U.S. Secretary of State Makes Multilateral Diplomatic Debut in Malaysia on First Asia Tour

Visits to South Korea and Japan Canceled

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from July 8 to July 12.

According to the U.S. Department of State on July 7 (local time), Secretary Rubio will attend key multilateral diplomatic events during his visit, including the U.S.-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers' Meeting. He is also scheduled to meet with senior officials of the Malaysian government.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated, "Secretary Rubio's first trip to Asia will focus on reaffirming the United States' commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific."

Secretary Rubio also sought to visit South Korea and Japan during this trip, but coordination efforts were unsuccessful.

In South Korea, the appointment process for Foreign Minister nominee Cho Hyun has not yet been completed, so First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoonju is expected to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting as the chief representative.