Richard Verma’s Post

Grateful to be back in South Asia this past week for a very productive visit to India, Maldives and Sri Lanka. Made important progress on a range of security, trade, clean energy, technology and people to people initiatives. A region of enormous promise today and in the years to come. Grateful for the work of our teams on the ground strengthening bilateral ties in every dimension. In the past seven weeks, I’ve had the honor to visit 14 of our Embassies and Consulates across the globe, from the Middle East to the Pacific Islands and South East Asia to Mexico. I’m so grateful and inspired by the incredible State Department, USAID and interagency teams doing such important work, alongside our vital locally employed staff. They are having a big impact.

Such an honor to speak at the naturalization ceremony for 750 new Americans. It was a special day…which brought me back to my own naturalization ceremony 40 years ago. As President Reagan said in one of his final speeches at the White House, immigration is “one of the most important sources of America’s greatness. America leads the world because, unique among nations, we draw our people – our strength – from every country and every corner of the world. And by doing so we continuously renew and enrich our nation.”  We can’t ever lose this signature American advantage.  My full remarks are here: https://lnkd.in/eaPfxm_j

On this World AIDS Day 2023, we remember all those lives lost, recommit to ending HIV/AIDS by 2030, and recognize the 20th anniversary of PEPFAR. Honored to have worked on this issue for over 20 years, first as a Senate staffer, and now with my State Department colleagues in the Global Health Bureau led by Ambassador John Nkengasong. We must not give up the fight.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! So thankful for all of my State Department colleagues serving with distinction around the world.

On this Veterans Day, we say thank you to all those who have served and continue to serve. A special shout out to our Marine Guards who bravely defend our Embassies and Consulates around the world; and thank you to the nearly 20 percent of the State Department workforce who are veterans. And a big personal thanks to the US Air Force who gave me a chance so many years ago.

Important visit to Arizona and Mexico this week to meet our military, State Department and Department of Homeland Security colleagues doing such critical work to keep America safe. We are so grateful for their tireless efforts.

A great visit to South Carolina today to thank the 1,500 State Department employees supporting Department operations around the world. Also, was honored to visit The Citadel, meet the cadets and discuss how they can play an important role in shaping and implementing US foreign policy.