Washington, 27 January 2024 (TDI): The US Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will embark on a trip to Oceania from January 29 to February 2.
The countries he will visit include Australia (Canberra, Sydney), Fiji (Suva), and Indonesia (Jakarta). This trip aims to strengthen critical ties with US allies in the Indo-Pacific.
The Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources announced this news on the morning of January 27.
The trip will reaffirm the vision for a secure and inclusive cyberspace while discussing efforts to meet the demand for cyber and digital capacity building in the region.
In Fiji and Australia, the Deputy Secretary will be accompanied by the US Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel C. Fick. In Suva, they will meet with government officials and representatives from the digital industry. Moreover, discussions will be held for secure and trusted information and communications technology infrastructure.
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Moreover, in Canberra, the US Deputy Verma will meet with senior Australian officials to coordinate US-Australia efforts in the Indo-Pacific. In addition, the Deputy will meet with US Embassy staff to hear their perspectives on bilateral and regional issues.
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In Jakarta, the Deputy Secretary will meet with Indonesian officials to discuss a strong US-Indonesia partnership. He will also deliver remarks at the US Embassy Jakarta’s premier cultural center and will highlight the US continuing commitment on the two-year anniversary in Indo-Pacific strategy.
Furthermore, the US commitment as a Comprehensive Strategy Partner to ASEAN, the Deputy Secretary will meet with its permanent representatives. He will highlight digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), and cyber issues.
Lastly, the US trip to Oceania will reiterate its committed support for the Laos Chair Year.
