Welcoming Japan’s Prime Minister
 During the Japanese Prime Minister’s official visit, he joined Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary Blinken for a state luncheon.
The U.S. first hosted a delegation from Japan in 1860.
“From the time of that inaugural diplomatic mission, generations of Americans and Japanese had their horizons expanded by the exchange between our countries,” Secretary Blinken said during the luncheon.
The two nations bolstered cooperation on security and renewable energy, as well as artificial intelligence and other technologies shaping the 21st century.
Masako Morishita, executive chef at a popular restaurant in Washington, served as the luncheon’s guest chef. The James Beard Award-nominated chef is also a member of the State Department's relaunched American Culinary Corps.
Japan, Philippines, and the U.S. Meet in First Summit
 In tandem with the official visit, Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S. convened the first summit between the three nations and pledged to support economic growth and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
All three nations share mutual interests in economic security, development, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, and defense. The trio announced plans to support the Luzon Economic Corridor in the Philippines – an initiative devoted to development of rail, ports, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains.
“This partnership will protect American families, keep our economy competitive, and ensure the Indo-Pacific remains open, prosperous, and secure,” President Biden said on Twitter/X.
U.S. Condemns Iran’s Attack on Israel
“The United States condemns Iran’s attack on Israel in the strongest terms. While we do not seek escalation, we will continue to support Israel’s defense, and as President Biden made clear, we will defend U.S. personnel,” the Secretary said in a press statement.
Secretary Blinken will consult with allies and partners in the region and around the world in the days ahead.
Secretary Blinken Joins Department's Minority Serving Institutions Conference
 The Secretary spoke at the second-annual Minority Serving Institutions Conference, an event that engages and recruits undergraduate and graduate students attending higher education institutions that serve minority students.
“Now, one of the realities that we have to confront is that we are operating in an incredibly diverse world,” the Secretary told attendees. “The greatest strength that we bring to that is our own diversity. That is actually our comparative advantage. And so we want to make sure that we have a government and we have a Department that fully reflects that diversity.”
Attendees learned about U.S. foreign policy priorities, efforts to promote diversity, and career opportunities at the Department.
Soccer Stars Serve as Sports Envoys
 Carli Lloyd and Brandi Chastain will headline the 2024 spring roster of U.S. Soccer Sports Envoys. The athletes will travel overseas to meet young players, while hosting soccer clinics and leadership programs.
Lloyd won two Olympic gold medals, played on two U.S. World Cup championship teams and is a two-time FIFA Player of the Year. She will join Cobi Jones, a former member of the U.S. Nationals Men’s team, to meet with young athletes in Greece. Chastain, who scored a memorable penalty kick to win the 1999 World Cup, also played on two World Cup championship teams and won two Olympic golds.
Joanna Lohman and Kacey White, two U.S. Women’s National Team alumnae, were also selected as sports envoys. The envoys also visited the Azores and Cambodia.
U.S. Embassy Jakarta Offers Youth Environmental Education Program
 The U.S. Embassy in Indonesia and Wild Projects, a U.S. nonprofit organization, are working with students in Indonesia on a project that combines environmental education with local culture.
High school students in East Kalimantan and West Java will learn critical thinking and leadership skills. The workshops will help students incorporate cultural perspectives into the response to climate and environmental challenges via contemporary dance, music, and local sport.
“The relationship between America and Indonesia is strengthened by our shared identity as culturally diverse democracies,” said Jason Rebholz, U.S. Embassy Jakarta Counselor for Public Diplomacy.
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