Secretary of State John Kerry hosted a plenary meeting at the State Department, welcoming senior diplomatic representatives from nearly 60 nations. The meeting included more than 35 Washington-based ambassadors from countries partnering in the global coalition to counter ISIL. This session provided an opportunity for coalition partners to reaffirm their commitment to addressing this threat and discuss ways to strengthen, accelerate, and integrate contributions to coalition efforts. It was the second plenary session in Washington, following the first on November 3, 2014.
Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL John Allen, along with other senior U.S. officials, briefed attendees on progress across five key areas: supporting regional military partners, stopping foreign fighters' flow, cutting off ISIL's access to financing, addressing urgent humanitarian needs, and countering ISIL's messaging.
Secretary Kerry emphasized that "nearly every country in the world has a role to play in defeating ISIL." He noted that today's session builds on previous meetings held in Brussels and London. These gatherings demonstrate the global community's strong unity in degrading and defeating ISIL and underscore a shared commitment to ongoing coordination of joint operations.