By KYIV. Dec 20 (Interfax-Ukraine) – In the coming 2024, the United States will continue to support Ukraine and work with allies and partners to combat challenges from Beijing, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said on Wednesday.
“We will continue to rally countries around the world to support Ukraine’s freedom and independence,” Blinken said at his 2023 final press conference.
He said NATO is now bigger and stronger than at any time in the last 75 years, and the allies, which he expects Sweden to join soon, will continue to support Ukraine.
Blinken reiterated that he believes it is important that the U.S. Congress approves the allocation of additional funds to support Ukraine.
The secretary of state also said the United States will continue to work with allies to resolve issues related to Beijing.
“We will continue to contact China from a position of strength,” he said.
Blinken said the United States is working more closely than ever with the G7 and the EU to combat the challenges posed by Beijing. He also said coordination and cooperation between NATO and Indo-Pacific allies is being strengthened.
He cited Chinese trade and economic practices, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and human rights as areas of concern.
Blinken also pledged that in 2024 the United States will continue to support Israel in its fight against Hamas.
