Press Release

December 9, 2020
Cardin Meets with Secretary of State and United Nations Ambassador Nominees

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Ranking Senate Democrat of the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), held video conference meetings with President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee for Secretary of State Tony Blinken and nominee for Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

 BLC ABlinken Meeting

Photo credit: Office of U.S. Senator Ben Cardin 

“After meeting with two of President-elect Biden’s nominees to lead American foreign policy, I feel confident that the next administration has selected individuals who will restore U.S. leadership on the global stage and repair the damage done over the last four years to our international reputation and diplomatic corps. With Tony Blinken and Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the forefront, as a nation, we will once again prioritize diplomacy, reestablish alliances, and return to a values-based approach to foreign policy. As leaders, these two individuals will bring a renewed sense of purpose to our civil and foreign service, and respect for the work of America’s public servants.

“I spoke with Tony Blinken, nominee for Secretary of State, about the importance of human rights and democracy being at the center of our diplomacy. We agreed that, with democratic institutions worldwide under unprecedented attack, the United States must lead the charge for freedom and fairness. Under the Biden-Harris administration, it is clear that there will be no more kowtowing to dictators or kleptocrats. Instead, we will partner with likeminded allies and use tools like Global Magnitsky sanctions to hold corrupt actors and human rights abusers accountable.

“I also met with Linda Thomas-Greenfield, nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. We discussed how the UN will be a critical venue for restoring American leadership and rebuilding alliances fractured by President Trump. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield shares my view that the United States cannot accomplish our goals alone. We will only be able to protect the planet from climate change or mitigate the threat of nuclear weapons by working together. The Trump administration’s isolationist approach to foreign policy will surely end with President-elect Biden’s inauguration, and not a moment too soon.

“It was refreshing to speak with these immensely knowledgeable, thoughtful, and dedicated public servants. I am excited about their vision for U.S. diplomacy and look forward to their timely consideration by the Senate.” 

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