In Tokyo October 2-3, Secretary Kerry will join Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel for the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee (SCC) meeting.
The last SCC was held in June 2011 in Washington. The meeting represents the next step in further strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance, providing an opportunity to build on our already broad and comprehensive bilateral relationship.
On October 4, Secretary Kerry will continue on to Bali, Indonesia to lead the Department of State delegation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meeting (AMM) and to join President Obama for his APEC-related meetings.
APEC is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade, and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.
Promoting trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific remains a key component of the U.S. rebalance policy.
The Secretary will participate in a broad range of multilateral and bilateral meetings with officials from APEC member economies.
According to AFP, Obama -- who will also visit Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines -- in his first term launched a "pivot" strategy of putting greater focus on Asia, seeing the dynamic region as neglected due to past focus on conflict zones.
Kerry, while pledging full commitment to the Asia pivot, has invested more time in the Middle East as he tries to push forward an elusive peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.
Japan will be the first Asian country that Kerry will visit more than once as secretary of state.
The top US diplomat has said that he hoped at some point to visit Vietnam, where his military service proved a formative experience.
Before Kerry heads to Japan, the Pentagon chief, Hagel, will depart September 28 for South Korea to mark the 60th anniversary of the US alliance with Seoul.
Hagel is due to hold talks with South Korean officials and preside over a change of command ceremony for US forces on the Korean peninsula, with General James Thurman handing over to Lieutenant General Curtis "Mike" Scaparrotti.
(Tx.A014/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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