Secretary Blinken Reaffirms Commitment to Building “Digital Solidarity” with US Partners.

Washington: US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken assured on Wednesday that the United States is committed to building "digital solidarity" with Washington's partners for a "vibrant, open, and secure technological future." Blinken's remarks came in a speech titled "U.S Diplomacy for a New Era," delivered to the Foreign Service Institute, presenting themes that have developed during his tenure in office, as well as areas that need to be improved. According to Kuwait News Agency, Blinken emphasized the geopolitical competition shaping a new era in international affairs while addressing long-standing challenges such as conflicts, terrorism, and political instability. "We see this around the world from Middle East to Sudan to Venezuela, the world is more combustible than at any other point," he noted, highlighting the urgency of international collaboration. Blinken expressed that the United States remains the partner of choice for the federal government, private sector, universities, technologists, and philanth ropies, stressing the importance of teaming up with international counterparts to achieve collective goals. He highlighted the establishment of the Bureau of Cybersecurity and the Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology as key steps in ensuring the US and its partners maintain an edge in these critical fields. He further stated that US diplomacy is focused on promoting digital freedom, protecting sensitive technology, and enhancing the resilience of critical supply chains. By building "digital solidarity," Blinken underscored the value of working with like-minded partners towards a vibrant and secure technological future. Blinken mentioned the launch of the partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment with the Group of Seven (G7), aiming to access USD 600 billion for high-quality infrastructure improvements. He also highlighted efforts in shaping norms around emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, securing commitments to safety, security, and trustworthiness fro m leading companies, and garnering support for a United Nations General Assembly resolution on AI. Moreover, Blinken pointed out the US's endeavors in advancing quantum technology, which promises capabilities surpassing those of powerful supercomputers.