February 10, 2014 - 10:02 AMT
U.S. Secretary of State to travel to Asia, Middle East

On February 13-18, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will visit Seoul, Beijing, Jakarta, and Abu Dhabi to meet with senior government officials and address a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, the Department of State said.

This is the fifth trip to Asia for the Secretary in the past year.

In Seoul, the Secretary will meet with senior government officials and reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance, discuss ways to expand our cooperation on regional and global issues, and continue our close coordination with the ROK on North Korea.

In Beijing, Secretary Kerry will meet with senior government officials and relay the message that the United States is committed to pursuing a positive, cooperative, comprehensive relationship and welcomes the rise of a peaceful and prosperous China that plays a positive role in world affairs. The Secretary will also discuss regional issues including the DPRK as well as highlight the importance of U.S.-China collaboration on climate change and clean energy, the Department of State said.

In Jakarta, the Secretary will reiterate that the United States values Indonesia’s growing leadership on global challenges and looks forward to continue working with Indonesia on issues including climate change, security, democracy, regional integration, and human rights. He will co-chair the Joint Commission Meeting under the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership. He will also underline the importance of the engagement with Asia’s multilateral institutions when he meets the ASEAN Secretary General.

In Abu Dhabi, Secretary Kerry will meet with senior Emirati officials to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues that are of mutual interest to the U.S.-UAE relationship.