Blinken to meet PM, Foreign Minister to discuss regional peace and stability, among others

KUALA LUMPUR: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will head to Southeast Asia next week on a tour aimed at showcasing the region's importance for the US strategy of confronting China, among others.

Blinken will first travel to Liverpool, United Kingdom on December 10-12 to attend the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting.

He will then travel to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, December 13-16.

“These three countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand – are essential components of the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy,” says Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs in a special briefing on Thursday.

“In Malaysia, the Secretary will meet with Prime Minister (Ismail) Sabri and Foreign Minister Saifuddin (Abdullah) to discuss peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific as well as our strong bilateral relationship and comprehensive partnership rooted in robust security, economic, and people-to-people ties.

“While in Kuala Lumpur, the Secretary will also hold a hybrid virtual and in-person town hall with Malaysian alumni of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, or YSEALI, and he will also meet with members of the U.S. embassy community,” says Kritenbrink.

In Jakarta, the Blinken will deliver remarks on the significance of the Indo-Pacific region and underscore the importance of the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership.

In Thailand, Blinken will reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Thailand treaty alliance, working toward post-pandemic economic recovery, and addressing the climate crisis.

In each country, Blinken is also expected to address the worsening crisis in Myanmar.