New Delhi, Mar 14 (Agency) US State Department spokesperson Ned Price stepped down from his post on Tuesday after more than two years. He is to take up a new position reporting to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “Today was my final in-person press briefing. One person stands at the podium, but briefing requires assistance from many more. Thanks to my colleagues for the teamwork and to the reporters who ask tough and necessary questions every day. I’m grateful to have had this opportunity,” Price announced in a tweet. The US Department of State in a tweet said: “Ned Price delivered his last daily press briefing as the Department’s spokesperson.
During his tenure, Ned conducted more than 200 briefings – providing people around the world with accurate, timely information.?Thank you for your service, Ned.” Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said in a tweet: “Since day one as Spokesperson, Ned Price has been a voice for U.S. foreign policy, modeled transparency and integrity, and promoted press freedom around the world. Fortunate I’ll be able to continue to rely on him as trusted advisor in his new role.” According to reports, Indian-American Vedant Patel, who is currently the deputy spokesperson, will be the interim US State Department spokesperson. Price was sworn in as spokesperson on January 20, 2021, the day Joe Biden was inaugurated as president.