Thread by @SecDef

On Saturday, I’m embarking on my first overseas trip as Secretary of Defense. I’ll meet with my counterparts and other officials to discuss the importance of our alliances and partnerships, and together we'll reinforce the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

My first stop will be @INDOPACOM Headquarters in Hawaii to meet with U.S. troops and senior commanders to discuss the Indo-Pacific region as a priority theater for the @deptofdefense.

In Japan, I’ll join @SecBlinken for a U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”) hosted by @mofajapan_en Minister Motegi and Minister of Defense @KishiNobuo to emphasize that the U.S.-Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Then, off to the Republic of Korea, where @SecBlinken and I will also conduct a U.S.-ROK Foreign and Defense Ministerial (“2+2”) with @mofakr_eng Minister Chung Eui-yong and @ROK_MND Minister Suh Wook to reaffirm the United States’ ironclad commitment to the security of the ROK.

I’ll then travel to India to meet with my counterpart, Minister of Defense @RajnathSingh, and other senior national security leaders to discuss deepening the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership and advancing cooperation between our countries. defense.gov/Newsroom/Advis…