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Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs deals with U.S. foreign policy and U.S. relations with the countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. |
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Assistant Secretary Blake: "Central Asia is a region of significant importance to U.S. national interests. Recognizing the uniqueness of each of the five Central Asian nations and their sovereignty and independence, U.S. policy supports the development of fully sovereign, stable democratic nations, integrated into the world economy and cooperating with one another, the United States, and our partners, to advance regional security and stability." |
World Affairs Councils VisitedAt the invitation of Ambassador Crocker, a six-member delegation of the World Affairs Councils (WAC) visited Kabul March 25-31, sponsored by the Department of State’s International Information Programs Bureau Speakers Program. While in Kabul, the WAC delegation met with President Karzai, Afghan Ministers, and Members of Parliament, as well as civil society groups such as youth, media, women, and private organizations such as the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the American Chamber of Commerce. Delegation head Maria Zammit wrote of her experience, “Many of us came to Afghanistan believing that it was time [for the United States] to pull the plug – too much blood and treasure already wasted. But witnessing first hand some of the many accomplishments that have been achieved, including those of various women’s groups and other members of Afghanistan’s public and private sectors, opened our eyes to so many gains worth preserving. Full Text» The United States and India: An Indispensable Partnership for the 21st CenturyUnder Secretary Sherman (Apr. 2): “I’ve also had the privilege of witnessing India’s stunning economic transformation from the perspective of a businesswoman for the last decade before I came back into public service. My travels have taken me to your beautiful villages, and your very bustling cities. Through these disparate journeys there is one constant that endures for me -- my admiration for India and for its people.” Full Text» NDTV InterviewUnder Secretary Sherman (Apr. 2): "Both the United States and India are powers in the world and everything in the world these days is interconnected so it takes these very strong strategic partnerships, what President Obama has called really the indispensable partnership, to try to solve some of those very tough problems.” Full Text» Launch of Beta Version of India-U.S. Open Government PlatformAssistant Secretary Blake (Mar. 30): "This initiative reflects our shared history of two open, accountable democracies – the world’s oldest and the world’s largest. What better symbol of this legacy than a tool to give citizens better access to the data produced with their support and taxes?" Full Text» 5th Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan |
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| Assistant Secretary Blake (Mar. 26): “Achieving greater economic cooperation – the essence of the New Silk Road vision – will not be easy or happen overnight. It will require strong buy-in and coordination by governments in the region, its international partners, and investment from the private sector." Full Text» | |
The U.S. Trade Show Luncheon Hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce |
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| Assistant Secretary Blake (Feb. 16): “Our economic engagement with Bangladesh is designed to strengthen the American economy, create business opportunities in the region, and to advance stability and prosperity in South and Central Asia." Full Text» | |
Remarks at the Edward M. Kennedy Commemoration Event at Dhaka University |
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Assistant Secretary Blake (Feb. 14): “Bangladesh already has a well-earned reputation for its active civil society and volunteerism. Having pioneered some of the most successful grassroots and community activity programs in the world, Bangladesh is now a leader for other societies to emulate. In honoring the legacy and spirit of Senator Edward M. Kennedy here in Bangladesh, therefore, you do him a great tribute.” Full Text» Remarks at the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) Luncheon |
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| Assistant Secretary Blake (Feb. 10): "The United States continues to support and work toward a future where the countries of Central and South Asia work together and with the international community to achieve greater economic integration, and the prosperity that will come with it. Although the pace of change is often slow and the challenges substantial, U.S. engagement can and will focus on long-term, meaningful results.” Full Text» | |
Atlantic Council Conference on Twenty Years of Kazakhstan's Independence and U.S.-Diplomatic RelationsAssistant Secretary Blake (Jan. 31): “At the OSCE Ministerial in Vilnius December 6, Secretary Clinton stated that even as the United States seeks cooperation with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian nations on Afghanistan, energy, and trade, we will continue to encourage our Central Asian partners, both governments and civil society, to pursue democratic reforms and improve respect for fundamental human rights.” Full Text» |
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U.S. Policy in Central AsiaAssistant Secretary Blake (Jan. 25): "It is important to note at the outset, that as we think about efforts to balance competing priorities in a challenging part of the world, our interests in Central Asia are closely linked. Contrary to suggestions in some recent articles, we do not see our engagement with Central Asia as an either-or choice between developing security relationships at the expense of core values like human rights. Progress on one issue can help reinforce, or create incentives for, progress on other issues." Full Text» |
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Commemorating the Return of the Peace Corps to NepalAssistant Secretary Blake (Jan. 10): "Peace Corps volunteers will have a broader, indelible impact in Nepal, just as Nepal will have a lasting impact on all of them." Full Text» |
