Deputy Secretary of State

The Deputy Secretary, William J. Burns serves as the principal deputy, adviser, and alter ego to the Secretary of State; serves as Acting Secretary of State in the Secretary's absence; and assists the Secretary in the formulation and conduct of U.S. foreign policy and in giving general supervision and direction to all elements of the Department. Specific duties and supervisory responsibilities have varied over time.

U.S. Colombia High-Level Partnership Dialogue

Deputy Secretary Burns (July 31): "The relationship between the United States and Colombia grows more committed, more productive, and more important every day. President Obama recently affirmed that Colombia is one of the United States’ strongest partners and we commend the remarkable progress Colombia has made over the last decade." Full Text»  More»
Syria 

Deputy Secretary Burns (July 13):  "We need to act now through a new UN Security Council resolution in New York which carries consequences for the Syrian regime’s continuing and increasingly violent noncompliance with its obligations. It is long past time to begin a democratic transition to a post-Asad Syria, to a future that reflects the legitimate aspirations of the brave and determined Syrian people."  Full Text»
World Refugee DayDate: 06/21/2012 Description: Deputy Secretary Burns delivers remarks at the Naturalization Ceremony Commemorating World Refugee Day at the State Department. - State Dept Image

Deputy Secretary Burns (June 21):  "In addition to welcoming our newest citizens, today we are calling attention to the plight of over 15 million refugees around the world, uprooted from their homes, searching for a way to renew their lives. Their cause is not at its core political or diplomatic. It is human."  Full Text»
Date: 06/14/2012 Description: Deputy Secretary Burns at the ''Heart of Asia'' Kabul Ministerial, Afghanistan. - State Dept Image "Heart of Asia" Kabul Ministerial

Deputy Secretary Burns (June 14): "It will be through deeper regional cooperation that Afghanistan can achieve increasing stability, security, and prosperity. So, along with many of our allies and partners, the United States is here today to support the success of this process."  Full Text»


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