U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to visit Korea, Philippines

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during a meeting with Albanian Defense Minister Niko Peleshi at the Pentagon on Jan. 26, in Washington D.C. [AP/YONHAP]

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will visit Korea and the Philippines from Sunday to highlight regional defense partnerships, the Department of Defense announced Thursday.

“He will meet with senior government and military leaders in both countries to advance regional stability and further strengthen the defense partnerships with the United States,” said the Department of Defense in a statement.

“This trip reaffirms the deep commitment of the United States to work in concert with allies and partners in support of the shared vision of preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

This will be Austin’s first trip to Korea since last May. North Korean nuclear and missile threats, as well as the Russian aggression in Ukraine and arms trade between Russia and North Korea could be areas of focus during his trip.

“You're gonna see the Secretary certainly highlight our commitment to the region,” said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary in the Department of Defense Sabrina Singh while speaking to the press on Thursday. “Our commitment to South Korea remains rock solid.”

BY ESTHER CHUNG [chung.juhee@joongang.co.kr]