Secretary Blinken in Qatar; World Cup 2022; Thanksgiving at our Embassies; and more.

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View as a webpage  /  Share The Week at State  |  November 21-27 Take a look at The Week at State video for a review of key events of the past week, including Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken's travel to Qatar to launch the fifth annual U.S.-Qatar Strategic Dialogue and to cheer on the U.S. Men's National Team in its first game of the World Cup. Visit our YouTube channel for more videos. Secretary Blinken Travels to Qatar Secretary Blinken traveled to Qatar to launch the fifth annual U.S.-Qatar Strategic Dialogue. The Secretary met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. He also recognized Qatar's important contribution to international sports diplomacy as it hosts the World Cup. He reiterated U.S. appreciation for the long-standing partnership between the United States and Qatar and discussed a range of priorities, including global health, humanitarian assistance, international development, labor and human rights, security cooperation, climate change, and trade and investment. Learn more about Secretary Blinken's trip to Qatar on State.gov.   Kicking Off World Cup 2022 "Exciting #WorldCup game tonight. Great to feel the energy in the arena and see so many people come together for this historic match. Congratulations to the U.S. Men's Soccer team and the Wales Men's Soccer team, who put up a great fight. Best of luck @USMNT in the next round!" Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Watch Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman's opening remarks at the State Department's 2022 World Cup Reception in Washington, D.C. Visit with U.S. Embassy Doha Staff "Grateful to @USAmbQatar and the @USEmbassyDoha team for their preparations to welcome U.S. citizens to #WorldCup2022 and for their ongoing work to support Afghans coming to the United States. I applaud the team's incredible work to enhance U.S.-Qatar bilateral ties," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Meeting with Afghan Refugees at Camp As Sayliyah "I visited Camp As Sayliyah to meet the team and to speak to Afghans who will soon call the United States home. Qatar's support for the people of Afghanistan has reinforced our partnership," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Interview in The Atlantic about Sports Diplomacy "No matter where you go in the world, you'll find people who love the beautiful game. Spoke with @TheAtlantic about my love of soccer, came to terms with my legacy as a mediocre player, and dove deeper into soccer as a tool of diplomacy," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read Secretary Blinken's interview with The Atlantic on the Diplomatic Niceties of the Beautiful Game. United with Ukraine Ukraine's Day of Freedom and Dignity "On the Day of Freedom and Dignity, we honor the courage and vision of the Ukrainian people who took to the streets and stood together to defend Ukraine's European future and your continuing, valiant defense of your right to choose and define Ukraine's destiny," Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink on Twitter (video). U.S. Support After Russian Damage to Energy Grid "As Russia continues its brutal war with attacks across the country, the United States through @USAID announced $4.5 billion more in support to help Ukraine keep schools, hospitals, emergency services, and utilities working for the people of Ukraine," Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink on Twitter. @USAIDUkraine is providing 80 generators to help keep the power on, and @USAIDSavesLives donated 22,500 blankets. Read USAID's press release about this new support. Global Food Security Black Sea Grain Initiative Update "Back in Odesa with @StateDept Sanctions Coordinator Jim O'Brien and @minfrastucture @olkubrakov to see how quickly Ukraine's farmers, exporters, and ports work to move millions of tons of grain from Ukraine to the world through the Black Sea Grain Initiative," Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink on Twitter.   Global Women's Issues International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women November 25 is the start of #16Days of Activism and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The United States reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ending all forms of gender-based violence to advance gender equity and equality. Read Secretary Blinken's press statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Read the DipNote Blog "Commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence." Thanksgiving at our Embassies Embassy Suva, Fiji "Ambassador Marie Damour and the Embassy Suva family gathered to celebrate #Thanksgiving with delicious food, laughter, and cheer. Thanksgiving is celebrated in the U.S. as a time to give thanks, enjoy food, and spend time with loved ones. What are you thankful for this year?" U.S. Embassy in Fiji on Twitter. Learn more about our Embassy in Fiji.  Embassy New Delhi, India "What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than with food & drinks! This year we are thankful for our strong people to people connections & our growing partnership. Check out @anahita_dhondy & Martha as they put an Indian twist to a #Thanksgiving dinner! #HappyThanksgiving!," U.S. Embassy in India on Twitter (video). Learn more about our Embassy and Consulates in India.    Embassy Abuja, Nigeria "#AmbLeonard hosted 20 #ExchangeAlumni of 11 different @ECAatState programs for a #Thanksgiving meal and a celebration of culture and diversity at our Embassy in Abuja. She expressed profound gratitude to the alumni for their commitment to strengthening U.S.-Nigeria relations," U.S. Embassy in Nigeria on Twitter. Learn more about our Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria. This Week November 28-30: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken Travels to Romania November 28-31: Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins Travels to the Netherlands and Switzerland   Looking Ahead December 1: World AIDS Day   December 10: Human Rights Day December 13-15: U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit January 16-20: World Economic Forum Annual Meeting  March 2-3: Our Ocean 2023 Useful links News, information, and guidance about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 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.  Read More at State.gov Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up to receive The Week At State every week. Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe All  |  Help Privacy Policy

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