US Vice President Heads to Visit Korea and Japan... To Meet President Yoon on the 29th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Seulgina Cho] U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris departed Washington DC on the morning of the 25th (local time) by her private plane to visit South Korea and Japan.

According to the U.S. Vice President's office, Vice President Harris will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and attend a dinner immediately after arriving in Tokyo, Japan on the 26th. On the 27th, she will attend the state funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Vice President Harris is also scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who will also attend former Prime Minister Abe's state funeral, to discuss the Korea-U.S. alliance and other matters. Additionally, she will meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to exchange views on cooperation through the Quad and joint efforts to address the climate crisis.

On the 28th, she will visit the Yokosuka U.S. Naval Base and board the U.S. destroyer USS Howard to encourage the crew. It is reported that in her speech, she will emphasize America's continued attention and commitment, as well as cooperation with allies and partners.

Vice President Harris will arrive at Osan Air Base on the 29th and pay a courtesy call on President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul. At this meeting, they are expected to discuss the strengths of the Korea-U.S. alliance, economic and technological partnerships, and various regional and global issues.

Vice President Harris's visit to Korea follows President Joe Biden's visit in May. It is the first time in about four years and six months that a U.S. vice president has visited Korea since then-Vice President Mike Pence visited Korea in February 2018 during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

During this visit, Vice President Harris will also meet with Korean women leaders to emphasize the importance of global gender equality issues.

A senior U.S. government official explained, "The Vice President will emphasize the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance during her meeting with President Yoon and discuss the threats posed by North Korea and the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," adding, "They will also discuss expanding economic and technological cooperation between the two countries as well as regional and global issues."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.