Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is set to embark on an important diplomatic mission this week, visiting Fiji, Australia, the Philippines, and Laos to engage in a variety of bilateral and multilateral meetings. This trip aims to foster and modernize alliances and partnerships, reinforcing a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
During this, Austin’s twelfth official visit to the area, he will first stop in Darwin, Australia, where he will convene with regional allies and engage with U.S. Marines in the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin. Following Australia, Austin will travel to the Philippines for his fourth visit, emphasizing security goals through discussions with Philippine leaders and interactions with U.S. and Philippine forces.
In Laos, he will take part in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus on November 21, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to ASEAN’s central role and exploring avenues for future collaboration with regional leaders. The trip will culminate in Fiji, where Secretary Austin will make history as the first U.S. Secretary of Defense to visit the nation. There, he will meet significant Fijian leaders to enhance the bilateral defense relationship.
This trip underscores the United States’ ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with aligned nations, aiming to bolster regional security amidst evolving global dynamics. It is a pivotal moment for diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific and reflects a proactive approach to sustaining partnerships that are vital for ensuring stability in the region.
The efforts demonstrated by Secretary Austin could pave the way for a stronger network of alliances, promoting peace and security in a rapidly changing world.
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