In Belgium, Secretary Blinken attended NATO Foreign Ministers’ meetings, including the first Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council. Secretary Blinken emphasized NATO’s firm commitment to Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression, emphasized support for democracy and regional stability in the Western Balkans, and outlined priorities for the Washington Summit in July 2024. Discussed.
During his visit to North Macedonia, Secretary Blinken interacted with OSCE officials and reiterated the United States’ firm commitment to the OSCE and its commitment to promoting security, stability, and cooperation between nations, with particular emphasis on human rights and peaceful resolution of issues. The core mission of the OSCE was reaffirmed. controversy. Secretary Blinken also emphasized the vital role the OSCE plays in promoting comprehensive security across the region and thanked North Macedonia for its leadership role.
In Israel and the West Bank, Secretary Blinken will discuss Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international humanitarian law, secure the release of remaining hostages, and protect civilian lives during Israel’s Gaza operation. , and continued efforts to accelerate humanitarian assistance to civilians in the Gaza Strip. Gaza. He also discussed the principles outlined in Tokyo on November 8, concrete steps to facilitate the establishment of a future Palestinian state, and the need to prevent the conflict from escalating.
Finally, Secretary Blinken traveled to Dubai to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, where he spoke with leaders about the need for continued global action to address the climate crisis. He also met with his counterparts on regional issues, including the conflict between Israel and Hamas.