The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA), headed by Acting Assistant Secretary Stuart E. Jones, deals with U.S. foreign policy and U.S. diplomatic relations with Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Regional policy issues that NEA handles include Iraq, Middle East peace, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, and political and economic reform. Clickable Map»

Remarks on Middle East Peace

Secretary Kerry (Dec. 28): "This is an issue which, all of you know, I have worked on intensively during my time as Secretary of State for one simple reason: because the two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It is the only way to ensure Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state, living in peace and security with its neighbors. It is the only way to ensure a future of freedom and dignity for the Palestinian people. And it is an important way of advancing United States interests in the region." Full Text» Fact Sheet»

U.S.-Egypt Cultural Property Agreement

Secretary Kerry (Nov. 30): "This has been years in the making. It represents the first agreement in the Middle East or North Africa regarding the protection of antiquities. And it’s a real challenge on a global basis, so this is groundbreaking." Full Text»

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Secretary Kerry (Nov. 16): "Because global leaders have woken up to the enormity of this challenge, the world is now beginning to move forward together toward a clean energy future." Full Text» More» Trip Page»

Working Together With Kuwait

Secretary Kerry (Oct. 21): "For 25 years since we fought shoulder to shoulder in the war of liberation of Kuwait, there’s just been a clarity of purpose in what we are trying to achieve together." Full Text» More»