[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] It appears that U.S. President Joe Biden will take some time before embarking on his first overseas trip.
On the 22nd (local time), according to the American political media outlet The Hill, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki responded to related questions during a briefing by saying, "Despite his (Biden's) and my wishes, I think it will take some time."
She also said, "At this point, there is no new information to share about when that (trip) will take place."
Psaki stated that President Biden will have phone calls with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Andr?s Manuel L?pez Obrador, countries that share a border with the U.S., on the same day.
Psaki added, "Of course, he (Biden) is expected to have additional calls with foreign leaders next week."
The Hill reported that former President Barack Obama visited Canada in February 2009, just one month after his inauguration, and former President Donald Trump’s first overseas visit was to Saudi Arabia in May 2017, five months after his inauguration.
It also suggested that the delay in President Biden’s overseas visits could be due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Psaki announced that the government will make comprehensive inter-agency efforts to root out domestic extremism in relation to the January 6th Capitol riot by supporters of former President Trump.
She described the rise of violent extremism as a serious national security threat and said the Biden administration will confront this threat with the necessary resources and determination.
The Hill reported that the White House National Security Council (NSC) has been instructed to review ways for the government to better share information on domestic terror threats and disrupt extremist networks, and will lead government-wide efforts.
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