Kerry Outlines Washington's Key Achievements in 2015

Reaching a nuclear deal with Iran, sealing a climate accord, agreement on the wording and subject matter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact and the resumption of diplomatic relations with Cuba are the major accomplishments of 2015 for the United States, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – "None is more important than the recent global agreement in Paris to prevent the most harmful impacts of climate change… By reaching out to China, the world’s leading emitter of greenhouse gases, and by emphasizing the incredible economic potential of clean energy technology, we were able to secure an agreement that sends the right message to all," Kerry said in a statement.

The results reached during the UN climate change conference in Paris should not be regarded as a limit, but as a platform upon which further gains should be made, he noted.

Commenting on the July Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Tehran nuclear program, the US state secretary highlighted that Iran had since then "begun dismantling critical elements of its nuclear facilities and, on December 28, shipped a major portion of its enriched uranium out of the country."

According to Kerry, it is vital to continue to monitor implementation of this deal to guarantee that the military aspect of the program is eliminated and poses no threat to Middle East security and global peace.

With regard to the resumption of diplomatic relations with Cuba, the US diplomat stressed that the decision met the national interests of the United States and reflected the desire to help the Cuban citizens to live in a more open and prosperous society.

"As I walked through the streets of Old Havana, I felt more strongly than ever that we should not allow our continued differences with the Cuban regime to prevent closer engagement with the Cuban people," Kerry outlined.

Meanwhile, the TTP trade agreement will contribute to the prosperity of the United States, lowering the exports’ barriers and expanding opportunities for the US business, he concluded.