Secretary Blinken Travels to Europe
Albania
In Tirana, Secretary Blinken met with Albanian President Begaj and other Albanian officials to express our appreciation for Albania’s support for Ukraine and for helping resettle thousands of people from Afghanistan. The United States is committed to supporting Albania on its path to EU accession and in fighting corruption and organized crime.
 Secretary Blinken joined Vice President Harris and other world leaders at the Munich Security Conference to advance peace through dialogue.
Throughout his trip, the Secretary held bilateral meetings to underscore the United States’ enduring support for Ukraine, discuss our work to achieve lasting peace and security in the Middle East, and highlight our steadfast commitment to transnational security.
A Multilateral Conversation
 While in Germany, Secretary Blinken joined German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar for a constructive dialogue.
“Our strategic partnerships and regional cooperation are more important than ever as we address ongoing threats to global peace and security,” Secretary Blinken said on Twitter/X.
Human Rights
Secretary Blinken Reacts to Reports on Aleksey Navalny’s Death in Russian Prison
Following news of Aleksey Navalny’s death on February 16, Secretary Blinken said: “His death in a Russian prison — and the fixation and fear of one man — only underscores the weakness and rot at the heart of the system that Putin has built. Russia is responsible for this, we’ll be talking to many other countries concerned about Aleksey Navalny, especially if these reports bear out to be true.”
Human Trafficking
Secretary Blinken Chairs Interagency Task Force Meeting
On February 13 in Washington, Secretary Blinken chaired the 2024 meeting of the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. The meeting underscored the important collective action the U.S. is taking to end this crime.
That same day, Secretary Blinken presented the Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons to Dr. Minh Dang and Restore NYC. We applaud their significant contributions to combating human trafficking and supporting and partnering with survivors.
Our Workforce
Deputy Secretary of State Takes the Oath of Office
 Kurt Campbell began his tenure as Deputy Secretary of State on February 11. He returns to the Department following his most recent public service position as Indo-Pacific Coordinator at the White House.
“Honored and thrilled to serve as the 22nd Deputy Secretary of State,” Deputy Secretary Campbell said on Twitter/X. “A profound privilege to join my State Department colleagues in the diplomacy essential to advancing America’s security, prosperity, and values.”
Connections
Learn About Food Insecurity From a Foreign Policy Perspective
Not having access to food is a challenge that affects every part of the world.
If you want a better understanding of food insecurity through a foreign policy lens, sign up for the Gilman Program’s seminar series, happening now through April 26.
Travel and Visa Services
Do You Qualify for H-1B Visa Renewal?
The State Department recently began a pilot program for domestic renewals of H-1B visas for qualified applicants. We are opening thousands of slots each Monday through February 26 to qualified participants who would like to renew their H-1B visas without leaving the U.S.
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