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What the Secretary Has Been Saying

Date: 01/20/2009 Description: Blue envelope icon, used for email subscriptions. State Dept PhotoSign up for Secretary's Remarks email updates

In her confirmation testimony, Hillary Rodham Clinton said: "The best way to advance America's interests in reducing global threats and seizing global opportunities is to design and implement global solutions. ...We must use what has been called "smart power," the full range of tools at our disposal -- diplomatic, economic, military, political, legal and cultural -- picking the right tool or combination of tools for each situation. With smart power, diplomacy will be the vanguard of our foreign policy."

On arrival for her first day as Secretary of State, she addressed Department employees: "There are three legs to the stool of American foreign policy: defense, diplomacy, and development. And we are responsible for two of the three legs. And we will make clear, as we go forward, that diplomacy and development are essential tools in achieving the long-term objectives of the United States. And I will do all that I can, working with you, to make it abundantly clear that robust diplomacy and effective development are the best long-term tools for securing America's future."

Through this web page, the Bureau of Public Affairs releases all speeches, testimony, briefings, statements, and other remarks from the Secretary of State as soon as they are available. (Also see daily press briefings by the Department Spokesman and other releases from the Press Relations Office.)

Commitment to Democracy
Secretary Clinton (July 2): "For Americans, the Fourth of July is a day to reconnect with loved ones, to remember our history, and to renew our commitment to democracy, tolerance, and justice. As President Obama said in Cairo last month, these are not just American values, these are core principles we share with people everywhere. So it is fitting that we open our doors and share this day with our friends and neighbors around the world. Full Text | YouTube Video

World Expo Shanghai 2010 Date: 07/01/2009 Location: State Department, Washington, DC. Description: Secretary Clinton poses with Jose H. Villarreal, U.S. Commissioner General to the 2010 World Exposition, Shanghai, China.  © State Dept Image
Secretary Clinton (July 1): "I am delighted that Commissioner General Villarreal has accepted this role. He has the background and stature required to ensure a strong United States presence at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Our national pavilion will showcase American business and technology, as well as cultures and values to foster stronger friendship between the American and Chinese peoples." Full Text