03:27Mandatory Credit: US State Department
US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel addressed several international issues during a press conference in Washington, DC, on Tuesday. He highlighted the significant security relationship between the US and Israel, stating that Israel faces 'real legitimate threats' in the Middle East and emphasising that the security partnership extends beyond just the West Bank and Gaza. "Our security relationship with Israel is robust," he affirmed.
Patel also responded to comments made by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He reiterated that both Washington and NATO have consistently stated that the resolution to the conflict between Kiev and Moscow requires Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
"We have been clear with partners and allies across the board that any country that has influence or has a role to play should make every effort to ensure that Russia withdraws totally from Ukraine," Patel said.
Regarding tensions in the South China Sea, Patel accused China of taking 'destabilising actions' in the Second Thomas Shoal region, undermining Beijing's stated goal of de-escalation.
"We would welcome steps to de-escalate, but actions speak louder than words and clearly, especially in the South China Sea, especially in the context of the Second Thomas Shoal," he stated.
Patel also mentioned that non-NATO countries are expected to participate in the upcoming NATO summit. He expressed confidence that Germany is committed to playing a constructive role in addressing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, not just in finding peaceful resolutions but in contributing positively overall.
'Real legitimate threats' - US State Dep spox claims Israel faces 'big risk' in Middle East, praises 'robust' security relationship
US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel addressed several international issues during a press conference in Washington, DC, on Tuesday. He highlighted the significant security relationship between the US and Israel, stating that Israel faces 'real legitimate threats' in the Middle East and emphasising that the security partnership extends beyond just the West Bank and Gaza. "Our security relationship with Israel is robust," he affirmed.
Patel also responded to comments made by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He reiterated that both Washington and NATO have consistently stated that the resolution to the conflict between Kiev and Moscow requires Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
"We have been clear with partners and allies across the board that any country that has influence or has a role to play should make every effort to ensure that Russia withdraws totally from Ukraine," Patel said.
Regarding tensions in the South China Sea, Patel accused China of taking 'destabilising actions' in the Second Thomas Shoal region, undermining Beijing's stated goal of de-escalation.
"We would welcome steps to de-escalate, but actions speak louder than words and clearly, especially in the South China Sea, especially in the context of the Second Thomas Shoal," he stated.
Patel also mentioned that non-NATO countries are expected to participate in the upcoming NATO summit. He expressed confidence that Germany is committed to playing a constructive role in addressing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, not just in finding peaceful resolutions but in contributing positively overall.
Mandatory Credit: US State Department
US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel addressed several international issues during a press conference in Washington, DC, on Tuesday. He highlighted the significant security relationship between the US and Israel, stating that Israel faces 'real legitimate threats' in the Middle East and emphasising that the security partnership extends beyond just the West Bank and Gaza. "Our security relationship with Israel is robust," he affirmed.
Patel also responded to comments made by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He reiterated that both Washington and NATO have consistently stated that the resolution to the conflict between Kiev and Moscow requires Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
"We have been clear with partners and allies across the board that any country that has influence or has a role to play should make every effort to ensure that Russia withdraws totally from Ukraine," Patel said.
Regarding tensions in the South China Sea, Patel accused China of taking 'destabilising actions' in the Second Thomas Shoal region, undermining Beijing's stated goal of de-escalation.
"We would welcome steps to de-escalate, but actions speak louder than words and clearly, especially in the South China Sea, especially in the context of the Second Thomas Shoal," he stated.
Patel also mentioned that non-NATO countries are expected to participate in the upcoming NATO summit. He expressed confidence that Germany is committed to playing a constructive role in addressing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, not just in finding peaceful resolutions but in contributing positively overall.