EDISON, New Jersey — The State Department, formally known as the United States Department of State, is tasked with maintaining the international relations of the United States. The State Department has grown significantly since its creation in 1789, when American diplomats played a pivotal role in gaining respect for the United States during the early years of the new republic. Here are some photos of today’s State Department in action.
In Saint Briac, France
Secretary of State John Kerry visits Saint Briac, France as the town commemorates the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
Photo: U.S. Department of State
At the Department of State
Secretary of State John Kerry greets Afghan woman journalists who are visiting the State Department as part of an International Visitors Leadership Program.
Photo: U.S. Department of State
At the WEAmericas Convention
Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Catherine Russell speaks with women entrepreneurs attending the WEAmericas Convention.
Photo: U.S. Department of State
In Algiers, Algeria
Secretary of State John Kerry attends a meeting at a U.S.-Algeria Strategic Dialogue.
Photo: U.S. Department of State
In Abu Dhabi
Secretary of State John Kerry meets Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates.
Photo: U.S. Department of State
In Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Secretary of State John Kerry, the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and representatives of the 10 member nations pose for a group photo before the start of a U.S.-ASEAN meeting.
Photo: U.S. Department of State
In Kabul
Deputy Secretary Burns talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Dr. Zalmai Rassoul at the U.S.-Afghanistan Bilateral Commission.
Photo: U.S. Department of State
In Washington D.C.
Special Representative Reta Jo Lewis looks on at a panel at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Photo: U.S. Department of State
At the Department of State Again
Secretary of State John Kerry, Ambassador Eric Goosby (not pictured) and Bill Gates in a discussion at the State Department.
Photo: U.S. Department of State
At Tufts University
Ambassador Jenkins speaks at a Panel Discussion on Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: How Significant a Threat? at Tufts University.
Photo: U.S. Department of State
– Brillian Bao
Feature Photo: U.S. Department of State