John Kerry

We have a deep stake in ensuring that the territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea are solved without coercion.

A strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam that respects the rule of law and human rights will be a critical partner for the United States on many regional and global challenges.

When Vietnam's Government respects human rights, it will grow stronger, not weaker, and our partnership's potential will grow as well.

Trade is another key element of the relationship.

Half of the world's ship-based cargo passes through the South China Sea.

I will press the government to protect universal human rights, including by releasing prisoners of conscience.

The partnership that we share with ASEAN remains a top priority for the Obama administration.

An essential partner for peace

You cannot find another country . . . not one country . . . that is as proactively engaged, that is partnering with so many Middle Eastern countries as constructively as we are on so many high stake fronts.

The United States is committed to political transition in Syria, a new government that is representative of the Syrian people.

We value Saudi Arabia's support for continuing negotiations to achieve the administration's goals of ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In Egypt, we believe that the Egyptian people should be represented by an inclusive democratically elected civilian government.

Global leadership is a strategic imperative for America, not a favor we do for other countries.

We helped midwife the birth of a new nation.

Hostilities must stop. Any and all violence directed at civilian populations must end.

Neither the United States nor the international community will countenance the armed overthrow of a democratically elected government.

All parties must permit immediate humanitarian access to those in need.

This crisis will not be solved on the battlefield.

This was very unhelpful, we do not accept it, we will not abide by it.

If Iran lives up to its commitments then the world will become a safer place.

One day is too long to be in captivity, and one day for any American citizen is more than any American wants to see somebody endure.

Throughout, and as always, we look forward to working closely with the Congress to ensure that U.S. national security interests are protected and advanced.

There's no more important issue in American foreign policy.

We will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. That is what these negotiations are all about.

I wish I could give you that kind of an assurance, but I have no ability to tell you exactly what fundibility there is in money in Iran or where the budget goes or what happens.