Thank you, Mr. Chair, Secretary General Ramdin, ministers, ambassadors, colleagues:
Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State for the United States, addressed the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda on June 26, 2025. In his remarks, he extended gratitude to the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda for their hospitality.
Landau congratulated Albert Ramdin on his appointment as the new Secretary General of the OAS. "Secretary General Ramdin, we certainly hope that your tenure proves successful," he stated.
Highlighting the importance of the Western Hemisphere to both himself and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Landau emphasized their commitment to strengthening regional ties. He noted that both he and Rubio share a focus on this hemisphere.
Reflecting on his personal history with various countries in the region and acknowledging Colombia's role in providing refuge to his family during World War II, Landau expressed a deep connection to Latin America.
Landau called upon the OAS to evaluate its effectiveness in achieving its goals as outlined in Article I of its Charter: "to achieve an order of peace and justice...to defend their sovereignty." He mentioned an ongoing review by President Trump's administration concerning U.S. membership in international organizations like the OAS.
Addressing specific regional issues such as Venezuela's political situation and Haiti's crisis, Landau questioned what actions have been taken by the OAS. "If this organization is unwilling or unable to respond...then we must ask what’s the point," he said regarding Venezuela.
He also welcomed potential involvement from OAS in addressing Haiti's challenges but stressed that continued U.S. financial support requires tangible benefits from such engagements.
Landau announced Rosa María Payá's nomination for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights due to her advocacy for democracy and human rights. He urged member states' support for her candidacy.
In closing remarks aimed at fostering collaboration within OAS towards common goals like economic development through Western Hemisphere “jaguar” economies instead of mere rhetoric about hemispheric solidarity: "It’s time for results."
The Deputy Secretary concluded by expressing hope for constructive engagement with OAS over upcoming days while reiterating America's readiness as an active partner within this context: "We’d like this organization to be part of solution."