Quotes About Diplomacy

So, I think even in Saudi Arabia there is movement. And we have to remember that over the years they've stabilized the oil price and that is tremendously important for the economies of the world. I think we have no choice but to work with the government of Saudi Arabia.

People are mistaken if they think the Foreign Office can get you out of jail. We can't, but we will work hard to try and ensure your safety, and that you get a fair trial.

Everybody talks about tariffs as the first thing. Tariffs are the last thing. Tariffs are part of the negotiation. The real trick is going to be increase American exports. Get rid of some of the tariff and non-tariff barriers to American exports.

If you say it very softly, with a smile, you can get away with saying almost anything, even the truth.

Diplomacy is the art of getting what you want without offending anyone too badly.

When you're given the gift of truth, you spend a lot of time trying to tone it down because it is already offensive enough.

Iranians are very proud and don't want to become a pariah state like North Korea.

Croatia did not want Europe to be divided as to the start of Croatia's EU entry talks.

Be the compromise you want to see in the world.

Russia does not want confrontation of any kind. And we will not take part in any kind of 'holy alliance.'

The free world wants to feed South Africa to the Red Crocodile [communism], to appease its hunger.

Frankness is not a license to say anything you want, wherever and whenever you want. It is not rudeness.

Many people do not understand the difference between peace and a peace treaty. If you want to have real peace with normal relations between people, you need to have comprehensive peace.

I can certainly put myself in Israel's shoes. They are humans just like we are. They want peace and security inside their borders.

Manners are a way of getting what you want without appearing to be an absolute swine.

The Senkaku islands are inherently Japanese territory. I want to show my strong determination to prevent this from changing.

Russia doesn't want any arms race. Russia would not engage in the arms race. We have enough technological means to provide not very expensive answer to the efforts to build missile defense.

If Iran wants to be treated like a normal country, let it act like a normal country.

We always have hoped that American diplomacy deploys itself in dialogue and persuasion rather than by ultimatums. That is the path we want in international relations.

The Palestinians are like crocodiles, the more you give them meat, they want more.

[To the suggestion that Great Britain might someday want a Republic:] We'll go quietly.

My cousin Francis and I are in perfect accord - he wants Milan, and so do I.

We're not going to meddle in the internal life of other peoples and other governments, because we don't want them meddling in ours.

Give them nothing, but give it politely.