Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman traveled to the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Philippines, Vietnam, and Laos from June 5 to 14. The Deputy Secretary’s travel to the region reflects the United States’ continued commitment to the Indo-Pacific and follows last month’s U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit, President Biden’s visit to the ROK and Japan, the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, and the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.
In Seoul, Deputy Secretary Sherman met with ROK leaders, including Foreign Minister Park Jin, Unification Minister Kwon Young-se, and First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong. The Deputy Secretary also discussed the importance of women’s leadership and economic empowerment with leading women startup entrepreneurs, and met with LGBTQI+ civil society leaders to highlight the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and mark Pride…