![Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken delivers remarks to employees at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on January 27, 2021. [State Department Photo by Ron Przysucha/ Public Domain]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/16X9-Photo-Template-for-DipNote.png)
On January 27, 2021, the U.S. Department of State welcomed its 71st Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, to the Harry S Truman Building in Washington, D.C., following his confirmation and swearing-in on January 26. Upon his arrival, Secretary Blinken delivered remarks to State Department employees.
During his remarks, Secretary Blinken said: “Twenty-eight years ago I walked through those doors for the first time to start my job as a special assistant in the EUR [Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs] front office, a little awed, a little bit intimidated by a legendary institution and a new culture.” The Secretary continued: “It didn’t take me long to figure out one thing, and that’s how much the talent and expertise that resides in this building is so important, and it’s so important to listen to the men and women of the State Department when thinking about America’s place in the world and our foreign policy.”
My career has come full circle. I started at the @StateDept in 1993, and, today, it's the honor of my life to lead the Department's women and men as the 71st Secretary of State.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) January 26, 2021
Secretary Blinken then discussed how he will prioritize investing in the Department’s personnel. He said, “We have to invest significantly in building a diverse and inclusive State Department. We need the most talented people. We need the most creative workforce. We cannot do our job of advancing America’s interests, values, and commitment to democracy without a State Department that is truly representative of the American people.”
Secretary Blinken noted how the world is watching the United States address pressing international challenges including the “pandemic, climate change, the economic crisis, threats to democracies, fights for racial justice, and the danger to our security and global stability posed by our rivals and adversaries.” As President Biden said in his Inaugural Address, the United States will “lead by the power of our example.”
Together, we will implement @POTUS Biden’s vision of a foreign policy that promotes America’s security, prosperity, and values – and that delivers for the American people.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) January 27, 2021
Secretary Blinken also discussed how our foreign policy will benefit American families: “We will do right by [the American people] – by pursuing a foreign policy that delivers real benefits to American families, protects their safety, advances their opportunities, honors their values, and leaves their children and grandchildren a healthier and more peaceful world.”
Finally, Secretary Blinken spoke on the importance of America’s leadership around the world, affirming that “America’s leadership is needed around the world, and we’ll provide it, because the world is far more likely to solve problems and meet challenges when the United States is there. America at its best still has a greater capacity than any other nation on Earth to mobilize others for the better.”
You can follow Secretary Blinken on Twitter @SecBlinken and Instagram @secblinken for the latest on U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy. You can also follow the Department on Twitter @StateDept and visit our website to learn more about the Department and read the latest news.
Watch Secretary Blinken’s arrival and full remarks below.
Read Secretary Blinken’s full remarks here.
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