U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s inaugural visit to South Asia next week will reaffirm the Donald Trump administration’s comprehensive strategy toward the region, the State Department said on October 19.
“In Islamabad, the Secretary will meet with senior Pakistani leaders to discuss our continued strong bilateral cooperation, Pakistan’s critical role in the success of our South Asia strategy, and the expanding economic ties between our two countries,” a statement by the Department said. The Secretary will build on the “positive conversations” he and the Vice-President Mike Pence had with Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, last month in New York, the statement said.
In New Delhi, Mr. Tillerson will meet with senior Indian leaders to discuss “further strengthening our strategic partnership and collaboration on security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region”, it said adding that the visit will advance the “ambitious agenda laid out by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi during the Prime Minister’s visit to the White House in June”.
Mr. Tillerson will be travelling to Riyadh, Doha, Islamabad, New Delhi, and Geneva from October 20 to 27, but the department has not announced a detailed itinerary. In Riyadh, he will take part in the inaugural Coordination Council meeting between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, and dispute between Qatar and other Gulf countries will be part of the agenda during his visit to Riyadh and Doha. He will meet with Qatari leaders and U.S. military officials — Qatar hosts an American base — to discuss joint counter-terrorism efforts, the ongoing Gulf dispute, and other regional and bilateral issues, including Iran and Iraq, the statement said.
