US Defense Officials to Visit Southeast Asia to Bolster Ties

A delegation led by US Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh is embarking on a trip to Southeast Asia. The group will visit the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia with the goal of reinforcing defense relationships in the region.

The US Embassy in Jakarta announced the delegation's departure on Friday, August 7, noting that they would meet with their counterparts and senior government officials. The embassy stated, "During the visit, they will meet with counterparts and other senior officials to strengthen the US Department of Defense's bilateral relations with countries in the region. This visit reaffirms the US Department of Defense's commitment to building sustainable peace in the region through strength."

While in Jakarta next week, Colby is expected to hold discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Foreign Minister Sugiono. The talks will focus on bilateral defense relations, particularly within the Indo-Pacific context.

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During the visit, they will meet with counterparts and other senior officials to strengthen the US Department of Defense's bilateral relations with countries in the region. This visit reaffirms the US Department of Defense's commitment to building sustainable peace in the region through strength.