Deputy Secretary of State

The Deputy Secretary, John Negroponte 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.

Partnership Between the U.S.and Vietnam Deputy Secretary Negroponte (Sept. 12): "The United States aims to deepen our economic and commercial ties, to expand our diplomatic cooperation, encourage reform, and broaden our cooperation to enhance regional peace and security. Our Joint Advisory Committee on Agent Orange and Dioxin is also meeting here in Hanoi this week. Its work is another example of successful cooperation that is producing positive results."  Full Text

Roles of Civil and Military Agencies in Foreign Assistance Deputy Secretary Negroponte (July 31): "We now confront threats ... that thrive on the inability of failed and failing states to perform even basic sovereign responsibilities. This Administration has recognized that defeating those threats depends as much on strengthening states and societies as on destroying enemies." Full Text | View Video

Visit of South Asian Seeds of Peace Participants Deputy Secretary Negroponte (July 16): "The 32 young people we celebrate today will bring skills, perspectives, and experiences gained over the past three weeks back to their homes in India and Pakistan--two countries that are important friends and partners of the United States, and two countries we want to see succeed." Full Text | View Video