08 February 2017

USA: Secretary Tillerson's Phone Calls With Foreign Minister of Australia Julie Bishop, Foreign Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea Yun Byung-se

The below is attributable to Acting Spokesperson Mark Toner:

The Secretary spoke on Monday with his counterparts from three of America's closest allies: Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. In each conversation, he underscored his determination to work closely together on regional and global priorities. Secretary Tillerson reiterated the Administration's intent to strengthen our military alliances, our economic partnerships, and our diplomatic cooperation. The Ministers each agreed on the importance of close cooperation to meet the challenges posed by ISIS, the threat from North Korea's illegal nuclear and missile programs, and tensions in the East and South China Sea.

The Secretary conveyed his interest in early meetings with his counterparts and expressed his deep respect for their nations' contributions to regional security, global prosperity, democratic institutions, and the rule of law.