US State Secy Antony Blinken and Defence Secy Austin Embark on Diplomatic Tour Across Asia

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin are set to engage in a whirlwind diplomatic tour throughout Asia this month, fostering strategic partnerships and addressing regional and international issues. Their itinerary includes visits to India, Israel, Jordan, Japan, and South Korea, forming part of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue initiative.

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin are set to engage in a whirlwind diplomatic tour throughout Asia this month, fostering strategic partnerships and addressing regional and international issues. Their itinerary includes visits to India, Israel, Jordan, Japan, and South Korea, forming part of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue initiative.

Antony Blinken's visit to India holds particular significance as it underscores the commitment of the United States to bolstering relationships with key Asian allies. The US State Department has confirmed that Blinken's extensive tour will span November and encompass discussions of various bilateral and international concerns.

During their visit to India, Blinken and Austin are scheduled to meet with prominent Indian leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The focus of their discussions will revolve around developments in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the importance of regional stability and cooperation.

Blinken's diplomatic journey begins in Israel, where he will reaffirm US support for Israel's right to self-defense in compliance with international humanitarian law. Furthermore, the US officials will engage in conversations regarding the protection of American citizens in the region, the release of hostages, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza.

Subsequently, Blinken will travel to Jordan, emphasizing the preservation of civilian lives and the continued delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza's population. The delegation will also address the prevention of forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and discuss measures to reduce regional tensions.

The tour then takes them to Tokyo, where Blinken will participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting of 2023. These discussions will build upon the commitments made at the G7 Hiroshima Summit and feature bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, where topics such as Ukraine's economic recovery and Indo-Pacific cooperation will be addressed.

Blinken will proceed to South Korea to meet with President Yoon Suk Yeol, Foreign Minister Park Jin, and National Security Advisor Cho Tae-yong. Together, they will deliberate on various global challenges, including Russia's conflict with Ukraine and its military cooperation with North Korea, as well as instability in the Middle East.

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Throughout their journey, the US officials will reiterate the United States' steadfast commitment to the defense of Japan and South Korea. This diplomatic tour serves as a testament to the enduring relationships between the United States and its Asian allies, underscoring the importance of robust engagement and cooperation in the region.

In summary, US State Secretary Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's diplomatic tour across Asia symbolizes a commitment to strengthening partnerships and addressing shared challenges, ensuring a prosperous, secure, and interconnected Indo-Pacific region.