The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President's chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President's foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service, and U.S. Agency for International Development. On February 1, 2013, John Kerry was sworn in as the 68th Secretary of State of the United States.

Travel to the Middle East and Africa

From May 21-27, Secretary Kerry travels to Muscat, Amman, Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Addis Ababa to discuss a range of regional issues, meet with key international partners, and participate in the World Economic Forum.

Religious Freedom

Secretary Kerry (May 20): "Freedom of religion is a core American value. It’s one that helped to create our country. It’s been at the center of our national consciousness since the 1600s." Full Text» 2012 International Religious Freedom Report» Fact Sheet»

21st Century Pacific Partnership

Secretary Kerry (Apr. 15): "My commitment to you is that as a Pacific nation that takes our Pacific partnership seriously, we will continue to build on our active and enduring presence." Full Text»