Ben Cardin

Armenia is connected to the United States by the love and concern of countless Armenian-American families.

Cyprus is a key part in the Western response to Russian aggression in Ukraine.

I was pleased to see the Department of State lift defense trade restrictions on the Republic of Cyprus in accordance with the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Partnership Act that Senator Rubio and I passed.

I expect you as well as all of our nominees today to respect the committee's oversight role and be responsive to the committee's requests for information.

The President has picked somebody with vast experience, impeccable character, and sharp intellect.

Can I get your commitment to build on this progress to further strengthen the security partnership between the United States and Cyprus?

I have no illusions about how tough it is. I have no illusions about the challenges that we face with the military junta in Naypyidaw.

You have our support here in the Senate to amplify those issues, particularly if we believe that attention is needed in order to get the right results.

I think it is absolutely vital that the United States stands with the people of Burma and that we do all that we can.

I appreciate it. I also appreciate the manner in which you conduct this hearing.

As the U.S. grapples with complex challenges, immense opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region from strategic competition with China to the current global food crisis, from mitigating the impact of climate change to combating emerging…

Corrupt practices... poses one of the greatest threats to democracy.

Namibia... is a bright spot on the African continent.

I would just urge you, in the extractive industries, to recognize that it is utilized too often for corruption.

Russia is anything but predictable... they want to bring down democratic states.

Creating opportunities for planning and security partnerships will allow us to advance our priorities as Namibia grows in strategic importance as an anchor for activity in the south Atlantic.

For the past 30 years, Namibia has been a stable, democratic country and a model of U.S.-Africa partnership.

As we know, Russia has weaponized the use of energy, and these countries remain very dependent upon Russian energy sources.

They are absolutely on red alert about the threat Russia poses and they are ready to engage in all measures necessary to thwart that kind of aggression.

Thank you very much for your comments.

We have a lot of issues with Thailand. We recognize that. We are trying to make advancements, particularly as it relates to humanitarian issues in Burma.

I dare say that many Americans do not even know the names of some of these Pacific Island states.

There is strong support here in the Senate to expand trade opportunities and other opportunities with Mongolia.

I will commit to working with these partners, such as UNICEF, UNHCR, IOM, the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the WHO, to ensure these lines of effort remain a priority.

The Orban government has not only violated the commitments of the Helsinki Final Act... but also represents a challenge for Europe in violating its commitments in regards to the rights in the law that they pass affecting the LGBTQ…