Mr. Kerry said he hoped to focus as secretary of state on expanding America's businesses abroad and using economic development to engage and stabilize countries such as Egypt and Venezuela.

WSJ: Kerry Backs Away From Wars, but Warns Iran

We are willing to partner with countries around the world to deepen ties of trade and investment, and science and technology, energy and development -- all efforts that can spark economic growth for all our people and stabilize democratic change.

WHITEHOUSE: Remarks by the President to the UN General Assembly