Secretary of Defense to Visit Australia, Philippines, Laos, and Fiji
November 12, 2024 –
The Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, will travel to Australia, the Philippines, Laos, and Fiji from November 14-21, 2024. The Secretary’s trip will focus on strengthening defense partnerships, promoting regional stability, and advancing shared security interests.
In Australia, the Secretary will meet with senior government and military officials to discuss bilateral defense cooperation, regional security challenges, and opportunities for enhanced collaboration. He will also visit Australian Defence Force installations and engage with U.S. service members stationed in the country.
In the Philippines, the Secretary will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other senior officials to reaffirm the U.S.-Philippines alliance and deepen defense cooperation. He will also visit U.S. military facilities in the Philippines and meet with American service members.
In Laos, the Secretary will meet with senior government and military officials to discuss bilateral defense cooperation, promote reconciliation and stability, and advance joint efforts to address unexploded ordnance. He will also visit the Lao Disabled Women’s Development Center, an organization that provides support and services to women with disabilities.
In Fiji, the Secretary will meet with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and other senior officials to discuss bilateral defense cooperation, climate change, and disaster response. He will also visit the Fiji Military Forces and engage with U.S. service members stationed there.
Throughout his trip, Secretary Austin will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to strengthening its partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. He will also engage with defense leaders and other stakeholders on a range of security issues, including maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism.
The Secretary’s trip will underscore the United States’ unwavering commitment to its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region and its enduring interest in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the region.
Secretary of Defense Travel to Australia, Philippines, Laos, and Fiji
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Defense.gov a new article on 2024-11-12 21:41 titled “Secretary of Defense Travel to Australia, Philippines, Laos, and Fiji”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
31